What is a bandeja in padel?

The bandeja (Spanish for 'tray') is a padel overhead shot played from a defensive or mid-court position when you can't execute a smash. Unlike a smash, the bandeja is played with a flat, controlled swing — the racket face tilted slightly forward, like holding a tray. It's used to maintain the net position rather than win the point outright. Key technique: approach the ball with the non-dominant shoulder pointing at the target, make contact above and slightly in front of your head with a compact arm movement, and direct the ball toward the opponent's back glass. The bandeja is considered an intermediate skill — essential for any player moving from P2 to P3.