What Are the Main Shots in Padel?

Q: What are the main shots in padel?

The main shots are the bandeja, víbora, martillo (flat smash), chiquita and the rebound or wall shot.

Q: What is a bandeja in padel?

A controlled overhead shot played with slice when lobbed at the net. Keeps your position while safely returning the ball deep.

Q: What is a chiquita in padel?

A soft, low shot that lands at opponents' feet. Used to bring them forward and help your pair take the net.

Q: Which padel shot should beginners learn first?

The bandeja and rebound off the back wall. These stabilise your game and make every other shot easier to develop.

April 11, 2025

Padel shots guide · Updated 2026

The main shots in padel are the bandeja (controlled defensive overhead), víbora (aggressive sliced overhead), martillo (flat smash), chiquita (soft control shot to the feet) and the rebound or wall shot. Mastering these gives you control over pace, height and positioning — the three pillars of good padel.

1. The Bandeja (The Tray)

The bandeja is the most important overhead in padel. It is a controlled, sliced shot you play when lobbed at the net — designed to keep your net position while safely returning the ball deep into the opponent’s court. Read the full guide: Mastering the bandeja shot in padel.

When to use it: when lobbed at the net and you want to keep position
Key technique: open racket face, relaxed arm, slice contact slightly in front of your body
Common mistake: hitting too hard and flat, turning your bandeja into a bad smash

2. The Víbora (The Viper)

The víbora is the bandeja’s more aggressive cousin — an attacking overhead hit with heavy side-spin and speed. The ball skids low after the bounce, making it difficult to control. Read the full guide: Mastering the víbora shot in padel.

When to use it: when in a strong net position and the lob is attackable
Key technique: continental grip, wrap the racket around the ball to create side-spin
Common mistake: over-hitting without enough spin, sending the ball long

3. El Martillo (The Hammer)

The martillo is your flat-out smash — maximum power, used to finish the point or create chaos off the back wall. Use it only when you have time, height and a clear ball to attack.

When to use it: when you have a high, comfortable ball and time to set up
Key technique: full body rotation, firm grip, fast wrist acceleration, aim through the ball
Common mistake: smashing every lob — in padel a good bandeja often beats a bad smash

4. The Chiquita (The Little One)

The chiquita is a soft, low shot that just clears the net and lands at your opponents’ feet. It’s one of the smartest ways to transition from defence to attack at the net. Read the full guide: How to use the chiquita in padel.

When to use it: when opponents are at the net and you want to move forward behind the shot
Key technique: short backswing, gentle brushing contact, aim just over the net at opponents’ feet
Common mistake: playing the chiquita and staying still — you must move forward after it

5. The Rebound or Wall Shot

Playing the ball after it bounces off the back or side glass is one of the most distinctive features of padel. Mastering the walls separates beginners from confident players. It buys you time on defence and opens new angles in attack.

Key technique: stay calm, let the ball come off the glass, step in with a compact swing
Key mindset: the back wall is a second chance on defence, not a problem

Which shot should you learn first? Start with the bandeja — it’s the heartbeat of padel. If you can defend the net with control, everything else becomes easier. Then add the chiquita to win the net, followed by the víbora when you want to add pressure and flair.

Kit up for your next game

Corcuera padel clothing — lightweight, breathable, built for every stage of the game.