What is the difference between a bandeja and a vibora?

The bandeja is a safer, flatter or slice overhead for control. The vibora uses more sidespin and pace to make the ball skid off the glass.

When should I hit a bandeja?

When a lob pushes you back but is not short enough to smash. It lets you stay at the net instead of giving up your position.

How to Hit a Bandeja in Padel

4 video lessons

The defensive overhead that keeps you at the net.

Quick answer & tips ▾

The bandeja is a controlled overhead, usually hit with slice, that you play when the opponents lob you but you are not in position to smash. Its job is to keep your team at the net, not to win the point outright.

Turn sideways early, keep the racket up in front of you like a tray, and hit through the ball with a compact swing, aiming deep toward the corners or the side glass so the ball stays low after the wall.

Key tips

Turn side-on as soon as you see the lob.
Keep the swing compact; placement beats power.
Aim deep and low so the ball does not bounce up off the glass.
Recover forward to the net straight after you hit it.

FAQ

What is the difference between a bandeja and a vibora?: The bandeja is a safer, flatter or slice overhead for control. The vibora uses more sidespin and pace to make the ball skid off the glass.
When should I hit a bandeja?: When a lob pushes you back but is not short enough to smash. It lets you stay at the net instead of giving up your position.