IntermediateTechnique guide

Chiquita — Padel Drills

The chiquita is a low passing shot that passes below the net player's reach, usually cross-court. The primary weapon against a net-dominating pair.

Technique: step by step

Identify the opportunity

The chiquita works when net players are too close to the net (reaching for volleys) or out of position. A pair settled at 1m from the net with good coverage is harder to chiquita.

Swing low-to-high, sharp angle

Generate topspin with a low-to-high swing. The ball must dip below the net player's racket (around 0.8m from the ground as it crosses the net). Sharp cross-court angle makes the target corridor wider.

Early preparation is key

Unlike a defensive shot, the chiquita is aggressive — it needs early backswing. If you're late, you end up lobbing by default. Aim for contact ahead of your front foot.

Disguise with a lob preparation

Prepare as if you're going to lob. This freezes the net player momentarily — they must decide whether to hold for the volley or retreat for the lob. The confusion creates the gap.

Follow to the net after the chiquita

A successful chiquita pushes opponents back from the net, giving you the transition window. Move to the net immediately after playing the shot.

Coach tip

The chiquita is harder than it looks — don't attempt it under pressure until you have 30+ clean practice repetitions at medium pace. A chiquita that pops up is an easy put-away for the net pair.

Drills by level

1.Low-ball feed drill: partner drops balls at your feet from close range. Play the chiquita cross-court, aiming to land it between the net and service line on the far side. 20 repetitions forehand and backhand.
2.Dip-below-the-tape drill: string a ribbon 10cm above the net tape. The chiquita must go under it. If it hits the ribbon, it would have been intercepted by a net player.

1.Chiquita-to-net drill: play the chiquita, then both players rush the net. If opponents return it, play a volley. Trains the full attacking sequence: chiquita → net position → put-away.
2.Disguise drill: same preparation for chiquita and lob. Call 'C' or 'L' to your partner at the last moment. Train your body not to reveal the shot early.

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Technique: step by step

Identify the opportunity

The chiquita works when net players are too close to the net (reaching for volleys) or out of position. A pair settled at 1m from the net with good coverage is harder to chiquita.

Swing low-to-high, sharp angle

Early preparation is key

Unlike a defensive shot, the chiquita is aggressive — it needs early backswing. If you're late, you end up lobbing by default. Aim for contact ahead of your front foot.

Disguise with a lob preparation

Prepare as if you're going to lob. This freezes the net player momentarily — they must decide whether to hold for the volley or retreat for the lob. The confusion creates the gap.

Follow to the net after the chiquita

A successful chiquita pushes opponents back from the net, giving you the transition window. Move to the net immediately after playing the shot.

Drills by level

1.Low-ball feed drill: partner drops balls at your feet from close range. Play the chiquita cross-court, aiming to land it between the net and service line on the far side. 20 repetitions forehand and backhand.
2.Dip-below-the-tape drill: string a ribbon 10cm above the net tape. The chiquita must go under it. If it hits the ribbon, it would have been intercepted by a net player.

1.Chiquita-to-net drill: play the chiquita, then both players rush the net. If opponents return it, play a volley. Trains the full attacking sequence: chiquita → net position → put-away.
2.Disguise drill: same preparation for chiquita and lob. Call 'C' or 'L' to your partner at the last moment. Train your body not to reveal the shot early.

Chiquita — Padel Drills

Technique: step by step

Identify the opportunity

Swing low-to-high, sharp angle

Early preparation is key

Disguise with a lob preparation

Follow to the net after the chiquita

Drills by level

Get SmashIQ video analysis

Related drills

Chiquita — Padel Drills

Technique: step by step

Identify the opportunity

Swing low-to-high, sharp angle

Early preparation is key

Disguise with a lob preparation

Follow to the net after the chiquita

Drills by level

Get SmashIQ video analysis

Related drills