Vibora — Padel Drills
The vibora (Spanish: viper) is an overhead with topspin and sidespin, causing the ball to kick aggressively off the back glass. Advanced technique typically for A1+ players.
Technique: step by step
Identify the right ball
The vibora works on balls at mid-height (shoulder to ear level) when your opponents are at the net. For balls above your head, use a smash. For balls below shoulder height, use a bandeja.
Same preparation as a bandeja
Take up identical body position to your bandeja — feet, weight, racket position. The deception value of the vibora comes entirely from this identical preparation.
Brush across the ball at contact
At the moment of contact, brush the racket across the ball from inside-out — like wiping a window. This generates the sidespin that makes the ball kick off the glass unpredictably.
Target the side glass angle
Aim for the back corner between the side glass and back fence. A vibora that hits this angle creates an almost unreturnable kick. Avoid aiming at the opponent — the glass does the work.
Stay at the net
Unlike a smash, don't follow the vibora back. Stay at the net and expect the opponent to scramble — your volleys should finish the point.
Coach tip
A flat vibora that goes deep is more effective than a mistimed spinning shot. Build timing before adding spin.
Drills by level
- 1.Slow-motion shadow swing: stand in court and practice the brush motion without a ball. Focus on the inside-out wrist path at contact. 50 repetitions before adding a ball.
- 2.Feed drill: have a partner feed mid-height lobs. Attempt the vibora on each. Count successful shots (those that hit the side glass). Target 3/10 initially.
- 1.Combination drill: mix bandeja and vibora randomly based on a partner's call. Building the switching reflex is more valuable than perfecting either shot in isolation.
- 2.Match-play restriction: play a full game where all overheads above the shoulder must be viboras — no smashes. Forces commitment to the spin shot under pressure.
- 1.Left-side vibora: most players have a dominant right-side vibora. Drill the left side specifically — it should target the opponent's right side, not mirror the right-side vibora's angle.
- 2.Acceleration drill: start with a 50% pace vibora, building to 80% over 10 shots. The spin should increase proportionally. Overhitting at 100% removes the spin — find your optimal pace.
Get SmashIQ video analysis
Upload a video of your vibora and get frame-by-frame AI coaching. SmashIQ identifies contact point, swing path, and footwork automatically.
Join the waitlist