Bajada — Padel Drills
The bajada (Spanish: descent) is played as the ball comes off the back glass after a bounce. You strike it before the second bounce. One of padel's most technically demanding shots.
Technique: step by step
Step back from the baseline
After the ball hits the back glass, step back 1–2m to give yourself space. Many players stand too close to the glass and have no room to swing. Distance creates time.
Track the ball's arc off the glass
Every back glass plays slightly differently. Watch the ball from the glass contact point and track its arc early. The bajada requires reading the rebound angle — this is the hardest part.
Contact low, swing upward
Contact the ball below the net height if possible, swinging low-to-high to generate lift. The bajada is essentially a low groundstroke played off a rebound — treat it like a rising-ball forehand or backhand.
Attack cross-court or down the line
A well-executed bajada is an attacking shot — it transitions your team from defense (at the glass) to offense (toward the net). Target the feet of a net player or the open space.
Follow to the net immediately
After a clean bajada, take 3 steps toward the net with your partner. The bajada is a transition weapon — its value is in regaining the net position, not winning the point outright.
Coach tip
Step back before the ball hits the glass, not after. Those 0.5 seconds of early movement are the difference between a clean bajada and a cramped error.
Drills by level
- 1.Glass-feed drill: stand at the baseline. Partner feeds a lob over your head at the glass. Ball bounces off glass; you play the bajada. Repeat 20 times each side (forehand and backhand glass rebound).
- 2.Controlled bajada: play the bajada cross-court aiming to land between the net and service line. A deep bajada gives the net team time to put it away — keep it short and low.
- 1.Bajada into net rush: after playing the bajada, sprint to net with your partner. Next ball is played from net position. The transition is the key skill — practice the movement, not just the shot.
- 2.Two-glass bajada: rare but powerful — ball bounces off back glass then side glass before you play the bajada. Stand near the corner and practice reading this double-rebound arc.
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