Padel has a unique mix of offensive & defensive shots that make the game fast, tactical & fun. If you’re new to the sport, learning the basic shot types will instantly improve your rallies & help you understand what the pros are doing on court.
This guide breaks down the essential Padel shots, what they are, & when you should use them.
1. The Serve
The serve in Padel is underarm, simple & all about placement—not power.
When to use it:
- To start the point with control
- To aim deep into corners & force a weak return
- To set up your move towards the net
Good servers don’t hit hard. They aim smart.
2. The Return of Serve
The goal is to neutralize the opponent’s advantage & start the rally safely.
When to use it:
- When you want to push the server back with a deep ball
- When you want to take control of the net immediately
- When you want to play a soft chiquita to the feet
Keep it simple: get the ball back in play.
3. The Volley
A volley is any shot hit before the ball bounces. It’s the foundation of net play.
When to use it:
- When you’re at the net controlling the point
- To finish easy balls
- To apply pressure & create angles
Padel is won at the net—mastering volleys is key.
4. The Lob
A high, defensive shot that buys time & forces opponents off the net.
When to use it:
- When opponents are dominating at the net
- To reset the point when under pressure
- To force a smash from an awkward position
A good lob can change the entire rally.
5. The Smash
A powerful overhead shot used to finish points.
Types of smashes:
- Flat smash — A straight, powerful hit
- Topspin or kick smash — Bounces high or out of court
- Rulo — A topspin smash brushed toward the side wall
When to use it:
- When you receive a weak or short lob
- When you’re inside the court & balanced
- When you can attack with power or placement
Don’t smash every lob—pick good moments.
6. The Bandeja
A controlled, sliced overhead used to defend lobs without losing net position.
When to use it:
- When a lob pushes you back but you can still reach it
- When you want to keep opponents at the back
- When you need time to recover the net
It’s defensive, not a winner—keep it controlled.
7. The Víborá
A more aggressive version of the bandeja with heavy side-spin.
When to use it:
- When you want to attack but can’t smash
- When the opponents give you a high ball that’s not perfect for a smash
- To hit fast, angled shots into glass & force errors
It’s a signature shot of advanced players.
8. The Chiquita
A soft, slow ball played to the opponents’ feet.
When to use it:
- When you’re at the back & want to steal the net
- When opponents are too far back at the baseline
- To force a weak volley & move forward
Perfect for controlling tempo & surprising opponents.
9. The Bajada
A counter-attack shot played after the ball bounces off your back glass.
When to use it:
- When opponents smash but not strongly enough
- When the ball rebounds nicely off the glass
- To turn defense into attack with a powerful or angled shot
This is how pros punish weak smashes.
10. The Wall Shot
Letting the ball bounce off the glass before returning it.
When to use it:
- When you’re under pressure
- When the ball comes too fast to hit directly
- To reset the point & stay in the rally
This is the secret to great Padel defense.
11. The Drop Shot
A soft, short ball to bring opponents forward.
When to use it:
- When opponents are deep & expecting a strong shot
- When you want to break their positioning
- When you’ve created space by pushing them back
Use it sparingly—good for surprise.
12. The Block
A firm, compact volley used to control hard-hit balls.
When to use it:
- When opponents smash or hit aggressively
- When you don’t have time for a full swing
- To put the ball back safely and regain control
Crucial for surviving fast exchanges.
🎯 Quick Summary
Here are the key shots you’ll use most:
- Serve → Start the point with placement
- Return → Neutralize & move forward
- Volley → Dominate at the net
- Lob → Reset the point
- Bandeja → Defend lobs
- Víborá → Attack lobs with spin
- Smash → Finish points
- Chiquita → Take the net
- Bajada → Counter-attack off the back glass
- Wall Shot → Smart defense
- Drop Shot → Surprise & create variety
- Block → Control fast balls
Mastering when to use each shot is the key to playing smart, efficient Padel.
