Kristina Clément, Coach of the Monaco Padel Federation, technical consultant Padel Magazine, several times member of the French padel team, and NOX ambassador.

The bandeja also called "Smash Plateau" is a specific and emblematic shot of padel that does not exist in tennis. However, it is the most used shot during a padel match.

The origin of the bandeja

Tactically, this shot was created, originally, to allow players on the fly, to keep the net on a lob high and deep, impossible to finish with a classic smash, while protecting against a counterattack opponents during the ascent to the net, thanks to the return of a long ball, low in the feet with little power.

« Bandeja Literally means "tray" which is used in bars to carry drinks. This name refers to the preparation of the racket with the head open like a plateau at the height of the player's head on the side.

La Bandeja : The most used shot in padel

The bandeja is classified in the category of smashes or shots played above the head when positioned at the net, while technically it is more like a very sliced ​​high volley. For the stats, out of 10 smashes played, 8 are bandejas…

La Bandeja : A technical blow

Technically, unlike the tennis smash, where we will hit the ball arm extended over the head at noon and flat, the preparation and the strike will take place on the side at the height of the head (at 3hours) with a racket head fairly open, positioned in the form of a plateau, elbow detached from the body in height and folded arm.

It is important during the preparation to put in profile then to adjust its position in relation to the ball / lob to always be able to hit the ball at head height (and not higher) + move forward when hitting towards the net (very important!).

When hitting the side, the player will extend their arm and send their racquet head forward while applying an up and down motion to slice the ball. You have to avoid trying to hit the ball too hard, to stay in contact with it as long as possible and to be able to “scratch” the ball downwards. During the strike, the player, being well in profile, will use the rotation of the shoulders (for a right-handed person, pass the right shoulder behind forwards) to accentuate the acceleration of the arm forward.

Accompanying the head of the racket forward to complete the gesture, it will get a very deep ball, ideally in the feet of the opponent if you play diagonally.

In terms of playing area, the bandeja is generally played diagonally (either towards the side wall or towards the feet) or in the center. It is also possible to play this shot along the line but with the risks that this entails (the ball can directly touch the side wall).

A true padel player must have the bandeja in his range of shots, widely used and effective... it's up to you!

Kristina Clément
Kristina Clément

Kristina Clément discovered padel in July 2006 at her club in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Two years later, she competed in her first padel world championship… Who could have believed it? Technician, tactician, Kristina offers you always detailed news.

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