The short version. When you are at the net and they lob you, don’t smash: slice it. Side-on, racket up early, contact slightly in front of your head, cut across the ball, aim deep into their back corner. You stay at the net and they get a low, awkward ball off the glass.
Why the bandeja exists
In padel the pair at the net is usually winning. The other pair’s way back into the point is the lob, and the bandeja is your way of answering it without giving the net away. A smash looks heroic but, unless it goes out of the court, it hits the back glass and comes back up for them to play. A bandeja is played to land deep and stay low, which buys you time to stay forward.
The technique
- Turn side-on as soon as you see the lob. Non-hitting shoulder to the net.
- Racket up early, held around head height with the face slightly open. The “tray” position that gives the shot its name.
- Contact slightly in front of you and to the side of your head, not directly above it.
- Cut across the ball, from high to low and slightly across your body, to add slice.
- Finish across, then recover forward to the net.
It is a controlled shot. Think 60% power, 100% placement.
Where to aim
- The back corner. The ball hits the back glass then the side, or both, and comes out awkwardly.
- Down the middle, deep, when both opponents are back. Their angles shrink and they may hesitate over who takes it.
- Never short. A short bandeja bounces in the middle of their court and sits up nicely for them.
Common mistakes
- Smashing everything. The most common habit to unlearn, and the most satisfying to keep. Save the smash for balls you can hit out of the court.
- Letting the ball get behind you. Move back early, with your shoulders turned, so the contact stays in front.
- Too much slice, too little depth. The ball drops short and fat.
- Stopping after the shot. Move forward to the net straight away; the bandeja is a way of staying there.
When to use the víbora instead
If the lob is slightly shorter and you have time, the víbora adds sidespin and pace and aims into the side glass. It is more aggressive and less forgiving. Learn the bandeja first.
Quick answers
What is a bandeja in padel?
A controlled, sliced overhead hit at around head height, used to answer a lob without losing your position at the net.
Bandeja or smash?
Bandeja most of the time. A hard smash bounces up off the opponents’ back glass for an easy return; a bandeja keeps the ball low and keeps you at the net.
What is the difference between a bandeja and a víbora?
The víbora has more sidespin and pace and is aimed into the side glass. The bandeja is flatter, slower and safer.