Different Shots In Padel

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, blending elements of tennis and squash into a fun, dynamic game. 

While it’s easy to pick up, mastering the different types of shots in padel will take time but will truly elevate your game. 

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, understanding the key shots is essential to becoming a formidable player on the court. 

Here is a breakdown of the various shots that you will learn to love in padel:

Basic padel shots

1. Forehand (drive) – Standard groundstroke shot.
2. Backhand (drive) – Standard groundstroke shot.
3. Volley (forehand or backhand) – Shot hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net.
4. Serve – Underarm serve to start the point.
5. Lob (globo) – High shot to push opponents back.

Offensive padel shots

1. Bandeja – A controlled, flat overhead shot (between smash and volley) to maintain position.
2. Víbora – A more aggressive version of the bandeja with sidespin.
3. Remate (smash) – Powerful overhead shot to finish the point.
4. Gancho – Defensive overhead shot, usually from a lob that goes over the player’s head.
5. Chiquita – A soft, low shot to the feet of the net opponent to gain the net position.
6. Dejada (drop shot) – Soft shot to surprise opponents and bring them forward.

Defensive padel shots

1. Globo (lob) – High shot to gain time or push opponents back.
2. Salida de pared – Return shot after the ball bounces off the back wall.
3. Bajada – Smash hit after a high lob bounces off the wall.
4. Counter lob – Defensive lob hit when under pressure.
5. Rebote de pared – Defensive shot off the back wall.

Advanced padel shots

1. Doble pared (double wall shot) – Shot played using two walls to deceive opponents.
2. Por tres (3-meter smash) – Smash that bounces out of the court over the 3-meter side wall.
3. Por cuatro (4-meter smash) – Smash that bounces out of the court over the back wall.
4. Contra pared – Shot played against your own wall to pass opponents.
5. La dormilona – Sneaky drop shot played from close to the net.

Conclusion

Mastering these shots in padel requires practice, patience and strategic thinking.

By understanding when and how to use each shot, you’ll not only improve your overall game but also gain a tactical edge over your opponents. 

Whether you're playing for fun or competition, learning how to use these shots will help you become a more well-rounded and effective player on the padel court. come and chat to any of the Padel39 team if you are interested in some coaching to improve your game.

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