Learn all about the different types of padel smashes

Padel is a racket sport with many special features. At first, it may seem that strong flat smashes are the most effective, but this isn't always the case. In this article, we'll look at the different types of smash in padel and the best times to use them.

First, let's talk about the inevitable bandeja. It's the first smash you learn when you're just starting out, and it's the most commonly used shot in padel. Out of every 10 smashes played, 8 are bandejas, so don't overlook it!

La bandeja

The bandeja, which means "tray" in Spanish, is a "cut" smash. This name refers to the preparation of the racket with the head open like a tray at the height of the player's head on the side.

Unlike the tennis smash, it is not executed overhead and flat, but sideways at head level. The smash can be compared to a high forehand volley. Tactically, this stroke was originally created to enable players on the volley to keep the net on a high, deep lob, impossible to finish with a classic smash, while protecting themselves from counter-attacking opponents on the way back to the net, thanks to the return of a long, low ball in the feet with little power. When preparing this shot, it's very important to position yourself correctly according to the lob you're going to receive. If you're in the right position, you'll need to hit the ball fairly high, moving from top to bottom and back to front, while keeping the screen pointing skywards (the cut effect will be due to the skyward orientation of the screen). It's important not to neglect the accompaniment of the ball, which will enable you to put it where you want it.

When to use it?
Clearly, the aim of the bandeja is to make your opponent suffer by forcing him to bend down when defending. The effect of this cut smash is the opposite of a lift on glass. On a lift, the ball rises after impact, whereas on a cut shot, the ball falls back. The stripe must be deep enough for the defender to be forced to take the ball after the glass effect. This stroke enables us to maintain our offensive position and keep our opponents at the back of the court in a defensive position.

This smash is mainly used when struck towards the baseline (half-court). It's therefore a shot that won't win in most cases, but which allows you to avoid taking too many risks.

In terms of playing area, it is played diagonally or in the center. The long stripe is also a very good shot, but much riskier. At your own risk...

Over time, you'll master the bandeja perfectly!

La vibora

The vibora is a variant of the bandeja. Players on the left are the ones who use the vibora the most. Depending on the quality of the lob, you'll soon have to decide which smash to use. The vibora is an offensive stroke designed to put opponents in difficulty. It's a bandeja with a different effect: it's not cut, but brushed. It allows us to avoid losing the net. It can be used both as a waiting stroke for the construction of a point and as an offensive stroke.

The vibora on an offensive shot will be characterized by the power of the strike, but you mustn't neglect control so that the ball doesn't go straight into the glass. An average vibora can become an attacking shot for those on the receiving end, as the ball bounces high enough for the opponent to counter-attack.

Paquitto Navarro, number 3 on the World Padel Tour, has made it his favourite smash shot.

When to use it
The vibora is mainly used to prepare a point by moving our opponents and forcing them to defend. It should therefore be used when the ball is not too short, but rather in the middle of the court. You'll then have easier-to-play balls to finish the point.

It's important to point out that grass or synthetic pitches are ideal for making a good vibora, as these pitches don't bounce very much. Heavy or worn balls can also be an asset for vibora.

The lifted smash

This spectacular shot is a smash we'd all like to have, but which can sometimes be very complicated to achieve, depending on the position. The aim of the lifted smash is often to get the ball out of the court in a par 3. You need a powerful smash with enough lift to get the ball out.

A par 3 is when the ball passes over the 3-metre high side wall after hitting the back glass. It's a highly technical shot that's quite tricky to hit.

To achieve a good lifted smash, you need to bend backwards slightly, flex your legs well and then jump forward with a good outward wriststroke as you hit the ball. The flick of the wrist will give the ball a lifted effect, allowing the ball to rise very high after impact with the glass and then to leave the court.

When to use it
The lifted smash is often associated with the par 3. The par 3 is a stroke performed to perfection by WPT players, but it's being used less and less due to the increasingly effective defenses of professional players. Players are now using it to good effect.

The lifted smash is also used by WPT players to bring the ball back into their court. As players become more athletic, they have abilities they didn't have before. This enables them to make smash shots from quite a distance that come back into their court without being countered, thanks to the height the ball takes thanks to the lift. Juan Lebron, number 1 in the WPT, is the best at this famous lifted smash. For less experienced players, this shot is still frequently used. It's best used when you're pretty sure you're going to get the ball off the court. Being close enough to the net is therefore essential for par 3s. But watch out for very good defenders who could bring the ball back when it's out of play...

This stroke, which can be likened to a lifted serve in tennis, is technically more difficult and physically more demanding in padel tennis.

Don't hesitate to practice this shot to the basket to master this shot perfectly!!!

The smash grille

The grate smash is an increasingly popular shot in padel, among amateurs and professionals alike. Let's find out about its advantages. This shot requires a high level of precision, as the margin for error is quite small. It's all about finding the grid and getting over the net. It's no coincidence that this is the favorite shot of left-handers with very supple wrists and former top-level tennis players. In fact, this shot requires a high level of precision, as the margin of error is smaller for finding the net on a smash than for sending a bandeja-type ball to the back of the court.

When to use it?
You need to have enough angle to do it with a lower level of risk, so a right-handed left-hander or a left-handed right-hander will have far more opportunities to do it in a match than a right-handed right-hander.

To make a smash at the grid, you hit the ball higher than on a bandeja or vibora. What's more, you don't have to shift your body to take the ball to the side with your arm outstretched. So you don't have to move around as much, and over the course of a match, all those extra steps save you physical effort and certainly mean you end up less tired. What's more, a grid smash generates a random rebound and can be a direct winner with a rebound that goes straight to the ground. This shot can be masked quite easily, as the preparation for a smash grate can be similar to the preparation for a smash lift. You can then mask your shots and change them at the last moment, depending on where your opponents are positioned. The grid smash may be a little riskier, but it can be very profitable if well mastered.

Now that you know all the secrets of the different smashes, all you have to do is practice them in your matches!