Padel Glossary
Every padel term, shot, and rule explained simply. From bandeja to golden point — learn the language of the court.
Shots
Bandeja
A defensive overhead shot hit with a flat or slightly sliced motion, used to maintain your position at the net. The most important overhead to learn in padel.
Vibora
An aggressive overhead shot hit with heavy side spin, causing the ball to stay low and kick off the glass. More attacking than a bandeja.
Bajada
An attacking shot hit off a high ball after it bounces off the back glass. One of the most spectacular shots in padel when executed well.
Chiquita
A soft, low shot played from the baseline aimed at the feet of the net player. Used to create an opportunity to move forward and take the net.
Globo (Lob)
A high, deep shot aimed over the opponents' heads, designed to push them back from the net and give you time to recover or take the net position.
Remate (Smash)
A powerful overhead shot hit aggressively, often aimed to win the point outright or force a weak return. Can be hit flat or with spin.
Volley
Any shot hit before the ball bounces. In padel, volleys are typically played at the net and are essential for controlling points.
Serve (Saque)
The underarm shot that starts every point in padel. Must be hit below waist height and diagonally into the opponent's service box.
Dejada (Drop Shot)
A soft, delicate shot that barely clears the net and dies quickly. Used to catch opponents off guard when they are deep in the court.
Rulo
A topspin shot hit from shoulder height, typically used as an alternative to the bandeja. Creates a high bounce that can be difficult to handle.
Gancho
A hook shot played behind the body, often used when the ball passes you on the backhand side. An advanced shot requiring good timing.
Contra-pared
Any shot played off the back wall after the ball has bounced. A fundamental padel skill since the walls are part of the game.
X3 / X4
Advanced wall shots where the ball hits multiple walls (3 or 4) before crossing the net. Used in defensive situations from deep in the court.
Kick Smash
A smash hit with extreme topspin, causing the ball to bounce high and fly over the back glass, winning the point outright.
Rules & Scoring
Golden Point
A deciding point played at deuce (40-40) where the receiving team chooses which side to receive. One point decides the game — no advantage.
Advantage (Ventaja)
In traditional scoring, when the score reaches deuce (40-40), a team must win two consecutive points. The first point after deuce is called advantage.
Let
When a serve hits the net cord and lands in the correct service box, the serve is replayed. Also called when a ball from another court interferes with play.
Fault
An invalid serve. In padel, faults include serving above waist height, not bouncing the ball before serving, or the ball landing outside the service box.
Break
Winning a game when your opponents are serving. Breaking serve is significant because the serving team typically has an advantage.
Set
A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games with a 2-game lead. At 6-6, a tiebreak is played. Matches are typically best of 3 sets.
Tiebreak
A special game played at 6-6 in a set. First team to 7 points with a 2-point lead wins. Serve alternates every 2 points after the first.
Service Box
The rectangular area on each side of the court where the serve must land. The server stands behind the service line and serves diagonally.
Court & Equipment
Glass (Cristal)
The transparent walls at the back and parts of the sides of a padel court. Made of tempered glass, they are in play — the ball can bounce off them.
Fence (Malla)
The metallic mesh walls on the sides and top portions of a padel court. The ball can bounce off them, adding a unique dimension to the game.
Back Wall (Fondo)
The glass wall at each end of the padel court. Players regularly play shots off the back wall, which is one of the defining features of padel.
Service Line
The line 6.95m from the net that marks the back of the service box. Servers must stand behind this line when serving.
Net
The net in padel is 88cm high at the center and 92cm at the sides. Lower than a tennis net, which contributes to padel's fast-paced net play.
Overgrip
A thin grip wrap applied over the racket's base grip. Provides better tackiness, sweat absorption, and comfort. Should be replaced every few sessions.
Racket (Pala)
Padel rackets are solid (no strings), with holes drilled through the face. Made of carbon fiber or fiberglass, they come in round, teardrop, or diamond shapes.
Round Shape
A racket shape with the sweet spot in the center, offering maximum control and forgiveness. Best for beginners and defensive players.
Diamond Shape
A racket shape with the sweet spot towards the top, offering maximum power but less control. Best for advanced, aggressive players.
Teardrop Shape
A racket shape that balances power and control, with the sweet spot slightly above center. The most versatile shape, suitable for intermediate players.
Herringbone Sole
The zigzag tread pattern on padel-specific shoes. Provides optimal grip on artificial grass courts without collecting sand.
Tactics
Net Position
The attacking position in padel, standing close to the net. The team that controls the net typically controls the point. Getting to the net is a primary tactical objective.
Split Step
A small hop or bounce timed as your opponent hits the ball. Loads your legs for explosive movement in any direction. Essential for good court coverage.
Cross-Court
A shot hit diagonally across the court. In padel, cross-court shots are fundamental for both creating angles and moving opponents.
Down the Line
A shot hit straight along the sideline. Higher risk than cross-court but can catch opponents off guard and create winning opportunities.
Switch
When doubles partners change sides during a point, either to follow the ball or to position the stronger player on a specific side.
Two-Up Formation
Both players positioned at the net. This is the ideal attacking formation in padel, putting maximum pressure on opponents.
Two-Back Formation
Both players positioned at the baseline. This is a defensive formation, typically used when opponents have the net and you're trying to regain control.
Australian Formation
A serve formation where both the server and partner start on the same side of the court, forcing the returner into an unusual angle.
La Pared (The Wall)
A tactical approach focused on using the walls strategically — both for defense (playing off your own back wall) and attack (hitting into opponents' walls).
Poaching
When the net player moves across to intercept a ball intended for their partner. Effective for surprise volleys but leaves one side open.
Tournament Formats
Americano
A social padel tournament format where all players rotate partners every round. Individual scores are tracked, so everyone plays with and against everyone. Best for mixed-level groups.
Mexicano
A dynamic tournament format where pairings each round are based on current standings. Top-ranked players face each other, creating balanced and competitive matches.
Brazilero
A team-based tournament format similar to Americano but players compete as fixed pairs. All pairs play against each other with cumulative scoring.
Marroquino
A variation of the Mexicano format designed for odd numbers of players or larger groups. Uses a rotating system to ensure everyone plays roughly the same number of games.
Round Robin
A tournament format where every team plays against every other team. Ensures maximum playing time for all participants. Common in club padel events.
Knockout (Eliminatoria)
A single-elimination tournament format where the loser of each match is eliminated. Fast and dramatic but means some teams play very few matches.
Seed
A ranking given to the top players or teams in a tournament. Seeds are placed in the draw to prevent the strongest teams from meeting in the early rounds.
Common Questions
What is the difference between padel and tennis?
What are the most important shots to learn in padel?
What does 'golden point' mean in padel?
What is an Americano tournament in padel?
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