If you want to sound – and think – like a padel player, you need the language. Here’s a practical lexicon of core shots, explained for use in coaching, commentary, and training.
Serve (Saque): Underarm, diagonally into the service box, must bounce before crossing the net.
Return: The shot after the serve; usually a controlled drive or a low ball (chiquita) to the net player’s feet.
Drive (Derecha / Revés): Forehand or backhand groundstroke from the baseline, often after a bounce or wall.
Volley (Volea): Ball hit before it bounces; usually played from mid-court or near the net.
Block: Short, absorbing volley against a fast ball; focuses on control rather than power.
Drop Volley: Soft volley that lands short, drawing opponents forward.
Bandeja: Slice overhead played from mid-court, designed to keep opponents back while you stay at the net.
Víbora: More aggressive than a bandeja, with strong side-spin and speed; used to attack without fully committing to a smash.
Flat Smash: Power overhead aiming to finish the point.
Kick Smash: Topspin smash meant to bounce high or out of the court.
Globo (Lob): High, deep shot to push opponents away from the net and gain time.
Salida de Pared: Any shot played after the ball rebounds off your own wall; can be defensive or attacking.
Bajada de Pared: Aggressive shot after your back glass, usually stepping forward and hitting downwards to counter-attack.
Chiquita: Soft, low shot, usually from the baseline, aimed at the opponent’s feet to force them to hit up.
Rulo: Topspin forehand, often cross-court, that curves and dips after the bounce.
Doble Pared: “Double wall” shot – when the ball hits two of your walls before you play it.
Amago: A fake – you show one shot (e.g., big smash) and then play another (drop, lob, etc.).
For players & coaches:
Make a printed lexicon sheet and keep it in your club or training notebook.
In one session, challenge players to call the shot name out loud before they hit it (e.g., “bandeja!”) to link terminology with intention.
When analysing matches, label key points (“lost because of a bad bajada,” “won thanks to a good chiquita”) – it sharpens tactical understanding.
