Scoring
15
The first point won in a game. Padel follows the same basic point sequence as tennis: 15, 30, 40 and game.
Padel glossary
Padel glossary: terms, shots and vocabulary explained
Padel has its own language: bandeja, vibora, chiquita, globo, pala, nevera, golden point, pared, reja, por tres and many more terms that come straight from the court, coaching sessions and international competition.
This English glossary keeps the Spanish vocabulary that padel players actually use, while explaining it in clear English. The selection focuses on technical, tactical, rules, equipment, court, scoring, tournament and slang terms that add real context, without turning the page into a generic beginner dictionary.
0-94 terms
Scoring
30
The second point won in a game, after 15 and before 40.
Scoring
40
The third point won in a game. At 40-40, the game may continue with advantage or be decided by golden point.
Scoring
40-40
Deuce in a game. Depending on the format, it may lead to advantage or to a deciding golden point.
A10 terms
Tactics
A la australiana
Spanish expression for the Australian serving formation.
Tactics
Abrir la pista
Spanish phrase meaning to open the court: creating an angle or movement that frees space.
Rules
Accidental hindrance
Unintentional interference with the opponent. Depending on its impact, the point may be replayed.
Rules
Ace
A serve winner: the receiver does not touch the ball. It is less common in padel than in tennis because the serve is underhand and after a bounce.
Technique
Aggressive glass exit
A glass exit played with offensive intent, usually with pace or a descending trajectory.
Technique
Air shot
A complete miss: the player swings at the ball but makes no contact.
Competition
Americano
A social format where players change partners and opponents regularly. Ranking is based on total points won.
Tactics
Apply pressure
To dominate through position, pace or placement without necessarily finishing the point immediately.
Equipment
Approved balls
Balls that meet official requirements for size, weight, rebound and pressure.
Tactics
Australian formation
A serving formation where partners keep their preferred side after the serve, crossing quickly if needed.
B39 terms
Court
Back court
The rear area near the back glass, where players defend and build the point.
Court
Back glass
The rear glass wall. Reading it is essential for defending lobs, smashes and deep balls.
Technique
Back-wall boast
A defensive boast played off the back glass/wall to recover a very difficult ball.
Technique
Backhand
The shot played on the non-dominant side of the body. For a right-hander, it is usually the left-side stroke.
Technique
Backhand bandeja
A bandeja played on the backhand side, useful when a lob forces the player to handle an overhead on the weaker side.
Tactics
Backhand side
The left side of the court in a right-handed pair, usually associated with more overheads and finishing responsibilities.
Technique
Backhand vibora
A vibora played from the backhand side. It is demanding but increasingly common among advanced players.
Technique
Backspin
A backward rotation that slows the ball and keeps the rebound low.
Technique
Bajada
An attacking shot played after a high rebound off the back glass, usually hit downwards to turn defence into attack.
Technique
Bajada cortada
A bajada played with slice, lower and more controlled than a flat bajada.
Technique
Bajada plana
A flatter, more direct bajada with an aggressive trajectory.
Tactics
Bajar la bola
Spanish phrase for bringing the ball down: defending low so the opponents cannot attack above net height.
Equipment
Balance
How weight is distributed in the racket: head-heavy, even or handle-biased.
Rules
Ball intrusion
A ball entering from another court during a rally. The point is usually replayed if it creates real interference.
Tactics
Ball to the fence
Shot aimed towards the fence to create an irregular rebound or rushed defence.
Equipment
Ball tube
The common packaging for padel balls, usually containing three balls.
Technique
Bandeja
A signature padel overhead, between a high volley and a controlled smash. Its main purpose is to keep the net after a lob.
Tactics
Bandeja al centro
A bandeja directed through the middle to reduce counter-angles and create hesitation between defenders.
Technique
Bandeja cortada
A bandeja with pronounced slice so the ball stays low after the glass and the net position can be maintained.
Technique
Bandeja plana
A flatter bandeja with less spin, played to keep depth without seeking a very worked rebound.
Tactics
Bandeja to the body
Bandeja aimed at the defender’s body to take away angles and force a block.
