Essential tips on padel overheads, bandeja & the smash

In padel, the odds of winning a point when both you and your partner are at the net are significantly higher and overheads are a big part of the game. 

There are lots of different overheads in padel. For example, you have a traditional tennis smash, where you’re looking to hit the ball flat and with plenty of speed and power.

The ‘bandeja’ is the most common overhead in padel and, is known as the antidote to the lob. It’s a defensive shot and is seen as a way to retain position at the net. It is particularly important in the women’s game, accounting for 69% of overheads. 

LTA expert coaches explain what the bandeja is, how to use it and key points to master your technique. 

Get in position 

The bandeja is one of the most important shots for any padel player and it’s easy to learn and perfect over time, no matter your skill level. 

Think about the bandeja as a cross between an overhead and a forehand volley in terms of how you want to set your body and how you want to hit the ball.  

Early preparation is the first step and it crucial to playing an effective shot. Turn your body to face the side of the court and hold the racket above your head. Think about the racket like you’re holding a plate that you’re trying to catch food on.  

Finding the right contact point 

Your timing and your contact point is key to a successful bandeja. You want to hit the ball once it falls to approximately eye height. 

Imagine you're wearing glasses - you want to hit the ball when it would be in line with them.

How to hit a bandeja in padel: 

• Your racket should be in position above your head, ready to hit your shot 
• The racket will follow a high to low path but will finish in a different position to a tennis smash 
• Instead of the racket coming all the way down, you want the racket to come across your body 
• For your final position, wrap your arm around you like a scarf  
• This racket path will also help put some added underspin on the ball, giving you more control, accuracy and making the shot harder for your opponent to recover 

Recovery at the net 

The way you recover after hitting a bandeja in padel is almost as important as the shot itself. 

If you are already up at the net, the goal of the bandeja is to try and retain your position so you are ready to potentially attack on the next ball. 

The speed of your shot is also important. You don’t want to play the bandeja with a lot of pace and power because it won’t give you the time to get back in position. Instead, focus more on your ball placement and take speed off the ball. 

Use the momentum of the shot to help push your body back towards the net, level with your partner.