Bandeja and vibora technique: contact and movement

What this lesson covers

This lesson addresses the transition from tennis to padel, specifically focusing on the bandeja and vibora. The coach identifies that players coming from tennis often treat high balls like a smash, leading to a contact point that is too high and a swing that moves too steeply downward. To correct this, the coach emphasizes keeping the racket head open and maintaining a contact point in front of the body, similar to a high forehand volley. This approach allows the ball to travel forward rather than just downward into the net.

Movement and rhythm are central to the lesson. The coach highlights that moving too quickly to the back of the court causes players to lose balance and hit the ball late. Instead, players are encouraged to move slower, prepare the racket early, and focus on a long, fluid follow-through. The goal is to keep the second bounce of the ball within the court, ideally near the opponent's feet, to prevent them from attacking. The coach uses the analogy of rolling a bowling ball to describe the sensation of a smooth, controlled follow-through, noting that the arm should remain relaxed with a light grip pressure of about four or five out of ten. This lesson is suited for tennis players struggling to adapt their overhead game to the specific demands of padel.