Tactics
Bandeja to the fence
Bandeja aimed towards the fence to look for an awkward or irregular rebound.
Technique
Block
A short compact reply to a fast ball, using the opponent’s pace rather than generating power.
Technique
Blocked return
A compact return used against a fast or deep serve.
Technique
Bloqueo
Spanish term for block: a compact action to control the opponent’s pace.
Technique
Boast
A defensive shot played using your own glass or wall to send the ball back over.
Slang
Bola huevo
Spanish term for a controversial ball that bounces near the join between floor and glass, making it unclear what it touched first.
Tactics
Bola lenta
Spanish expression for a slow ball. In padel, slowing the ball down can be a strong tactical choice.
Tactics
Bola rápida
Spanish expression for a fast ball, often used by coaches to describe pace or pressure.
Rules
Bola viva
Spanish expression for a live ball that is still in play.
Scoring
Break
A game won on the opponents’ serve. In padel, a break can swing a set quickly, especially when golden point is used.
Scoring
Break back
To win a return game after having been broken, bringing the set back closer to serve parity.
Scoring
Break point
A point that allows the returning pair to win the opponents’ service game.
Tactics
Break the diagonal
To leave the usual diagonal exchange and play through the middle, down the line or to the other opponent.
Slang
Break the glass
Slang for hitting extremely hard, usually with a smash or bajada. Not meant literally.
Equipment
Breathability
A shoe or textile’s ability to let heat and humidity escape.
Slang
Brick
Club slang for a very heavy, powerful shot that can be hard to control.
Technique
Building smash
A controlled smash used to keep pressure rather than immediately win the point.
Competition
Bye
A first-round exemption, often because a pair is seeded or because the draw is not full.
C40 terms
Technique
Cadete
A behind-the-back shot used when a standard backhand is difficult or impossible.
Tactics
Cambio de lado
Spanish expression for a side change or tactical switch, depending on context.
Court
Cancha
Spanish term for a padel court.
Equipment
Carbon
Common material in padel rackets, used for stiffness, precision and power.
Equipment
Carbon fiber
A stiff and resistant material used in racket frames or faces to increase stability and power.
Court
Central line
Line separating the service boxes. It matters for serve placement and return positioning.
Tactics
Centro
Spanish call meaning middle; used to direct play or defensive coverage through the centre.
Tactics
Cerrar el centro
Spanish phrase for closing the middle: both players move together to protect the central lane.
Tactics
Cerrar la pista
Spanish phrase for closing the court: reducing the opponents’ angles through positioning and centre coverage.
Technique
Chancletazo
A flat, aggressive forehand-style acceleration used to suddenly change pace.
Tactics
Change the height
To vary low balls, lobs, driven balls and overheads so the opponents cannot settle into one rhythm.
Slang
Chien de talus
French padel slang for a scrappy, never-say-die defender. Kept as a cultural expression rather than translated literally.
Technique
Chiquita
A slow, low ball played into the opponents’ feet at the net, forcing them to hit up.
Technique
Chiquita cortada
A chiquita with slice, staying low and making the volleyer lift the ball instead of attacking.
Technique
Chiquita liftada
A chiquita with topspin, designed to dip into the feet and create a livelier rebound.
Technique
Chiquita plana
A more direct, flatter chiquita used to surprise the pair at the net.
Equipment
Clay-sole shoe
A shoe with a clay-style outsole, often used for grip on sanded artificial turf.
Tactics
Close the diagonal
To position or play in a way that denies the opponent their natural diagonal and forces another option.
Rules
Coaching
Advice given by a coach or partner when the format and competition rules allow it.
Court
Conflict zone
The space between two partners where hesitation can create an error. Communication is crucial there.
Competition
Consolation draw
A secondary draw for pairs who lost early, often used to guarantee more matches.
Rules
Contact below the waist
A key service rule: the ball must be struck below the server’s waist at impact.
Technique
Contrapared
Spanish term for a counter-wall shot, using your own wall or glass to return the ball.
Equipment
Control pala
A racket designed primarily for precision, comfort and consistency.
Equipment
Control racket
Racket designed for precision, tolerance and manoeuvrability rather than maximum power.
