Overview of Padel Strokes and Variations
Here is an overview of...
the main padel strokes and possible variations:
Stroke Types and Variations
Smash
Diagonal, parallel, close to the sideline, recovery, kick smash, topspin smash
Gancho
Short angle, long angle, lob to the net player, lob to the back line
Bajada
Slice, topspin, parallel, diagonal, recovery
Bandeja
Defensive, offensive, diagonal, parallel
Forehand
Cross, parallel, slice, topspin, defensive, offensive
Backhand
Cross, parallel, slice, topspin, defensive, offensive
Volley
Net, diagonal, parallel, short volley, reflex volley
Lob
Defensive, offensive, over the net player, into open space, recovery
Push / Softball
Short ball, deep ball, to the sideline, to the center
Slice / Waiting ball
Low rebound, controlled speed Spin, Recovery
Total Shot Variations:
Smash: 6
Gancho: 4
Bajada: 5
Bandeja: 4
Forehand: 6
Backhand: 6
Volley: 5
Lob: 5
Push / Softball: 4
Slice / Waiting Ball: 4
Total: 49 variations
Inventory of Game Situations
Game Situation & Variations
Position on the Court
Forward, Transition Zone, Back
Role in the Game
Offensive, Defensive, Building the Point, Finishing the Point, Keeping the Ball in Play, Recovering Position
Special Situations
Net → Back, Back → Net, Recovery, Building the Point to Score, Break Point Situation, Open Corner, Along the Sideline, Close to the Line
Total Number of Game Situations:
Approximately 12 logical combinations for training/analysis.
Padel shot combinations + situations
49 shot variations × 12 game situations = ≈ 588
In practice, a master spreadsheet can contain 588 possibilities with the most relevant combinations for training and match analysis.
Additional combinations can be added later for high-level coaching.
Structure of the master coaching spreadsheet
Game situation
Shot type/variation
Game
Objective
Tactics
Technique
Observation
Observation
Decision
Execution
Feedback
Paddle Teacher >
The Paddle Teacher training program assesses you on the following key aspects:
Didactics & Methodology
Technical & Tactical Awareness
Professional Attitude & Reflection
Backplay → gaining time, staying in the game
Exemplary skills → good execution in context