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How to Hit the Bandeja in Padel: Technique, Footwork and Tactical Guide (2026)
TL;DR: The bandeja is a sliced overhead shot in padel that keeps the ball low after it bounces off the back glass, letting you hold your position at the net. To execute it: turn sideways, raise your racket into a “tray” position at shoulder height, strike the ball with a continental grip slightly to the side of your body, and transfer your weight forward on contact. It is not a smash — it is a control shot, and it is the single most important overhead in the sport.
What Is the Bandeja in Padel?
The bandeja (Spanish for “tray”) is an overhead shot unique to padel. You play it when your opponents lob the ball over you and you need to return it without losing your net position. The racket is held flat — like a waiter carrying a tray of drinks — and the swing uses underspin (slice) rather than power.
The purpose of the bandeja is not to win the point outright. Its job is to neutralise the lob, keep the ball low after it hits the back glass, and force your opponents into a defensive position while you stay at the net. In the women’s professional game, the bandeja accounts for roughly 69% of all overhead shots. In the men’s game, it is slightly less frequent because players use the vibora and smash more often, but it remains the foundation of every player’s overhead repertoire.
Key distinction: the bandeja is different from the salida de pared (taking the ball off the back wall after a bounce). The bandeja is hit in the air, from a mid-court or net position, before the ball reaches the back glass on your side.
When Should You Use the Bandeja?
Use it in these situations:
- Deep lob you cannot smash cleanly. If the lob pushes you behind the service line, a full smash is risky — you will likely hit the back glass and gift your opponents an easy ball. The bandeja keeps you in control.
- You want to maintain net position. Every time you retreat to smash, you give up the net. The bandeja lets you hit the ball while staying forward.
- Your opponents are well-positioned. If both opponents are at the back of the court, ready for a smash, a deep bandeja with slice is harder for them to attack than a powerful smash that bounces high off the glass.
- You are fatigued. The bandeja requires less energy than a full smash. In a long match, this matters.
When NOT to use it: if you have a short lob that you can reach near the net with full extension, go for the smash or vibora instead. The bandeja is a building shot, not a finishing shot.
The Grip: Continental Is Non-Negotiable
Hold the racket with a continental grip (also called the “hammer grip”). Place the V-shape between your thumb and index finger on the top edge of the handle, as if you were hammering a nail.
This grip allows you to:
- produce underspin naturally without manipulating the racket face
- transition to volleys, viboras, and smashes without changing grip
- keep a relaxed wrist, which is critical for feel and control
If your grip is too far towards a forehand (eastern) grip, you will hit the ball flat or with topspin, which sends it high off the back glass — exactly the opposite of what you want.
Step-by-Step Technique
Step 1 — Read the Lob and Turn Sideways
The moment you see the lob leaving your opponent’s racket, perform a unit turn: rotate your shoulders so your non-hitting shoulder faces the net. Your feet should pivot into a sideways stance. Never backpedal — move laterally using side-shuffle steps (pas chassés).
Step 2 — Raise the Racket Into the “Tray” Position
Bring the racket up and slightly behind your hitting shoulder. Your elbow should be at approximately shoulder height, and the racket face should be open (tilted slightly upward). Picture holding a tray with a glass of water on it — that is the position.
At the same time, extend your non-dominant hand upward and point it at the incoming ball. This is not just for show: it helps you track the ball, keeps your shoulders aligned, and prevents your body from opening too early (which would send the ball into the net).
Step 3 — Short Backswing, Controlled Contact
Unlike a tennis overhead, the bandeja uses a short backswing. You are not trying to generate power — you are trying to produce clean slice. The contact point should be:
- slightly in front and to the side of your body (not directly overhead)
- at head height or just above — if you make contact too low, the ball will hit the net; too high and it will bounce high off the glass
- with a slight pronation of the forearm, brushing underneath the ball to generate underspin
Step 4 — Transfer Your Weight Forward
As you make contact, shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot. This forward momentum gives the ball depth without needing a big arm swing. After the shot, take one or two recovery steps back toward the net.
Step 5 — Follow Through Across Your Body
The racket should finish across your body at roughly waist height, not swinging wildly upward. A compact follow-through keeps the ball trajectory low and controlled.
Where to Aim: Tactical Placement
A well-placed bandeja is more effective than a fast one. Three primary targets:
1. The corner where the side glass meets the back glass. This creates an unpredictable double bounce that is extremely difficult to return cleanly. Aim for the ball to land about 1 metre before the back glass, then hit the glass at a sharp angle into the side wall.
2. Your opponent’s feet. If one opponent is moving forward to take the net, hit the bandeja at their feet. This forces them into a low, awkward volley — or an error.
3. The centre of the court (the “dead zone”). A ball landing deep in the middle creates hesitation between the two opponents. Who takes it? That moment of doubt often leads to a weak return or a collision.
The Backhand Bandeja
Most coaching focuses on the forehand bandeja, but you will face lobs to your backhand side too. The backhand bandeja is less common and harder to execute, but here is the basic framework:
- Use the same continental grip
- Turn so your dominant shoulder faces the net
- The contact point is in front of your non-dominant shoulder
- The swing is even more compact — almost a blocking motion with slice
- Aim for depth and low bounce, not placement
If the lob is high and central enough, most players will run around it to hit a forehand bandeja instead. Use the backhand version only when you have no time to reposition.
