Padel Glossary

A serve that wins the point without the receiving team touching the ball. Aces are rare in padel due to the underhand serve and enclosed court.

An informal statistic sometimes used to describe a shot that directly sets up a winning point by a partner. Assists are not part of official padel match statistics.

A groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side of the body. In padel, backhands are usually compact and focused on control rather than power.

A shot played after the ball rebounds off the back glass, typically hit downward. The bajada can be defensive or aggressive depending on timing and positioning.

Break is a game won by the receiving team when the opponents are serving. Breaking serve gives the receiving team a scoring advantage within the set.

A soft, low shot played from the back of the court toward the feet of opponents at the net. The chiquita is used to disrupt positioning and force weak replies.

The standard grip used in padel for most shots. It allows quick transitions between forehands, backhands, volleys, and overhead shots.

A playing characteristic focused on precision and consistency rather than power. Control is especially important in padel due to the use of walls.

Occurs when the server misses both serve attempts. The point is automatically awarded to the receiving team.

A softly played shot that lands close to the net. The dropshot is used to exploit opponents who are positioned deep in the court.

The metal mesh surrounding parts of the court. If the ball hits the fence before bouncing on the ground, the point ends.

A groundstroke hit on the dominant side. In padel, forehands are usually played with short preparation and controlled follow-through.

The glass walls surrounding the court that are part of play. After the ball bounces on the ground, it may hit the glass and remain in play.

A single deciding point played at deuce instead of advantage. The receiving team chooses which side receives the serve.

A replayed serve or point, most commonly called when a serve touches the net and lands correctly in the service box.

A high shot played over opponents at the net. The lob is a key defensive and tactical shot in padel.

The barrier dividing the court into two halves. Touching the net with the body, racket, or clothing during a rally ends the point.

A commonly used Spanish term for a padel racket.

A controlled overhead shot played near the net with heavy topspin. The rulo is aimed toward the side fence and is used to create a difficult bounce rather than finish the point with power.

The shot that starts a point. In padel, serves must be hit underhand, below waist height, and diagonally into the service box.

Backspin applied to the ball, causing it to slow down and bounce lower. Slice is commonly used in volleys and overhead shots.

An attacking overhead shot intended to finish the point or force a weak return. Smashes can be flat or played with spin.

An alternative padel scoring format approved by the International Padel Federation, designed to shorten games by allowing no more than two advantage points, after which a single decisive point is played to determine the game.

The area of the racket face that produces the cleanest contact and best control. Shots hit outside the sweet spot lose accuracy.

A special game played at 6–6 to decide a set. Points are counted numerically, and a two-point lead is required to win.

Forward spin applied to the ball, causing it to dip faster and bounce higher. Topspin is often used in smashes and aggressive shots.

An aggressive overhead shot hit with side spin and a slicing motion. The vibora is aimed low toward the side glass or fence.

A shot played before the ball bounces, usually near the net. Volleys in padel focus on control and placement.