Never Smash a Deep Lob — Play the Bandeja
The Situation
Your opponent lobs deep toward the back corner while you are at the net.
What To Do
Resist the tennis instinct to smash. Use shuffle steps to retreat, hit a bandeja — a sliced overhead — and immediately return to the net.
Why It Works
According to the LTA, the bandeja accounts for 69% of overheads in professional women's padel. Its purpose is to neutralize the lob while keeping net position — not to win the point outright. The back wall amplifies any smash into a defensive advantage for your opponents. Belasteguín built his entire game on this principle: control over power.
Court Positioning
Net player shuffles back on deep lob → plays bandeja at shoulder height → sliced ball lands mid-court low → player immediately advances back to net position.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Volley Down at Feet — Not at the Body
You are at the net and receive a medium-height ball you can control.
Stand 1 Metre from the Net — Not 2
You are at the net but keep backing up when opponents wind up for a shot.
Mirror Your Partner's Lateral Movement
You and your partner are both at the net and a ball goes to your partner's side.