Bandeja vs Vibora vs Smash: When to Use Each
| Bandeja | Vibora | Smash | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Control & maintain net position | Aggressive control with side-spin | Win the point outright |
| Spin | Underspin (slice) | Sidespin + slight topspin | Flat or slight topspin |
| Power level | Low to medium | Medium to high | High |
| Risk | Low | Medium | High |
| When to use | Deep lobs, defensive situations | Medium-depth lobs with time to set up | Short lobs near the net |
| Ball trajectory | Deep, low bounce off back glass | Kicks sideways off back glass | Fast, drives through the court |
| Skill level | Beginner-friendly | Intermediate to advanced | All levels (but riskier) |
Rule of thumb: if in doubt, hit the bandeja. It is the safest option and keeps you in the point. The vibora and smash are finishing tools — use them when the opportunity is clear.
5 Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1 — Hitting it like a tennis smash. If you swing down on the ball with power, it will bounce high off the back glass and your opponents will have an easy counter-attack. Fix: focus on brushing under the ball with slice, not hitting through it.
Mistake 2 — Making contact too low. If the ball drops below shoulder height before you hit it, you lose the angle and the ball will likely clip the net. Fix: move your feet early. Side-shuffle backward so the ball is still above your shoulder when you make contact.
Mistake 3 — Standing still. The bandeja is a movement shot. If your feet are planted, your balance and timing will suffer. Fix: keep light on your feet, use small adjustment steps, and always transfer weight forward on contact.
Mistake 4 — Too much backswing. A big wind-up introduces timing errors and reduces control. Fix: think “short and compact.” The power comes from weight transfer and wrist control, not arm speed.
Mistake 5 — Gripping too tight. A death grip on the racket kills the feel you need for a clean slice. If your overgrip is worn and the racket slips, you will instinctively squeeze harder. Fix: replace your overgrip regularly — a tacky overgrip (such as Wilson Pro Overgrip or Hesacore) makes a real difference. A relaxed grip allows the wrist to do its job.
3 Drills to Build Your Bandeja
Drill 1 — Shadow Bandeja (no ball). Stand at the net. Have a partner call “lob!” and practise the full movement: unit turn → side-shuffle back → tray position → swing → recovery step forward. Repeat 20 times before each session. This builds muscle memory for the footwork pattern.
Drill 2 — The Glass Height Challenge. Have a partner feed you lobs from the baseline. Hit bandejas and aim for the ball to hit the back glass and bounce no higher than the top of the net. If the bounce is higher, you are hitting too flat — add more slice. Track your success rate out of 10.
Drill 3 — Corner Targeting. Place two cones (or water bottles) in the corners where the side glass meets the back glass. Hit 10 bandejas aiming at the left corner, then 10 at the right. This trains placement under controlled conditions.
Your Overgrip Matters More Than You Think
The bandeja depends on a relaxed wrist and fine touch. If your racket is slipping during the slice motion, your forearm tightens and you lose the feel. A fresh, tacky overgrip solves this. Replace it every 3–5 sessions (or more often in humid conditions).
Popular options among padel players include Wilson Pro Overgrip for dry conditions and Hesacore for players who want a structured grip that reduces vibration. See our complete overgrip guide for a detailed comparison.
How the Pros Use the Bandeja
Watch any professional padel match and you will notice that top players use the bandeja far more often than the smash. The reason is simple: the bandeja keeps them at the net, and the net is where points are won in padel.
Professional players also vary their bandejas — sometimes deep into the corner, sometimes short and angled, sometimes straight at the opponent’s body. This variation keeps their opponents guessing and prevents them from settling into a rhythm. The key takeaway: once you have the basic technique, start experimenting with depth and angle rather than trying to hit harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bandeja in padel?
The bandeja (Spanish for “tray”) is a sliced overhead shot played from the net or mid-court position. Its purpose is to neutralise an opponent’s lob by sending the ball deep with underspin, keeping the bounce low off the back glass and allowing you to hold your net position.
What grip should I use for the bandeja?
Use the continental grip (hammer grip), with the V between thumb and index finger on the top edge of the handle. This produces natural underspin and allows quick transitions to volleys and other overhead shots.
When should I use a bandeja instead of a smash?
Use the bandeja whenever the lob is too deep to smash cleanly, whenever you want to maintain your net position, or whenever your opponents are well-positioned to counter a smash. The bandeja is lower risk and higher consistency.
What is the difference between a bandeja and a vibora?
The bandeja uses underspin (slice) to keep the ball low and deep. The vibora uses sidespin and a faster wrist action to make the ball kick sideways off the back glass. The bandeja is defensive-offensive; the vibora is aggressive. Start with the bandeja, then add the vibora as you progress.
Can I hit a bandeja with my backhand?
Yes, though it is less common and more difficult. The technique is similar but with a more compact swing. Most players prefer to run around the ball and hit a forehand bandeja when possible.
How do I stop the ball bouncing too high off the glass?
You are probably hitting too flat or making contact too high above your head. Focus on brushing under the ball to generate more underspin, and contact the ball at head height rather than at full arm extension.
What racket shape is best for the bandeja?
A round-shaped racket offers the largest sweet spot and the most control, making it ideal for slice-based shots like the bandeja. If you prioritise overhead control, avoid diamond-shaped rackets — they are built for power, not touch. See our racket shape guide for a full comparison.
How long does it take to learn the bandeja?
Most beginners can execute a basic bandeja within 2–3 coaching sessions. Developing consistency and tactical awareness with the shot takes 2–3 months of regular play. The footwork is usually the hardest part to automate.
Written by Martín · Last updated June 2026
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