The Ten Overhead Shots in Padel: Selection Before Power

The seven aerial overheads

The aerial family includes the por cuatro, por tres, boomerang, bandeja, víbora, gancho and rulo. Some finish; others protect net control.

• Por cuatro: direct power intended to clear the back wall.
• Por tres: topspin or kick designed to exit over the side wall.
• Boomerang: an advanced finish using rebound and court geometry.
• Bandeja: a controlled high volley that protects the net.
• Víbora: an aggressive sliced overhead with speed and side action.
• Gancho: a hook-shaped response for difficult lobs.
• Rulo: a topspin overhead toward the side fence or corner.

The three bajadas

The bajada family turns a high back-glass rebound into an attacking opportunity. Direction, height and angle determine whether the player uses control, pressure or a finishing intention.

Move behind the rebound, preserve space and contact in front. Rushing under the ball removes the angle and creates late contact.

Bandeja versus víbora versus smash

Use the bandeja when maintaining the net matters more than immediate damage. Use the víbora when balance supports controlled aggression. Use a smash when contact point, position and opponent location support a high-percentage finish.

Coaching cue: “Do not ask how hard you can hit it. Ask what the next position requires.”

Footwork and contact decide the overhead

The first movement creates space behind the ball. Side steps or a crossover position the body without losing visual contact. The player stabilizes, contacts above and in front and recovers according to the shot’s purpose.

Backing straight underneath the lob is a common cause of poor contact and lost net position.

The overhead selection test

Feed ten lobs with different height, depth and direction. Before striking, the player calls the intended overhead and tactical purpose. Score the decision separately from execution.

The goal is eight correct selections and seven controlled executions out of ten before adding maximum power.