---
title: "Overhead Drills for Padel | Bandeja, Vibora, and Smash Control | DK"
url: "https://padel.how/dk/training/overhead-drills/"
description: "Overhead drills for padel: bandeja control, vibora shape, safe smash selection, recovery after contact, and pressure games for real matches."
date_published: "2026-05-31"
date_modified: "2026-05-31"
locale: "dk"
---

## Direkte svar

> Overhead drills for padel: bandeja control, vibora shape, safe smash selection, recovery after contact, and pressure games for real matches.

# Overhead Drills for Padel


Overhead training in padel is not only smash practice. Most players need better shot selection first: when to control with bandeja, when to add vibora shape, and when the smash is actually available.


## Overhead drill progression


Move from control to power. Do not skip the early steps just because the smash is more fun.


| Drill | Goal | How to do it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bandeja depth target | Keep net position. | Feed lobs and play controlled bandejas deep through the middle or cross-court. |
| Vibora lane | Add side-spin shape. | Aim with controlled pace into a clear lane, not at the smallest corner. |
| Smash availability | Choose the right ball. | Only smash feeds that are high, in front, and allow balanced contact. |
| Overhead plus recovery | Prepare the next ball. | Hit the overhead, recover with your partner, then play one more ball. |
| Decision drill | Train selection. | Feeder varies height and depth; player must call bandeja, vibora, or smash before hitting. |


## Separate the three overhead jobs


The bandeja usually protects position. The vibora adds more attacking shape. The smash tries to finish or create a decisive rebound. Mixing these jobs creates errors.


Start with a controlled bandeja target before adding speed. If you cannot keep the ball deep and recover, more power will not solve the problem.


- [Bandeja vs vibora vs smash](https://padel.how/dk/techniques/bandeja-vs-vibora-vs-smash/)
- [How to do a bandeja](https://padel.how/dk/techniques/how-to-do-a-bandeja-in-padel/)
- [How to do a vibora](https://padel.how/dk/techniques/how-to-do-a-vibora-in-padel/)


## Make the drill include recovery


A common overhead training mistake is hitting one good ball and stopping. In matches, the overhead often comes back through the glass, a block, or a counter-lob.


After each overhead, recover to a useful net position with your partner. The drill is not complete until you are ready for the next ball.


- [Smash mistakes](https://padel.how/dk/mistakes/smash-mistakes/)
- [Defending smashes](https://padel.how/dk/defense/how-to-defend-against-smashes-in-padel/)
- [Footwork drills](https://padel.how/dk/training/footwork-drills/)


## Add pressure without losing the purpose


Once contact is stable, add scoring. For example: one point for a deep controlled bandeja, two for a good vibora target, and minus one for a forced smash from a poor ball.


This teaches the real lesson: the best overhead is the one that fits the ball, your balance, and your team's next position.


- [How to smash in padel](https://padel.how/dk/techniques/how-to-smash-in-padel/)
- [X3 and X4 smash](https://padel.how/dk/techniques/x3-x4-smash/)
- [Attack vs control](https://padel.how/dk/strategy/attack-vs-control/)


## FAQ

### What overhead should beginners practice first?

Beginners should start with controlled overheads and bandeja-style depth before power smashes.

### How do I know when to smash in a drill?

Smash only when the feed is high, in front, and you are balanced enough to control the result.

### Should I practice vibora before bandeja?

Usually no. Bandeja control gives the safer foundation, then vibora shape can be added.

### What is the biggest overhead drill mistake?

Stopping after contact instead of recovering for the next ball is the biggest transfer problem.

### How often should I train overheads?

Short focused blocks inside regular training are better than long sessions of tired smashes.