But what is this word? The Gancho. We hear about it on and around the fields, but what does it mean? What is it and at what is it for ? We get back to you.

Gancho, in Spanish, means "the hook". This is something that the book on the technique of padel, which is now part of the vocabulary and move repertoire of advanced players.

In fact it is a blow which occurs between the bandeja and the smash, in a slow fashion, most of the time to find a short cross angle towards the grid. This “gancho” allows you to hide the shot you are going to make, allows you to counter your opponents if they stick the net after playing a high ball.

How to realize it?

If you know how to differentiate bandeja, víbora, smash, you will know how to make the gancho. For others, it is better to focus on the bandeja/vibora and the smash. Once these blows are mastered, go to the gancho.

First of all, the place of impact of the ball which must be high, to the side, above the non-dominant shoulder. We could hit the ball with a smash by plunging the pala in the back to then print a topspin effect, but we would prefer to stay with the arm outstretched, the head of the pala towards the sky, and we will impact slowly, if possible. flat, pushing the ball.

This curve that we will give to our gesture, preparation with outstretched arms, impact flat above the head, end of gesture downwards, will allow the ball to dive towards the ground at a significant angle which will allow us to find the grid. Warning: excessive speed will cause the ball to rebound significantly, which will facilitate the attack on the opponents.

When to use it?

Use the gancho when your opponents' lob doesn't allow you to hit a smash or a bandeja. The ball is behind you and the gancho is the best option so as not to lose the net. Then, outdoors, this shot is used a lot when it is windy or the sun becomes awkward. You take more time and secure your ball high.

In this video we can see the difference in this player between the vibora hit sharply at eye level with a high end of gesture, and the gancho, hit slowly, arm outstretched, which ends down.

Video credit: YouTube Padel Star

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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