Technique
Control volley
A placed volley used to keep pressure, often deep or low rather than hit for a winner.
Equipment
Core
The internal part of the racket, usually EVA or Foam. It influences comfort, power and control.
Technique
Counter drop shot
A soft reply to an opponent’s drop shot, played with touch so as not to give an easy ball.
Technique
Counter wall
Defensive shot where the player uses their own glass or wall to send the ball back over the net.
Tactics
Counter-lob
A defensive lob used under pressure to turn a difficult situation into a chance to retake the net.
Technique
Counter-smash
Recovery or attacking response after an opponent’s smash, often off the glass or from outside the court.
Tactics
Cover your partner
To move and protect the space left open when your partner attacks, goes out or is pulled wide.
Tactics
Create hesitation
To play a ball that makes both opponents hesitate about who should take it.
Court
Cristal
Spanish term for glass.
Tactics
Cross-court
Diagonal shot played towards the opposite side of the court.
Tactics
Cross-court duel
Repeated tactical exchange between two players positioned diagonally opposite each other.
Technique
Cross-court passing shot
A passing shot played diagonally past the net player.
Technique
Cruzado
Spanish term for cross-court.
Technique
Cuchilla
A sharp attacking glass-exit shot, close to a very cutting bajada with a descending trajectory.
Competition
Cut
The ranking or points threshold needed to enter a specific draw.
D28 terms
Slang
Dead ball
Ball with very little pace or bounce, often after a drop shot, dormilona or soft touch.
Technique
Deep block
A controlled block sent deep into the opponent’s court to neutralise a powerful shot.
Technique
Dejada
Spanish term for a drop shot. Still heard in international padel coaching and content.
Rules
Deliberate hindrance
Intentional interference with the opponent. It can lead to the loss of the point.
Scoring
Deuce
A 40-40 score in a game. It may be followed by advantage or by a golden point depending on the competition rules.
Tactics
Diagonal
The cross-court axis between two opponents. Many padel patterns are built around the diagonal battle.
Tactics
Diagonal battle
The repeated tactical duel between two players facing each other diagonally.
Tactics
Diagonal move to the net
Moving forward along a diagonal path, usually after a shot that gives time to take the net.
Equipment
Diamond shape
A racket shape with more mass towards the top, often chosen by attacking players.
Court
Doble pared que abre
Spanish expression for a double-glass rebound that opens: side glass first, then back glass.
Court
Doble pared que cierra
Spanish expression for a double-glass rebound that closes: back glass first, then side glass.
Court
Door
Opening at the side of the court used for out-of-court play where permitted.
Technique
Dormilona
A spectacular soft shot near the net after an opponent’s smash comes back from the glass. The ball is “put to sleep” just over the net.
Competition
Double elimination
A format where a pair is eliminated only after two defeats, usually with a winners and losers bracket.
Rules
Double fault
Two missed serves in a row. The point is awarded to the receiving pair.
Court
Double glass
A situation where the ball touches two walls/glass panels before being played: side-back or back-side.
Rules
Double touch
Two contacts with the racket in the same stroke action. It may be called as a fault depending on the situation and rules interpretation.
Court
Double wall
Situation where the ball contacts two walls or glasses before being played.
Technique
Double-glass defence
Reading and playing a ball after two walls. The priority is to know whether the ball opens or closes.
Technique
Down-the-line passing shot
A passing shot hit along the line, often riskier but very effective if the net player leaves space.
Technique
Drive
A Spanish/English term often used in padel for the forehand or for the right-side player, depending on context.
Technique
Drive volley
A firm attacking volley, usually played when the ball is above net height.
Technique
Driven lob
A lower, faster lob used to rush the opponents and make the overhead less comfortable.
Technique
Driven return
A low, firm return used to put immediate pressure on the serving pair.
Technique
Drop block
A very short block on a fast ball, absorbing speed and dropping the ball near the net.
Technique
Drop shot
A very short, soft shot designed to make the ball die close to the net.
Technique
Drop volley
A soft volley designed to die just over the net.
Technique
Drop-shot fake
A preparation that suggests a drop shot before the player plays deeper or faster.
