Padel is rich with unique shots that blend technique, strategy, and creativity. Every level of player — from beginner to pro — uses a variety of offensive and defensive shots to control rallies, manage pressure, and create winning opportunities.
This guide explains every major padel shot, what it’s used for, and when to apply it, making it the ultimate reference for players and bettors.
🟦 The Fundamental Shots
These are the core shots every padel player must master.
1. Forehand
A basic groundstroke used from the backcourt.
- Used for consistency and control
- Ideal for returning deep balls
- Generates stability in rallies
2. Backhand
Usually played with one hand.
- Essential for defense
- Used heavily on the right side
Goal: keep the ball low and deep.
3. Volley (Forehand & Backhand)
Hit before the ball bounces.
- Aggressive
- Fast
- Controls the net
Volleys are crucial because net control decides most points.
4. Smash
The most powerful offensive shot.
- Used to finish points
- Can bounce over the walls
- Varies depending on court conditions
🟩 Advanced & Signature Padel Shots
These shots separate intermediate players from advanced players.
5. Bandeja
Padel’s most iconic shot.
- Defensive overhead shot hit with slice
- Keeps opponents at the back
- Used instead of full smashes when out of position
6. Vibora
A more aggressive version of the bandeja.
- Faster
- Lower trajectory
- Heavy slice
Used to force weak returns or win net dominance.
7. Rulo (Topspin Vibora)
A modern, topspin-heavy variation.
- Curves aggressively
- Bounces high after contacting the glass
- Extremely effective on left side
8. Chiquita
A soft, low drop shot played from the back.
- Lands at opponents’ feet
- Forces a weak volley
- Ideal for regaining the net
9. Lob
The most important defensive shot in padel.
- Creates time
- Pushes opponents off the net
- Used to flip defense into attack
High-quality lobs win matches — especially outdoors.
10. Bajada (Wall Smash Return)
A powerful attacking shot off the back glass.
- Ball rebounds higher off the wall
- Player steps forward to attack aggressively
Demanding but decisive.
🟨 Specialized Shots for Tactical Variety
These shots expand the tactical options.
11. Cross-Court Shot
Used to:
- Create angles
- Open space
- Force long movement patterns
12. Down-the-Line Shot
A surprise shot used sparingly.
- High-risk
- High reward if opponent overcommits
13. Block Volley
Passive, reflex-style volley.
- Used when defending strong smashes or volleys
- Focus on stability, not power
14. Slice Backhand
Used heavily when defending from the backcourt.
- Keeps the ball low
- Makes attacking harder for opponents
🟧 Unique Wall-Based Shots (Exclusive to Padel)
Walls make padel unique — these shots only exist because of the glass.
15. Wall Bounce (Rebote)
Letting the ball hit the wall before hitting it.
- Used for defense
- Helps control deep shots
16. Double Wall Shot
Ball hits two walls before being returned.
- Defensive
- Effective when pushed out wide
17. Side-Wall Attack
Using the wall to create angle winners.
- Advanced but extremely effective
🟫 Overhead Shot Categories
Padel revolves around overhead control.
18. Simple Overhead
Basic version of smash/bandeja.
- Used by beginners
19. Flat Smash
Pure power.
- Used indoors
- Can bounce the ball out easily
20. Topspin Smash
Ball returns to player’s side after bouncing.
- Devastating indoors
21. Kick Smash
Balls jump sideways off the wall.
- Useful for angled winners
🟥 Defensive Shot Arsenal
Winning padel requires elite defense.
22. Defensive Lob
High, deep lob under pressure.
- Slows the rally
- Resets the point
23. Soft Forehand / Backhand
Simple reset shots.
24. Defensive Scoop (Pala Baja)
Low, scooping defensive return.
- Saves difficult low balls
🟦 Shot Selection Basics
Shot selection depends on:
- Court position
- Opponent style
- Indoor/outdoor conditions
- Match momentum
Good players adapt their shot choices constantly.
🟩 Which Shots Are Most Important for Beginners?
Focus first on:
- Lob
- Bandeja
- Basic volleys
- Consistent forehand/backhand
- Simple defensive walls
These form the foundation for all future development.
🟨 Which Shots Matter Most for Betting?
Bettors gain edge by tracking:
- Smash success rate
- Lob accuracy
- Wall comfort level
- Net control through volleys
- Overhead consistency
These stats predict match dominance.
🟧 Summary
Padel features a diverse arsenal of shots:
- Basic strokes (forehand, backhand, volley, lob)
- Advanced overheads (bandeja, vibora, rulo)
- Tactical finesse shots (chiquita, bajada)
- Wall-based techniques unique to padel
Understanding each shot’s purpose helps players improve and helps bettors evaluate match quality, form, and style matchups.
Next: Page 4 — Padel Court Layout & Zones.
