The Top 5 Most Played Padel Tennis Shots

As you have probably now heard of padel tennis and how it has taken the world of racket sports by storm in recent years, this exciting sport combines elements of tennis and squash and is known for its fast-paced, strategic gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie to the courts, understanding the top shots in padel tennis is crucial for success. This blog will explore the five most played padel tennis shots to help you become a more complete player with Novor.

Top Padel Tennis Shots

1. The Forehand Vibora

The forehand vibora, often referred to as the “viper” shot, is a crowd-pleaser and a favourite among skilled padel players. This shot involves hitting the ball with the front of your racket facing the net, creating a low, sharp trajectory that passes close to the side wall. The forehand vibora is particularly effective when you want to surprise your opponents and maintain control over the point.

2. The Backhand Slice

The backhand slice is an essential shot in padel tennis, primarily used for defensive purposes. To execute a perfect backhand slice, angle your racket face downwards and slice through the ball. The result is a low, spinning shot that can be challenging for your opponents to attack. Use the backhand slice when you’re under pressure, as it’s an excellent way to regain control of the point.

3. The Lob Shot

The lob shot in padel tennis is similar to the lob in traditional tennis. It involves hitting the ball high and deep over the net, ideally landing it close to the baseline. The lob shot is a valuable tool for offensive and defensive play. It can be used to set up an offensive attack or buy time to reposition and get back into the point. Perfecting the lob requires precise timing and control, making it a skill worth mastering in your padel game!

4. The Smash

The smash in padel tennis is a shot designed for ultimate power play and point winner. When your opponents send a high ball over the net, it’s your opportunity to unleash a powerful overhead smash. By hitting the ball with force and accuracy, you can send it hurtling towards your opponents at a speed they’ll find challenging to return. The smash is a game changer that can swing the momentum in your favour and leave your opponents scrambling to react. However, of the 5 in this list, the smash is the most challenging to master and plays the most risk during gameplay as if it is not perfectly executed, it can just as easily lose you a point. & Make sure your padel racket is geared to power shots if you are utilising smashes in your game!

5. The Chiquita

The chiquita is a distinctive padel shot that combines a low trajectory with a cross court angle. This shot is typically used when the ball is too low to execute a regular topspin forehand shot. To perform a chiquita, you need to make contact with the ball near waist level and send it diagonally across the court towards your opponents’ backhand side. The chiquita is a valuable tool for taking control of the net and applying pressure on your opponents.

Mastering these five padel tennis shots can significantly improve your performance on the court. While there are many other shots and strategies to explore, these are the fundamental techniques that every padel player should have and learn to develop in their arsenal. As you practise and refine your skills, you’ll become a more formidable opponent, capable of handling various game situations with confidence and finesse. So, grab your Novor padel tennis racket, head to the padel court, and start perfecting these essential shots to elevate your padel tennis game.

Geoff Fourie

Managing Director