Glossary Terms

In padel, an Ace is a serve that lands in the service box and is not touched by the opponent, resulting in an immediate point for the server. Unlike in tennis, where aces are more common, padel aces are rarer due to the enclosed court and the presence of walls that allow for more potential…

An Aggressive Volley in padel refers to a forceful, offensive shot executed near the net. Unlike a standard volley, which might focus on placement or setting up the next shot, an aggressive volley is aimed at finishing the point quickly. It often involves hitting the ball with speed and precision, aiming for a spot that’s…

Americano is a popular format for social padel tournaments where players compete in a round-robin style with rotating partners. Typically, each player plays with every other participant in their group over a series of short matches. The aim is to accumulate the most points individually rather than as a team. This format is great for…

The Backglass is the glass wall at the back of the padel court. It plays a crucial role in the game, allowing the ball to rebound off it. Skilled players use the backglass strategically, both for defensive and offensive shots.

The Backhand in padel is a fundamental stroke where the player hits the ball with the back of their dominant hand facing the direction of the shot. It can be executed with one or both hands on the racket. The backhand is used in a variety of situations, including returns, groundstrokes, and defensive shots. Mastery…

Backspin is a type of spin applied to the ball where it rotates backward as it travels through the air. In padel, this spin causes the ball to bounce lower and slower upon hitting the ground, making it more challenging for opponents to return. Backspin is often used in defensive shots, like lobs or drop…

The Bajada is a tactical shot in padel used when retrieving a lob near the back wall. The player hits the ball as it descends, typically with a slice or flat stroke, aiming to keep it low and direct it back to the opponent’s court with speed and control. The goal is to regain an…

The Bandeja is a signature shot in padel, often used to counter high lobs. It’s a controlled, flat shot executed with a slightly downward angle, typically from mid-court. The aim is to maintain the net position by not allowing the opponents to attack. Unlike a smash, the bandeja isn’t about power but rather placement, usually…

The Baseline is the back boundary line of the padel court, located parallel to the net. Players often start rallies from near the baseline during serves or when defending against an attacking opponent. The baseline is a critical reference point for positioning, as it helps players gauge their depth on the court, determine when to…

In padel, a Block is a defensive shot used to counter powerful drives or smashes from opponents. The player holds their racket steady to absorb the speed of the ball, often with minimal swing, allowing the ball to rebound off the racket face and land back in the opponent’s court. This shot is crucial when…

A Boast in padel is a shot where the ball is intentionally played off the side or back walls before landing in the opponent’s court. This shot is used strategically to surprise opponents, often forcing them out of position or causing an awkward return. Boasts are particularly effective when opponents are at the net, as…

In padel, a Break occurs when the receiving team wins a game that the serving team started. This is significant because the serving team usually has an advantage, so breaking their serve can shift the momentum of the match. Securing a break often requires strong returns and consistent pressure on the opponents.