Mastering the Bandeja: Advanced Techniques for Padel
You know the basics of the bandeja — the grip, the slice, the placement. Now it’s time to take it to the next level. This guide covers the advanced bandeja variations, disguise techniques, and tactical patterns that separate intermediate players from advanced competitors. If you’re new to the bandeja, start with our bandeja fundamentals guide first.
Advanced Bandeja Variations
The Deep Bandeja
The standard bandeja aims for the back third of the court. The deep bandeja pushes this further — targeting the last metre before the back glass. The key is adding slightly more forward momentum while maintaining the slice. The ball should bounce, hit the glass, and die — giving opponents almost nothing to work with.
- Extra forward step: Step further into the ball than a standard bandeja
- Slightly flatter contact: Reduce the slice angle by about 10% to add depth
- Higher trajectory: Send the ball slightly higher over the net to ensure depth
The Short Bandeja (Bandeja Corta)
The opposite of the deep bandeja — a soft, dying shot that barely clears the net and bounces twice before reaching the service line. This is devastating when opponents are camped at the back of the court.
- Extra slice: Increase the underspin significantly
- Reduced pace: Almost a drop shot disguised as a bandeja
- Deception: Your preparation should look identical to a standard bandeja
The Cross-Court Bandeja
Most bandejas go straight or slightly cross. The full cross-court bandeja targets the far side of the court, pulling your opponent wide. This opens up the court for your partner to poach on the next ball.
- Contact point: Slightly further in front of your body
- Body rotation: More shoulder turn toward the cross-court target
- Risk: Higher — if you miss the angle, the ball goes wide or into the net
Disguise and Deception
The best bandeja players look the same whether they’re hitting deep, short, cross-court, or following up with a vibora. Here’s how to develop disguise:
Identical Preparation
Every overhead shot should start the same way — same shoulder turn, same racket position, same body angle. The variation comes only in the last fraction of a second.
Eye Deception
Look one way, hit another. Glance at the cross-court side, then hit straight. This only works against opponents who watch your eyes, but at higher levels, everyone does.
Pace Variation
Alternate between firm bandejas and soft ones within the same rally. Unpredictable pace keeps opponents guessing and prevents them from timing their returns.
Tactical Patterns with the Bandeja
Pattern 1: Bandeja → Volley Winner
The most common pattern in padel. Hit a solid bandeja that pushes opponents deep. Their return will likely be weak — step forward and volley it into the open court.
Pattern 2: Bandeja → Bandeja → Smash
Two consecutive bandejas push opponents so deep they can only lob. The third lob is usually shorter and weaker — that’s when you switch to a full smash to finish the point.
Pattern 3: Bandeja Cross → Partner Poach
Hit a cross-court bandeja to pull the receiver wide. Your partner anticipates the straight return and intercepts with a volley winner. This requires good communication and trust.
Pattern 4: Short Bandeja → Lob
Hit a short bandeja that brings an opponent forward. When they approach, lob over their head. This role-reversal catches opponents off guard.
Physical Conditioning for Better Bandejas
The bandeja relies on shoulder stability, core strength, and precise footwork:
- Shoulder exercises: External rotation with resistance bands, overhead presses
- Core work: Rotational planks, medicine ball twists — the bandeja power comes from core rotation
- Footwork: Ladder drills, lateral shuffles — you need to get under every lob quickly
- Flexibility: Shoulder and hip mobility work to maintain a fluid overhead motion
Common Advanced Mistakes
- Overcomplicating it: A simple, well-placed bandeja beats a fancy one that goes wrong. Don’t try the cross-court variation under pressure until it’s grooved in practice.
- Neglecting depth: The deep bandeja should be your default. Short bandejas are variations, not the standard.
- Losing the split step: Even between consecutive bandejas, split step every time. It keeps you balanced and ready.
- Forgetting your partner: The bandeja is a team shot. Communicate what you’re doing so your partner can position accordingly.
Bandeja in Professional Padel
Watch any World Padel Tour match and count the bandejas versus the smashes. You’ll see a ratio of roughly 4:1 in favour of the bandeja. Players like Paquito Navarro and Ale Galan use the bandeja as their primary overhead shot, only switching to a smash when the opportunity is unmissable. If it’s good enough for the pros, it should be your go-to shot too.
Master the advanced bandeja and you’ll control points from the net like never before. Combine it with solid volley technique and smart court positioning, and you’ll be the player everyone wants as their partner — and nobody wants to face.
