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Bandeja

defensiveintermediatealso called Bandeja

The single most important shot in padel — a controlled, slice overhead used to defend a lob without giving up net position.

🎯 When to use it

\u2713Opponents lob over your head while you're at the net.
\u2713You can't comfortably smash because the ball is too high or too far back.
\u2713You want to keep your team at the net rather than retreat to the baseline.

\u2717Hitting flat instead of slicing — the ball flies long off the back glass.
\u2717Trying to power it like a smash — pace gives opponents an easy bajada off the wall.
\u2717Standing still under the ball — you must move backward in a small arc, not straight back.

1Turn sideways immediately, racket up like a tennis serve preparation.
2Make contact slightly in front of and above your shoulder — not directly overhead.
3Slice through the ball with an open face: the racket should brush down and across the back of the ball.
4Target the corner where the side wall meets the back wall on your opponents' side.
5Finish low, racket pointing toward your opposite hip — this keeps the ball flat and away from the glass exit.

Aim 2–3 meters in from the side wall. A bandeja that hits the side wall first is your opponent's favorite gift — it sets up an easy bajada.

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