Chiquita
What is a Chiquita in padel?
A chiquita in padel is a low, cross-court passing shot played below the ankles of net players, designed to travel under their reach and force them to volley from an awkward low position. It is typically hit with slice or flat contact and is the primary counter-attack from the back of the court.
Definition
The chiquita is a low, compact passing shot struck cross-court from the backcourt, designed to slip beneath the reach of attacking net players and force them to volley at an awkward, low contact point. The name — Spanish diminutive of 'chico', meaning 'small' — refers both to the compact swing and to the shot's low, tight trajectory. In padel strategy, the chiquita is the primary alternative to the lob: rather than going over the net players, you go past them. The chiquita is most commonly struck from the back of the court after a defensive dig, particularly when opponents are pressing very close to the net and a lob would be easily intercepted or smashed. A well-struck chiquita dips quickly after clearing the net, lands in the mid-court around the service line, and forces the opposing net player to volley from below knee height — a mechanically awkward and technically challenging position that frequently produces a weak reply. The physics of the chiquita are elegant. The ball is struck with topspin, which causes it to drop sharply after crossing the net (topspin increases Magnus force, pulling the ball downward). This means the net player must decide very quickly whether to step forward and intercept early, or let the ball drop and volley from low — both choices are uncomfortable. A net player who hesitates will find the ball passing under their racket entirely. The chiquita is most effective when directed cross-court (the longest diagonal on the court) rather than down the line, because the longer distance gives the ball more time to drop into the service box and gives the net player less time to reach it. However, an unexpected down-the-line chiquita is a high-percentage winner when the net player has overcommitted to the cross-court threat. At club level, the chiquita is often neglected in favour of the lob, which feels safer and more natural. But a player who only lobs becomes entirely predictable. Adding a reliable chiquita to your backcourt game forces net players to defend lower, making your lobs more effective by comparison — opponents can no longer charge the net as aggressively if they fear the chiquita is coming. The shot requires a combination of touch, timing and tactical awareness. Physically, the swing is short and controlled with an open racket face and a low-to-high contact motion. Tactically, the right moment to use it is when opponents are leaning forward or when there is space low and cross-court that a dipping ball can exploit. Advanced players use the chiquita not only as a cross-court passing shot but as part of a tactical sequence. Lob-chiquita combinations are a classic pattern: after a sequence of lobs that has made opponents comfortable at the net, a sudden chiquita catches them leaning forward rather than set for the lob. The chiquita also opens space for the next shot: if the net player at the cross-court side scrambles left to dig out your chiquita, they leave the diagonal open for your partner's follow-up volley. The chiquita is particularly effective when it is hit consistently to one specific target — the backhand hip of the near net player — because that contact point is awkward for a volley regardless of the opponent's level. At professional level, teams often set up the chiquita target deliberately over the previous shot or two, positioning the opponent exactly where the chiquita will be most effective.
Origin: Spanish: 'chiquita' (small), referring to its short, low trajectory.
Etymology
The word 'chiquita' is the feminine diminutive form of 'chico' in Spanish, meaning 'small' or 'little one'. It is a common colloquial term in Spanish and Latin American culture (also the name of a global fruit brand). In padel, the diminutive name reflects the shot's characteristics: the short, compact swing, the low trajectory, and the small margin the ball travels above the net. The term is credited to Argentine padel culture in the 1980s–1990s, and it spread to Spain and the rest of the padel world without translation.
History
The chiquita emerged as a formal tactical concept in Argentine padel during the late 1980s, when players began systematically analysing ways to bypass net players without lobbing. Early padel was heavily dominated by the lob-and-overhead exchange; the chiquita represented a paradigm shift by opening up the low passing lane as a viable alternative. Argentine coaches began teaching it explicitly in the 1990s as a response to increasingly aggressive net play. The shot gained international recognition as Argentine professionals brought it to the European circuit. By the 2010s the chiquita was considered a fundamental backcourt skill at any competitive level. Modern padel analytics confirm that well-executed chiquitas produce direct winners or weak volleys at rates comparable to offensive lobs, validating its strategic importance.
Technique
From the backcourt, set up with a sideways stance and a low take-back. The racket face should be open (angled slightly upward) with the tip pointing down during the backswing. Strike the ball at around hip to knee height with a low-to-high swing path, brushing across and upward to generate topspin. The contact point is slightly in front of your body and to the side. The swing is compact — no more than 60% of a full groundstroke — to keep the ball tight and controlled. Aim to clear the net by 10–20 cm, targeting the cross-court service box around the opponent's feet. Follow through toward your non-dominant shoulder. After the shot, move forward — the chiquita is not just a defensive shot but a transition shot that should lead to a net approach if successful. To drill the chiquita: stand three metres behind the baseline and have a partner at the net. Your partner feeds a mid-court ball to your backhand (the typical position for a chiquita). Hit 20 cross-court chiquitas in a row, aiming to land each one in the cross-court service box between the service line and the net. Count consecutive successful placements. The drill teaches both technique and the 'feel' for how much pace is needed to get the ball dipping at the net.
When to use it
Use the chiquita when you need an alternative to the lob and opponents are crowding the net. It is most effective when opponents are forward and there is a clear low lane cross-court. Deploy it when you have been lobbing consistently and opponents have started anticipating the lob — a sudden chiquita will catch them flat-footed. It is also effective when you have been pushed to the side of the court and a cross-court low ball naturally opens the angle. Avoid the chiquita if opponents are back (it becomes a short ball they can attack) or if you are under extreme pressure and lack the time to strike it cleanly.
Common errors
Hitting the chiquita too high is the most common error — the ball arrives at a comfortable volley height for the net player rather than forcing a low, awkward contact. Striking with too much power defeats the purpose; the shot should dip, not drive. Hitting down-the-line when opponents are positioned to cover it gives a very low margin of error. Many players also fail to move forward after the shot, missing the transition opportunity the chiquita creates.
Pro examples
Paquito Navarro is widely cited by coaches as the definitive reference for chiquita execution — he combines soft hands, precise direction and excellent shot selection to make the chiquita a consistent point-building tool. On the women's circuit, Alejandra Salazar is considered one of the best practitioners of the low cross-court passing game.
Sources
Common questions
How is a chiquita different from a drop shot?
A chiquita goes cross-court and is played at baseline or mid-court. A drop shot is typically down the line near the net, softer and shorter.
What grip helps with a chiquita?
A relaxed eastern or continental grip with a short, compact stroke; feel for the ball rather than power.
Related terms
Practice drills