The bandeja is the stroke that makes padel different from tennis — and exactly the one beginners get wrong most. This guide explains what the bandeja is, when to play it and how to master it step by step.
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What is the bandeja?
The bandeja is a controlled overhead at eye level with a slight slice. Where the smash is meant to finish a point, the bandeja keeps control and your position at the net. The slice keeps the ball low after the bounce, so it's hard to attack.
"The bandeja isn't an attacking shot. It's a defensive shot that happens to come from above."
When do you use it?
Play the bandeja on a lob that is just too deep to finish with a smash. Instead of risking power, you return the ball low and deep under control — keeping you at the net, the best place to win points. Shorter, easier lob? Choose a smash. Want to be more aggressive with speed and spin? Play the víbora, a cousin of the bandeja.
The technique, step by step
Get into position early
As soon as you see the lob, take a small step back and turn your shoulders sideways — just like the serve.
Use the continental grip
The same grip as your serve; it gives control over the racket face and makes the slice possible.
Contact at eye level, slightly in front
Meet the ball at eye level (not right above your head) and slightly ahead of your body.
Slice through the ball
A short, controlled motion from high to low; let the slice do the work, not your power.
Aim low and deep, toward the side wall
So the ball stays low after the bounce and is hard to attack.
Stay at the net
Don't recover backwards — the bandeja exists to keep your net position.
Watch the bandeja
The 3 most common mistakes
1 — Hitting too hard. The bandeja is often confused with the smash. Swing at full power and you lose control; the ball often goes into the net or long. Fix: slow your swing down and let the slice do the work.
2 — Wrong grip. With a normal forehand grip you can't get the slice. Fix: use the continental grip, the same as your serve.
3 — Positioning too late. Wait too long and you hit the ball from an awkward angle. Fix: step back early and turn your shoulders sideways.
Drill
Have a partner feed lobs from the other side of the net. Focus on early positioning (shoulders sideways), a short slicing motion, and aim toward the side wall, not the back wall. After about 20 reps the bandeja already feels more natural. You can also practise a lot against the wall on your own.
Reliable sources
Technique is best learned visually: watch the video above and more free lessons from The Padel School. The official rules are at the International Padel Federation (FIP). All the other strokes are in the padel strokes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bandeja and a smash?
The smash finishes a point with power; the bandeja keeps control with a slow, sliced shot at eye level, so you stay at the net.
And what is a víbora?
The víbora looks like a bandeja but with more slice and speed — more aggressive, and harder for beginners to control.
Which grip do you use for the bandeja?
The continental grip (hammer grip), the same as your serve.
Why does my bandeja keep going long or out?
Usually because you hit too hard or miss the slice. Slow the motion down and slice through the ball instead of hitting it flat.
How long does it take to learn the bandeja?
You pick up the basics in a few practice sessions; refining it comes from playing it a lot in real matches.