The Complete Padel Glossary: Every Term You Need to Know

Padel has its own vocabulary, much of it borrowed from Spanish where the sport originated. Here is your definitive guide to the language of the court.

A

Ace — A serve that the opponent fails to touch. Rare in padel due to the underarm serve.

B

Bajada — An aggressive shot played after the ball bounces off the back wall at a comfortable height. An attacking opportunity.

Bandeja — A defensive overhead shot played with a slicing motion. Used to maintain net position without taking excessive risk.

C

Chiquita — A soft, low shot aimed at the feet of the net player. The most important shot for regaining net position.

Contra-pared — Playing the ball off your own back wall back into the opponent's court. A defensive but spectacular shot.

D

Dejada — A drop shot. Played with touch and disguise, the dejada falls softly just over the net.

Doble pared — A shot that hits two walls before crossing the net. Rarely intentional but always entertaining.

G

Globo — A lob. The most frequently used shot in padel, designed to push the net pair back and create space.

P

Por cuatro — When the ball is smashed out of the court over the side fencing. A legal shot that wins the point outright.

Por tres — When the ball is smashed out of the court over the back wall. Also wins the point outright.

R

Remate — A smash. The most powerful shot in padel, used to finish points from overhead.

S

Split step — A small hop performed just as your opponent strikes the ball. Puts you in a balanced, ready position to move in any direction.

V

Vibora — An aggressive overhead shot with heavy side-spin. More attacking than the bandeja, used to put opponents under pressure.

Volley — A shot played before the ball bounces. The weapon of choice at the net.

W

Winner — Any shot that the opponent cannot reach. The ultimate goal of every point.