La bajada ou window descent is a move that can save you from many situations when you go back to defense. But be careful, you have to know the maîtriser so that she is effective.

La bajada what is this ? This is like playing a window exit where the ball bounces high enough to allow you to impact it above waist level. This bajada can be played in the forehand as in the backhand but to avoid any confusion and bad decision-making, we propose today to talk only about the bajada forehand.

Where and when ?

This is the first question to ask. When should I make a bajada ? The answer would be after a lob from the opponents. You are at the net, you get lobbed, pushed back, but you have enough time to get in position.

Where to play would be the second question. And be careful because not choosing the right position will make you make bad choices and therefore tactical errors. Best bajadas are those that are carried out from areas where you are comfortable: generally away from the side wall and sufficiently far from the bottom window.

What blows to strike?

There are several, but the most used are the bajada cut and the bajada brushed. The cut would amount to impacting the ball from waist level to head height. The brush would amount to being placed under the ball. The difference between the two ? The cut will be carried out rather in the idea of ​​placing the ball in a precise zone because the speed will be moderate. After one bajada cut we can try to put the opponents under pressure. The brushed on the other hand is similar to a vibora/smash. It can be very powerful which will allow you to win the point, to fix your opponents in the net, or be very worked in very difficult areas to defend such as the angles or the grids.

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Adapting is the key

When you get lobbed, you need to move backwards, sense if the ball is playable in bajada or not, taking information about your opponents' placement, choosing a playing area, a hitting speed... too many things in your head that could ultimately make you play badly.

To be effective, you must remember to end up with the ball in front of you or at body height when you hit. If not…lob. Then you will have to adjust the pala height according to the rebound. Some players place their pala during the move and inevitably get the height wrong. So remember to move backwards first by placing the pala below the level of your belt, then you can lift it when the ball bounces on the glass, so it will always be at the right height.

Inzerillo bajada P2000 Pyramids 2022

The worst mistake

The worst mistake would be too much preparation that would highlight the power without control. The purpose of the bajada is to find an area on the track so to be precise. Your pala should therefore not be visible to your opponents beyond your body: you prepare so broadly in the forehand that you can see the pala behind you on the backhand side. Prepare short, whip the ball and finish in the direction you want to find.

A not so complicated move

In the end, the bajada is not an extremely complicated move. On the contrary, it is a rather simple shot to perform because you are above the level of the net. On the other hand, you will have to move well, adjust the height of the pala well and choose the striking zones correctly so that it gradually becomes a lethal blow. Let's go! 

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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