Countering the chiquita: blocking and positioning
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I counter a chiquita without losing control?
Stop slicing the ball upwards and instead use a flat, soft block aimed at your opponent's feet. Keep your body low and move slowly to maintain balance, which allows you to react effectively rather than rushing into a defensive error.
What this lesson covers
Defending against a chiquita requires shifting from a slice-heavy defensive mindset to a controlled blocking technique. Instead of slicing the ball upwards, which often leads to a floating shot that gives opponents an easy put-away, the focus remains on a flat, soft block directed at the opponent's feet. This placement forces the opponents to hit upwards from a low position, effectively passing the problem to their side of the court.
Footwork and body position are critical when reacting to these low balls. Players often rush their movement or react too late because they are standing too upright. Maintaining a lower, ready stance and moving more slowly allows for better balance and quicker reactions. If the ball is too low to control with speed, a soft, flat shot toward the feet is safer than attempting a high-risk lob. When the partner plays a lob, the non-hitting player must read the situation early and prepare to move forward only when the opportunity is clear, rather than rushing blindly. Ultimately, the goal is to play to personal strengths and avoid copying professional players who rely on massive smashes to compensate for risky net transitions.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Counter The Chiquita – Masterclass with Germán Schäfer | OtroNivel Padel
Description
Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 75K subscribers this year! Learn how to counter the Chiquita like a pro in this exclusive masterclass with Germán Schäfer 🎾 Most players slice their volleys when defending a Chiquita — and lose control. In this episode, we break down how to block instead of slice, stay balanced, and use your opponent’s pace to win the point. 🔹 What you’ll learn: • Reading the Chiquita early • Correct contact point & timing • Volley shape and angle for control • German’s exercises - How to block the vibora - How to move correctly on the court 🎥 OtroNivel Padel — Masterclasses with the world’s best. German: German_s_padel y Schafer.german Boy: Boy_brons Henrik: Padelstar.akadeemia ~ Use code " otronivel5 " on justpadel.com to get 5% discount! ~ Would you like to learn more? Become a Otro Nivel channel member or special member, support us and become better! 👊🏼 Click & join ➠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMuJTshdLiaUmbYJy8lSkA/join ~ Also find us on: Our Facebook group ➠https://www.facebook.com/groups/padeltips Our Facebook page ➠https://www.facebook.com/otronivelpadel 👊🏼 Become a supporter ➠https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/0tronivel ~ Our instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/0tronivel/ Sven's instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/svenboele/ Sven's tiktok➠ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZScj6vNr/
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Both sides, Net
Play style
Counter-attacking
Secondary shot
Block
Keywords
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