Bandeja technique: avoid a bouncy ball
Key takeaway from our Guru
Why does my bandeja bounce too high for my opponents to attack?
You are likely treating the bandeja like a smash, which causes you to drop your elbow and hit up at the ball. Instead, think of it as a high forehand volley and keep your racket above the ball so you can push down through contact.
What this lesson covers
The bandeja serves as a defensive overhead intended to neutralize the point and allow players to recover the net. Many recreational players struggle with a ball that bounces too high off the glass, which gives opponents an easy opportunity to attack. The primary cause of this issue is poor footwork. Players often move too late or fail to get behind and to the side of the ball, leading to an incorrect contact point.
To fix a bouncy bandeja, treat the shot like a high forehand volley rather than a smash. Keep the racket and elbow high during the takeback to ensure you can strike down on the ball with an open face. This blocking motion creates the necessary slice to keep the ball low. Aiming for the side glass first, rather than the back glass, helps the ball die deeper in the court and limits the opponent's ability to attack. Consistent repetition through shadow swings and self-fed drills at home builds the necessary muscle memory to make these movements automatic during a match.
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Original video
Added on Oct 25, 2026
Why Is Your Bandeja So Bouncy?
Description
Why does your bandeja keep bouncing up and giving your opponents an easy ball to attack? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down one of the most frustrating problems for recreational players: the bouncy bandeja. After Sandy's latest trip with Red Bull TV to Paris, they start by looking at how the pros used the bandeja in outdoor conditions, how they adapted to the sun and high lobs, and why the bandeja is still an important shot even in the modern game. They then break down the technique behind a more effective bandeja and the common mistakes that cause the ball to bounce too high. They discuss: -Why the pros still use the bandeja -The difference between a bandeja and a vibora -Why footwork is often the biggest problem -How to position yourself under a lob -Why your racket and elbow need to be above the ball -Why you should think of the bandeja as a high forehand volley, not a smash -How slowing the shot down can actually make it more effective -Why using the glass can help take speed off the ball -Where to aim your bandeja to make it harder to attack -How to build better technique through quality repetitions off the court The key is not simply hitting the bandeja harder. It’s about getting into the right position, creating the right contact and using the shot to neutralise the point so you can recover the net. If your bandeja keeps bouncing and getting attacked, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do to fix it. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-match-journal?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_092426_Why_Is_Your_Bandeja_So_Bouncy EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial): https://thepadelschool.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_092426_Why_Is_Your_Bandeja_So_Bouncy Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players: https://thepadelschool.com/drill-book?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_092426_Why_Is_Your_Bandeja_So_Bouncy Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_092426_Why_Is_Your_Bandeja_So_Bouncy Get our Mental Toughness Course: https://thepadelschool.com/mental-toughness-course?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_092426_Why_Is_Your_Bandeja_So_Bouncy
Good for
Skill level
Court position
Backcourt
Play style
Defensive
Secondary shot
Slice
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