The bandeja and vibora are the two essential overhead shots in padel. The bandeja is a controlled, slice-based shot used to reset rallies and maintain net position - it is the workhorse overhead. The vibora is more aggressive, using side-spin to pressure opponents and force errors. This guide covers the technique for both shots, when to use each one (bandeja for control and net-keeping; vibora for attack), common mistakes (overhitting bandejas, mistiming viboras) and drills to practise them. Both reward patience and footwork over power. Last updated: April 2026.
What is a bandeja in padel?
The bandeja is one of padel’s most elegant and effective overhead shots. Its name comes from the Spanish word for “tray” - and once you see the arm position, you’ll understand why. Watch any Premier Padel match and you’ll see top pros leaning on the bandeja constantly. We’ve broken the bandeja, vibora, and other overhead shots into the technique points coaches most commonly correct.
Imagine a waiter carrying a tray parallel to the ground: that’s the bandeja. It’s a control shot played with a slice (underspin), designed to neutralise pace and maintain your position at the net.
You’ll use the bandeja when you’re slightly off-balance or facing aggressive play from your opponents. Rather than trying to win the point outright, you’re resetting the rally and keeping your opponents pushed back. The ball bounces low off the glass after a bandeja, forcing opponents to squat down - a subtle but powerful advantage.
The bandeja: control and precision
The bandeja is characterised by several key technical elements. First, your arm stays parallel to the ground - that’s the signature “tray” position. Your racket face is open, which creates the slice effect as you strike the ball. You’ll use a continental grip, which gives you the flexibility to control the shot from various angles.
The contact point is underneath the ball. This, combined with the open racket face and slice action, creates that low, controlled trajectory. The pace is moderate - not a power shot, but not soft either. Think of it as a measured strike that keeps the ball in play while applying underspin.
The bandeja is your defensive and neutral option when you’re being pressured or when you need to reset rally tempo. It’s particularly useful against aggressive opponents who are trying to dictate the pace. By applying slice and keeping the ball low, you’re making their next shot harder to attack.
The Vibora: Aggression and Tempo
The vibora is the bandeja’s more aggressive cousin. Where the bandeja is about control, the vibora is about pressure. It’s a faster, flatter overhead with more side-spin effect - designed to force errors and exploit space when you’re in a strong position.
Technically, the vibora differs in several ways. Your elbow is bent, bringing the racket closer to your body compared to the bandeja. The grip is more closed, which helps you generate that faster strike.
The contact point is on the outside of the ball - not underneath like the bandeja. This outside contact, combined with a quicker wrist action, creates the side-spin effect.
When should you use the vibora? When you’re well-positioned and the lob isn’t too high. You’re dictating tempo, applying pressure, and looking to win the point or force a weak return. It’s an attacking shot, not a defensive one. Your goal is to close out the rally, not reset it.
Bandeja vs Vibora: The Key Differences
Understanding the differences between these two shots helps you choose the right one in the moment. Here is a side-by-side breakdown.
Arm position: The bandeja keeps the arm extended and parallel to the ground, like carrying a tray. The vibora brings the elbow in closer to the body with a more compact swing.
Racket face: Open for the bandeja (creating underspin) and more closed for the vibora (creating side-spin). This is the biggest technical difference between the two shots.
Contact point: The bandeja makes contact underneath the ball. The vibora contacts the outside of the ball. This difference in contact point is what produces the different spin types.
Pace: Moderate and controlled for the bandeja. Faster and more aggressive for the vibora. The vibora is designed to pressure opponents, while the bandeja is designed to neutralise pressure.
Bounce behaviour: A well-executed bandeja bounces low and dies off the glass, forcing opponents to bend low. A vibora bounces with side-spin, kicking sideways off the glass and making the return awkward.
Let’s break down the main differences so you can choose the right shot at the right moment.
When to Use Which Shot
Decision-making separates good padel players from great ones. Here’s how to choose between the bandeja and vibora.
Against aggressive opponents: Use the bandeja. They’re putting pressure on you, attacking lobs, trying to dictate pace. Your job isn’t to win - it’s to survive and reset. The bandeja’s slice and low trajectory make their next attack harder.
Against passive opponents: Use the vibora. If they’re playing safe, tentative lobs that float high, this is your moment. Attack with the vibora. Apply pace and aggression. Force them into uncomfortable positions.
Deep lobs with lots of height: Bandeja is safer. You have less time to prepare for an aggressive strike, and the bandeja’s control gives you a reliable option.
Shorter lobs you can attack: Vibora is your weapon. You’re closer to the net, you have time to set up, and you can hit a more direct, aggressive strike.
Other Overhead Shots: A Quick Guide
While the bandeja and vibora are the most common overheads, padel features several other options.
The smash (or remate) is your full-power overhead. You’re striking with maximum force, trying to end the point outright. It’s the shot you use when you have a weak lob and an open court.
The rulo is an extreme topspin overhead that bounces high off the glass - a more advanced shot that creates unpredictable angles.
The bajada is an overhead played while moving backward. It’s defensive in nature, used when you’re retreating toward your baseline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing up your grip: Continental for bandeja, more closed for vibora. Get this wrong and your shot falls apart.
Using the vibora against high lobs: You don’t have time or space. Default to the bandeja.
Trying to add power to a bandeja: It’s a control shot. If you’re tempted to hit hard, you’re in vibora territory.
Poor arm positioning on the bandeja: That parallel-to-ground arm position is everything. Slouching or dropping your arm ruins the mechanics.
Forgetting the spin: The bandeja without slice isn’t the same shot. Commit to the underspin action.
Drills to Practise Overhead Shots
Here are three drills to improve your bandeja and vibora.
Bandeja feeding drill. Have a partner feed lobs from the baseline. Position yourself at the net and practise the bandeja, focusing on keeping your arm parallel and applying underspin. Aim for a target area deep in the opponents’ court. Hit 20 bandejas, then switch roles.
Vibora under pressure. Same setup, but this time your partner feeds shorter, lower lobs that you can attack. Practise the vibora with emphasis on side-spin and pace. Try to make the ball kick sideways off the back glass.
Decision-making rally. Play a live rally where one pair only lobs. The net pair must choose between bandeja, vibora and smash based on the quality of each lob. This develops the shot selection instinct that separates good players from great ones.
