Padel Terminology: Every Shot Explained
As one of the most dynamic racket sports out there, padel has a fascinating language and something for every kind of outcome. The vocabulary of this ever-growing sport has special terms for every action that could possibly happen during the game. To help you learn the game, here is a breakdown of the various shots one might play during padel.
- Por 3 (x3 - Portres): A winner that goes upper than the 3m-length fence/glass on the side.
- Por 4 (x4 - Porcuatro): A winner that goes upper than the 4m back wall.
- Bandeja: A high forehand volley to keep the net position when your opponent is doing a lob. As it is considered a safe option, more spin than power is required.
- Vibora: Similar to the Bandeja, but comfortable enough to attack the ball and has a different technique, making it a hit with more spin and power compared to Bandeja.
- Bajada de Pared: A high attacking shot off the glass.
- La cuchilla: It’s a mix between Bajada and Vibora, also called the knife shot.
- Dejada: A drop shot, a softly hit shot, usually with backspin, which drops abruptly to the ground very close to the net.
- Tapar: A block of a smash or a bandeja coming from the opponent.
- Chiquita: A soft ball to the feet of your opponents when they are having the net position, it can be hit from the back of the court.
- Rulo: A kick serve directed to the fence to create confusion for the opponents, as it is hard to defend.
- Willy: Hitting a shot backward between your legs.
- Contra Pared: Against your wall to make it attend the opponents’ side of the court.
- Dormilona: A shot where the player stops the ball gently close to the net when it passes to the other side of the court. It can be executed after a smash of your opponent that was supposed to come back to his side.
- Moco: A slow shot that consists of pushing the ball to the other side without any risk of failure, usually seen when it’s a decisive point.
- Salida: It’s the translation of “Exit” and consists of running off the court to recover a ball that left out of the 20 by 10 court.
- Cadete: It’s a behind-the-back shot, that replaces a simple backhand.
- Toque: A drop shot issued by a fake classic volley, that can go out of the court by the door.
- Punto de Oro - Golden Point: The decisive point you play when it's Deuce and there's no advantage.
Knowing the vocabulary of padel will facilitate communication with your partner and your own journey with the padel community. Getting used to this game will take time, so stay patient and diligent as you continue to improve.