Overhead shot selection: tactical decision making
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I decide which overhead shot to use?
Choose your shot based on the incoming ball height and your court position. If you have time and are underneath the ball, use a kick smash, but if the ball is behind you, play a gancho to reset the point.
What this lesson covers
Selecting the correct overhead depends on court position, partner and opponent movement, and personal skill level. When moving backward or when the ball is on the left shoulder, a kick to the fence offers a high-percentage angle. A flat smash is most effective when moving forward to meet the ball, while a kick smash requires a medium-high ball to allow the player to get underneath it. If the ball is low or behind the player, a gancho serves as a defensive reset to maintain net position.
Bandeja and vibora choices depend on comfort and court placement. A vibora often works best from the left side to keep the ball in the corner, while the bandeja provides a safer, more controlled option. When opponents rush the net, a fake smash or a fast shot to the feet prevents them from using the glass. Environmental factors like temperature, altitude, and wind dictate whether to play aggressively or prioritize safety. Taller players often find more success with flat smashes due to a higher contact point, whereas shorter players may benefit from using more kick to generate power.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
WHEN To Use What Padel Overhead Technique? W/U.Maarsen
Description
Please subscribe, let's get 40K subscribers this year! Decision making might be one of the most important things in padel. If you become quick in decesion making you make way less mistakes and you will be able to play padel while walking on the court Today we will speak about: - All padel overheads accept bajada - Bandeja - Vibora - The kicksmash - The flat smash - Kick to the fence - Smash to the fence - Gancho - Fake smash ~ 10% discount if you visit my online padel shop. Go to www.racketteam.com and use code: otronivel ~ 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/0tronivel 👊🏼 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
Left, Right, Net
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Smash
Keywords
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