If you’ve been around the world of padel for a while, you’re probably familiar with most padel terms. Some of these terms are similar to tennis terms, such as the forehand volley, backhand volley, and the smash. However, the technique for these shots differs between tennis and padel. Apart from these “standard” shots, you’ve likely come across specific padel terms like the bajada, bandeja, vibora, and chiquita. Padel, a sport that originated in Mexico and gained prominence in countries like Spain and Argentina, often uses Spanish names for these shots. In this blog, we’ll explain everything about the padel shot known as the Bajada.

What is the Bajada Padel Shot?

The Bajada is an offensive shot in padel that you can employ when you’re originally in the net position, and your opponent plays a lob that bounces high off the back glass. You strike the ball in a downward trajectory over the net, preventing your opponent from making an attacking return and allowing you to take control of the offensive position. This shot is renowned for its attacking nature and often boasts a high success rate. But to master this shot effectively, there are several crucial techniques and considerations you need to understand.

When to Use the Bajada?

The Bajada is used after the ball has hit the back glass and bounces high. You’re often already at the net, and your opponent then plays a lob. The higher the ball goes after the bounce, the more effectively you can play the Bajada. It’s essential to assess both the ball’s height from the back glass and the distance between you and the back glass before deciding which shot to use.

Bajada Padel Shot: Technique and Tips

To execute the Bajada successfully, you must understand the correct technique. Here are some crucial steps:

Creating Space: Ensure there is enough room between the back glass and the ball. If the ball stays too close to the glass, it becomes challenging to execute the shot correctly.

Preparation: Keep your padel racket high, higher than the ball itself. This allows you to give a downward motion to the ball, keeping it low and challenging to return.

Position: Be ready to move towards the ball as it touches the ground. This helps you hit the ball at its highest point, giving you more control.

Contact Point: Strike the ball in the center of your racket blade, the so-called “sweet spot.” Apply a slight slice to the ball so that after any bounce, it remains low on the other side of the net. The term “Bajada” itself means “descent” or “downward movement” in Spanish.

Weight Transfer: Shift your weight forward while striking the ball. This provides the ball with more speed and makes it difficult for your opponents to react.

Placement of the Bajada and Tips

When choosing your shot, it’s crucial not to expose your court. You have various options depending on where the ball is located. Play the ball along the fence, aim for your opponent’s body, or target the middle of the court. Avoid hitting a short ball across the front, as this increases the likelihood of errors and leaves your court open.

In summary, the Bajada is a versatile and powerful shot in padel that you can use to take control of the attack and score points. With the right technique and tactical decision-making, you can effectively deploy this shot and elevate your padel skills to a higher level.

Practice Your Bajada with Padel Lessons

The Bajada is a critical shot in padel, and mastering it can significantly enhance your game. By executing this shot correctly, you can surprise your opponent and maintain control of the point. While perfecting the Bajada requires dedication and practice, it can ultimately lead to impressive results on the court. Not only padel elite players or WPT players can perform such padel shots, you can too! So, what are you waiting for? Book a padel court, practice the Bajada.

If you’re serious about improving your Bajada and other padel shots, consider taking padel lessons with our experienced trainers. Here, you’ll receive expert guidance and valuable padel tips to elevate your padel skills. We offer padel lessons for players of every padel level at various locations across the Netherlands. For example, check out our two padel locations in Amsterdam, our indoor padel courts in Doorn for the Utrecht province, padel in Groningen, Brabant, Limburg, and much more!