The basic padel shots are the serve, return, groundstroke, wall shot, volley, lob and overheads such as the bandeja, vibora and smash. Beginners do not need to master all of them at once. Start with the shots that keep the rally alive, then add the attacking ones when your timing catches up.
Padel looks familiar if you have played tennis, squash or pickleball, but the glass changes everything. Shorter swings, better positioning and patience usually beat a heroic swipe. Annoying, but true.
Quick shot guide
| Shot | Main job | Beginner priority |
|---|---|---|
| Serve | Start the point safely | High |
| Return | Neutralise the serve | High |
| Groundstroke | Keep the rally controlled | High |
| Wall shot | Use the rebound rather than panic | High |
| Volley | Pressure opponents from the net | High |
| Lob | Move opponents away from the net | High |
| Bandeja | Keep net position with control | Medium |
| Vibora | Attack with slice and angle | Low to medium |
| Smash | Finish a point from the right ball | Low |
The serve
Padel points start with an underarm serve after one bounce. The serve goes diagonally into the opposite service box. The LTA explains that padel scoring follows tennis, but the serve and walls make the game feel different from the first point.
For beginners, the best serve is reliable and awkward enough to avoid an easy return. Do not chase aces. A low, steady serve to the body or backhand side is usually more useful than trying to paint the line.
The return
The return is your first chance to stop the serving pair taking control. Keep it compact, make the server play another ball and avoid giving the net player a simple volley.
Many beginners try to hit a return winner. Most of them discover the side glass. The better target is often low through the middle or cross-court with enough height to clear the net safely.
For a deeper guide, read how to return serve in padel.
The groundstroke
Padel groundstrokes are usually shorter than tennis swings. You want control, depth and shape. If you swing too big, the glass, fence and your partner all become more involved than planned.
Use groundstrokes to build the point, not to finish everything. Aim deep when you have time and play safer through the middle when stretched.
The wall shot
The wall shot is what makes padel click. Once the ball has bounced on your side, you can let it rebound off the glass and play it after the bounce. That extra time is a gift if you stay calm.
Your first goal is simple: let the ball pass when it is going to rebound comfortably, turn your shoulders and play a controlled shot back. Do not sprint backwards waving the racket like a distress signal.
For more on this, read how to use the walls in padel without panicking.
The volley
The volley is played before the ball bounces, usually at the net. In padel, volleys are often about control and placement rather than huge punch.
A good beginner volley goes low, deep or into space. It makes opponents hit up, which gives you the next chance. Keep the racket in front, shorten the swing and avoid trying to end every point with one shot.
The lob
The lob is one of padel's most important shots. It sends the ball high and deep, usually to move opponents away from the net.
A beginner who learns a decent lob becomes much harder to bully. Use it when opponents are close to the net and you have enough control to lift the ball deep. A short lob is just a polite invitation to attack.
The bandeja
A bandeja is a controlled overhead used to keep position at the net. It is not really a smash. The aim is to stop the opponent's lob from pushing you all the way back while keeping the ball awkward and safe.
Think control first: sideways position, compact swing, slice and depth. If you are new, learn the idea before worrying about making it look Spanish enough.
Read the deeper explainer here: what is a bandeja in padel?
The vibora
A vibora is a more attacking sliced overhead. It is usually faster and more aggressive than a bandeja, with the aim of making the ball skid and stay awkward after the wall.
It is useful, but not a beginner emergency. If you cannot control the simple overhead yet, the vibora can wait. Padel will not report you.
Read more here: what is a vibora in padel?
Which shots should beginners learn first?
Learn these in order:
- Serve safely.
- Return safely.
- Keep groundstrokes compact.
- Use the back wall calmly.
- Volley without overhitting.
- Lob deep enough to reset the point.
- Add bandeja, vibora and smash later.
If you are choosing kit, start with a controllable racket from our padel rackets. If comfort is the issue, try racket overgrips before assuming you need a completely different setup.
FAQs
What are the main shots in padel?
The main padel shots include the serve, return, forehand, backhand, wall shot, volley, lob, bandeja, vibora and smash.
What shot should a padel beginner learn first?
Start with the serve, return and controlled groundstrokes. These keep points alive and give you a base before adding harder overheads.
What is the difference between a bandeja and a vibora?
A bandeja is usually a controlled overhead used to keep net position. A vibora is more attacking, with more slice and speed. Beginners should learn control before chasing the vibora.
Is the lob important in padel?
Yes. The lob is one of the most important beginner shots because it helps move opponents away from the net and gives your side time to recover.
Do I need a powerful racket for padel shots?
Not at beginner level. A controllable, comfortable racket is usually more useful while you are learning timing, walls and shot choice.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 21 June 2026.
