Common Padel Terms and Slang: The Complete Glossary

Essential Shot Terms

Bandeja: Controlled slice overhead to maintain net position. Vibora: Aggressive overhead with heavy sidespin. Bajada: Powerful overhead from the back after a glass rebound. Chiquita: Soft low shot aimed at net players' feet. Globo: High deep lob over opponents' heads. Rulo: Topspin lob that dips and kicks high off the back glass.

Court and Position Terms

Net Position: The offensive position, 2-3 meters from the net. Back Position: Defensive position near the back glass. The T: Center of the court near the net. Golden Point: Sudden-death point at deuce.

Game Situation Terms

Break: Winning when opponents serve. Hold: Winning when your team serves. Poach: Net player crosses to intercept. Switch: Partners change sides during a point. Por tres: Ball hits back wall then side wall. Por cuatro: Ball hits side wall then back wall.

General Terms

Pala: The padel racket. Cristal: The glass walls. Malla: The wire mesh fencing.