Bandeja and Vibora: tactical and technical differences
Key takeaway from our Guru
What is the difference between a bandeja and a vibora?
Think of the bandeja as a defensive block to regain the net, while the vibora is an aggressive, throwing motion used to attack. If you are deep in the court, prioritize the bandeja to neutralize the point rather than forcing a low-percentage smash.
What this lesson covers
The bandeja serves as a defensive overhead played from deep in the court to regain the net. It functions as a progression from the high forehand volley, requiring a block motion with an open racket face to punch through the ball. Players aim for a slow, controlled shot into space to buy time for recovery. If forced back to the service line or beyond, the bandeja becomes difficult to execute effectively, making a defensive play off the back glass a better alternative to maintain court position.
The vibora acts as an attacking slice smash, typically executed closer to the net. Unlike the bandeja, the vibora involves a throwing motion where the racket head brushes around the side of the ball to generate side spin and slice. This shot requires full commitment and confidence to achieve necessary racket head speed. While professionals may hit the vibora from deep, club players find more success playing it from near the second post. Both shots require an early side-on turn to avoid being late, with the most effective practice occurring in a controlled environment using a ball machine or a partner feeding consistent lobs.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
BANDEJA vs VIBORA: Do You Really Know the Difference?
Description
Bandeja or Vibora? Learn which padel overhead to use and when to play it. Perfect for intermediate players wanting to make better decisions at the net. Watch Premier Padel on Red Bull TV: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/event-series/premier-padel If you’re new to The Padel School, welcome. We’re Sandy and Tom Farquharson - two brothers and the founders of this platform. Our mission? To give every padel player the best coaching advice possible so you can unlock your full potential on the court. Here’s why we care so much about this… We grew up in tennis, competing from juniors all the way to the pro level. And honestly? It was frustrating. No matter how hard we worked, it was nearly impossible to get the high-quality coaching we needed to reach our full potential. When we discovered padel over a decade ago, we fell in love with the sport instantly. But guess what? The coaching situation was even worse. Getting solid advice in English? Forget it. That’s when we decided enough was enough. As we played on the pro padel circuit and started coaching players across the globe, we realised no player should have to struggle to find clear, actionable guidance – in any sport. Every player deserves access to the knowledge they need to grow, improve, and play the game at their highest level. So we built The Padel School. It’s where we share everything we’ve learned on and off the court. Whether you’re a total beginner or chasing a competitive edge, we’re here to make sure you get the coaching we wish we’d had. To all the padel warriors out there: the road to improvement isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it rewarding. Keep grinding, keep learning, and remember – every point is a new opportunity to get better. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial): https://thepadelschool.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players: https://thepadelschool.com/drill-book?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course: https://thepadelschool.com/mental-toughness-course?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_110425_HOW_Do_the_PROs_Hit_Such_COMPACT_and_POWERFUL_VOLLEYS FREE Equipment Guide: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment YouTube - https://youtube.com/thepadelschool Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events Read our blogs - https://thepadelschool.com/blog/ 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more padel tips and match strategies every week! #Padel #PadelTips #PadelStrategy
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Net, Service line, Backcourt
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Vibora
Keywords
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