Let's take advantage of a video found on the net to dissect and better understand the technique of bandeja. Step by step, become a better technician at padel.

The use of videos is important for the improvement of our technique as well as our game. To film ourselves to get to know each other better and especially to know where the majority of our balls go and what damage our rebounds can do to our adversaries.

So let's talk about bandeja. The bandeja is a specific blow to padel. It's a kind of high forehand hit.

The use of bandeja is done when the opponents play a high ball that does not allow us to complete the point. The primary goal of bandeja is not to lose the net.

There are 2 types of bandejas; the bandeja with a cut effect, and another with a brushed effect that we will call Vibora.

In this video, this player only performs viboras with a high execution speed. For intermediate players, it will be better to do them a little slower and harder, which will give you more time to come back to the net and find a comfortable waiting position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB8J5WMIFoP/?igshid=d8oy33yd7wf1

The technique

This player has a perfect technique hence this article.

  • The preparation

At the start, the pala is in front of the body, pointing to the opposing camp, in the high position. When the opponent performs the lob, we immediately put ourselves in profile, which allows us to reach the best position more quickly. The non-dominant hand (left in this case) first points to the side grid, and the closer we get to the stroke, the more it helps to stretch the body upwards. The dominant hand prepares the stroke with the bent elbow, and places itself slowly, at the same speed as the non-dominant hand.

  • Beforehand

If you notice correctly, the players of padel high level perform as a break before hitting their shot. It is not only with the bandeja but with all the blows of padel. This break stabilizes the body in order to have the best possible performance. In this player, the break in the feet is achieved by taking a step with the non-dominant foot (the left) towards the center of the field. This step allows him to open the track, change downforce from back to front, and get back to the net more quickly. On the upper part of the body, the break takes place when both arms have reached the perfect preparation.

  • The impact

We talk about preparation, end of gesture, but the place of impact is very important. It takes place at eye level and approximately 2 hours if your waiting position at the net is midday. To find this place of impact, the advice is to throw an object, a ball or a pebble to make a ricochet. The place where you drop the stone defines your point of impact. Everyone has their own, it's up to you to find your own. For optimum performance, the arm must be stretched at the time of striking.

  • The end of the gesture

It all depends on the height at which you are going to impact the ball. We talked about eye height, but maybe you will be straight, with your legs bent or slightly suspended. So depending on this height, your end of gesture will be more or less high.

In this player, we can notice that for the balls a little higher, his end of movement is downwards, the pala finishes its course at the height of the left pocket. For the others viboras, in support, the gesture ends under the non-dominant arm. For him and for his game, it is certainly the most suitable finish. Note that you can also complete a bandeja by wrapping your dominant arm around the neck like a sling. You end up with 3 different endings depending on the direction you want to give the ball. Low end of gesture to quickly drop the ball (high balls), end of gesture under the arm for balls that will bounce around the service box (halfway up), end of sling gesture to gain depth ( balls played close to the height of the net).

Finally, we can notice that the player takes the time to finish his gesture well before taking back the net. If you find that you do not have enough time to regain your position, slow down your vibora.

Photo credit: WPT

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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