Bandeja and vibora: technique and body rotation

What this lesson covers

The bandeja serves as a controlled shot to recover court position rather than a weapon to win points. Players should contact the ball at head height and to the side. The movement relies on shoulder and hip rotation rather than wrist action. To prevent the ball from floating, the racket should brush the side of the ball, similar to the three o'clock position on a clock face. Footwork is necessary to ensure the ball stays at a consistent height, allowing for proper rotation through the shot. The coach advises against dropping the racket tip to generate spin, as the body rotation provides the necessary effect.

The vibora requires a more extended arm, with the racket reaching further behind the head compared to the bandeja. The motion mimics skipping a stone on water, with the arm fully extending forward through the contact point. While the bandeja is for containment, the vibora allows for more aggression and acceleration. Players should practice the vibora in training sessions before attempting it in matches to ensure the movement becomes natural. The coach suggests starting with a controlled approach, gradually increasing speed as the mechanics of the shoulder and hip rotation become more consistent.