In a new video from Padel Stuff, Andoni Bardasco returns, not for yet another technical demonstration, but to discuss a crucial and yet often misunderstood question: the place of the vibra in the game of padel. And surprise, it's not to praise it! In fact, Andoni explains to us why he chose to focus on the tray, an often underestimated move.

Why not the vibra?

"Why seek precision with a vibora if I have no idea what I want to do on the field?" An implacable logic that, according to Andoni, applies to many amateur players who make their task unnecessarily complicated.

For Andoni and his partner Paul (the return!), the objective was simple: simplify the game as much as possible. The vibra, although spectacular, was not the right tool to achieve this. The tray, on the other hand, has proven to be a valuable ally, allowing the construction of a more regular and effective game.

The bandeja, this underestimated gesture

Contrary to popular belief, the bandeja is not an outdated shot. "All professional players know how to do a bandeja perfectly," insists Andoni. This move, when mastered well, provides control, precision, and opens up opportunities for winning shots, where a poorly placed vibora risks compromising the point.

Andoni shares his experience: "With the bandeja I was able to gain points in control, where before I lost three points to gain one with my vibora."

Andoni Bardasco Padel Stuff
Andoni Bardasco Padel Stuff
Andoni Bardasco Padel Stuff

The vibra, a tool for advanced players

This does not mean that the vibora is useless. But for Andoni, it should be reserved for players who are already at an advanced level. Too often, amateur players overestimate their opponents and imagine that a spectacular move is necessary to win. "Often, just putting the opponent in an uncomfortable position is enough to provoke the foul," he explains.

To illustrate his point, Andoni recalls his matches against Belasteguín, former world number one. "Even with a perfect vibora, I didn't win the point. The key was a well-thought-out game plan, not isolated shots."

A frequent overvaluation in France

Andoni also points out another problem: the overestimation of the level of play in France. "A lot of trainees arrive ranking themselves 5-6, when they are more likely to be 3-4," he jokes. A difference that reflects a lack of understanding of the real demands of high-level padel.

Conclusion: Simplicity above all

For Andoni Bardasco, padel is not a race for the perfect vibora, but a patient construction of a thoughtful game. The bandeja, often neglected, is an essential weapon for players who want to progress. And if the vibora has its place, it must be used wisely, and only when the foundations are solid.

A piece of advice for all players tempted to "shine" on the field: It is better to build a solid base with simple gestures than to multiply errors with spectacular but imprecise shots. So, vibora or bandeja? It's up to you to choose... but think carefully!

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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