Chiquita technique: soft hands and glass use

Chiquita11:46Sep 21, 2026

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I use the chiquita to stop fast volleys?

Use the back glass to slow the ball down and play it softly toward the feet of your opponents. Do not try to hit through them, but focus on giving the ball enough air time so you and your partner can move forward together.

What this lesson covers

The chiquita serves to disrupt the rhythm of opponents by forcing them to hit from below net height. This shot allows players to transition from a defensive position to the net. Success relies on using the back glass to slow down fast incoming volleys, as attempting to block or half-volley from the back of the court often results in a loss of control. Players must prioritize soft hands and rapid footwork to reach the ball in time, rather than attempting to hit through the opponents.

There is no requirement to approach the net after every chiquita. A defensive version helps recover a better position in the back court, while an attacking version is appropriate when the ball is moving forward or is short enough to allow a transition. The shot must be played slowly to provide enough air time for both partners to move forward together. Hitting the ball too fast allows opponents to block it back easily, leaving the attacking pair stranded in no man's land. Players should expect to miss or float the ball early in a match, as finding the correct range takes time and practice.

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Original video

The Padel School

Added on Sep 22, 2026

How Pros Play Chiquitas

Description

How do the pros use chiquitas to turn defence into attack? This soft shot towards your opponents’ feet can force a difficult volley and create an opportunity to move forward. But the difference is knowing when to use it—and what to do next. In this video, we break down how the pros use chiquitas, why placement matters more than power, and how to follow your shot to put pressure on your opponents. If you’re new to The Padel School, welcome! We’re Sandy and Tom Farquharson - two brothers and the founders of the TPS 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. See you on the court, Tom and Sandy Location: Rocket Battersea Power Station 0:00 Intro 0:28 Why Slow Down 2:05 The Physics 3:17 The Glass 4:50 Footwork 5:59 Patience 7:20 The Speed 8:55 Mistakes 9:49 Practice It 11:09 Challenge To You ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-match-journal?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial): https://community.thepadelschool.com/checkout/player-membership-new?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas 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_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas Get our Mental Toughness Course: https://thepadelschool.com/mental-toughness-course?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas Get the Slinger Machine (Discount Code: TPS10): https://slingerpadel.com/en/?srsltid=AfmBOoqpHJsOqkIwD8nbbIldrG57LRk5hyhjbwpadCVZEW8E61nA6A2J?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=longform_092126_How_Pros_Play_Chiquitas

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced

Court position

Backcourt

Play style

Counter-attacking

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