Advanced Bandeja: The Defensive Lob Alternative

The bandeja is a defensive shot unique to padel. When your opponent hits a high ball at you (but not smashable), the bandeja buys time by arcing it back high. Grip: continental. Position: side-on, with non-dominant shoulder toward net. The motion is similar to a slice, but the racket path is upward and through, creating loft. Your arm stays relatively straight, with motion coming from the wrist and elbow. Contact the ball at waist height or slightly higher, in front of your body. The follow-through is upward, finishing at shoulder height. The bandeja creates a high, deep ball that forces opponent to hit a smash from the baseline—much harder than from the net. Many advanced players use bandeja on fast incoming balls when they can't lob normally. The key is disguising the bandeja until the last moment—opponent should see a potential smash motion, then see the ball arc high. Practice from both sides.