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Bandeja
Rating
Bandeja ("tray" in Spanish) is a controlled overhead shot in padel where the player doesn't hit the ball at full power but instead slightly softens it, keeping their position at the net rather than attacking aggressively.
In detail
The bandeja is one of the most important shots in padel precisely because it allows a pair at the net not to lose their advantageous position: a full-power smash in a difficult situation often forces retreat or opens the court for the opponent's counterattack, whereas the bandeja preserves control of the point.
How to use it
Use the bandeja instead of a smash when the ball comes to you in a position that isn't ideal for finishing the point — this lets you stay at the net and wait for a better moment to attack.