Mastering the bandeja.

Why the bandeja matters

Where the smash in padel is meant to finish a point, the bandeja is the shot you use to keep control. It's an overhead shot with a slight slice effect, which keeps the ball low after the bounce and hard to attack. Beginners often swing it like a smash by accident — with frustrating results.

"The bandeja isn't an attacking shot. It's a defensive shot that happens to come from above."

Mistake 1 — Trying to hit it hard

The bandeja is often confused with the smash. Swinging at full power actually loses control, and the ball often ends up in the net or well out.

The fix: slow your swing down. Contact the ball with a short, controlled motion and let the slice do the work.

Mistake 2 — Wrong grip

With a regular forehand grip, you won't be able to generate the right slice effect.

The fix: use the continental grip — the same one you use for your serve. It gives you more control over the racket face.

Mistake 3 — Getting into position too late

Many players wait too long to position themselves for the overhead ball, forcing them to hit at an awkward angle.

The fix: as soon as you see a lob coming your way, take a small step back and turn your shoulders sideways — just like on your serve.

The best drill

Have a partner feed you lobs from the other side of the net. Focus on:

• Positioning early with sideways shoulders
• A short, controlled swing with slice
• Aiming toward the side wall rather than the back wall

After twenty reps, the bandeja will already feel much more natural.