E3 terms
Equipment
EVA
Common racket core material available in different densities and hardness levels.
Equipment
EVA foam
A common racket core material, often firmer and more precise depending on density.
Equipment
Even balance
A middle weight distribution designed to balance power and maneuverability.
F27 terms
Rules
Fallen object
An object dropped by a player during the point. Depending on the situation, it may cause a let or a lost point.
Technique
Feint lob
A preparation that looks like a lob but turns into a lower shot to surprise the opponents.
Court
Fence
The mesh part of the court. Rebounds off the fence are more irregular than off the glass.
Rules
Fence contact
A situation where the ball touches the fence. The outcome depends on the moment, especially on serve.
Court
Fence defence
Reading a ball that touches the fence and may rebound unpredictably.
Court
Fence rebound
Rebound off the metal mesh, usually less predictable than glass.
Equipment
Fiberglass
A more flexible racket material often used for comfort, tolerance and easier ball output.
Equipment
Fibreglass
More flexible racket material than carbon, often associated with comfort and easier ball output.
Competition
Final draw
The decisive draw stage of a competition, usually after qualifiers or group play.
Technique
Finishing volley
An offensive volley played to end the point or force a very weak reply.
Competition
FIP
The International Padel Federation, governing body for international padel.
Competition
FIP Tour
The international tournament circuit organised under the International Padel Federation structure.
Technique
Flat glass exit
A glass exit hit flat and direct, often used to accelerate after a high rebound.
Equipment
Foam
Softer core material associated with comfort and easy ball output.
Equipment
Foam core
A softer core material, usually associated with comfort, ball output and tolerance.
Court
Fondo
Spanish term for the back of the court.
Rules
Foot fault
A service fault caused by an illegal foot position or movement during the serve.
Tactics
Force the high ball
To play in a way that obliges the opponents to lift the ball, creating an attacking opportunity.
Rules
Forced error
Error caused by the opponent’s pressure, pace, spin, depth or placement.
Technique
Forehand
The shot played on the dominant side of the body. For a right-hander, it is usually the right-side stroke.
Equipment
Forgiveness
The racket’s ability to remain playable when the ball is not struck perfectly in the sweet spot.
Competition
Format C1
A competition format label used in some structures to describe a specific match or tournament setup.
Competition
Format C2
A competition format label used in some structures to describe a different match or tournament setup.
Equipment
Frame
The rigid outer structure of a padel racket. It affects durability, tolerance and feel at impact.
Equipment
Frame protector
A protective strip placed on the top of the racket frame to reduce damage from glass, fence or floor contact.
Rules
Fuera
Spanish call meaning out.
Court
Fuera de pista
Spanish expression for outside the court.
G17 terms
Tactics
Game pattern
A repeated tactical structure used to build points: for example lob, bandeja, chiquita or centre pressure.
Technique
Gancho
A hooking overhead played when the ball is slightly behind or not comfortable enough for a full smash.
Technique
Gaucho
A behind-the-body or improvised shot used when a normal backhand or forehand is difficult.
Equipment
Gear
The player’s equipment: racket, shoes, balls, grips, bag and accessories.
Court
Glass
The glass walls of the padel court. Using them correctly is one of the sport’s defining skills.
Court
Glass defence
The ability to let the ball pass, read the rebound off the glass and choose the right contact point.
Technique
Glass exit
An attacking or neutral shot played after the ball rebounds off the back glass.
Technique
Glass reading
Reading pace, spin and angle after the ball contacts the glass.
Technique
Glass return
A return played after using the glass, usually when the serve is deep or angled.
Technique
Globo
Spanish word for lob. A high, deep ball used to move the opponents away from the net.
Scoring
Golden point
The deciding point played at deuce in no-ad formats. The receiving pair usually chooses the return side.
Scoring
Golden point side
Receiving side chosen for a golden point. The choice can be tactical and psychological.
Technique
Golpe
Spanish for shot or stroke. It appears in many padel technical expressions.
Technique
Gran Willy
A spectacular tweener hit between the legs, usually when the ball has passed behind the player.
Equipment
Grip
The base grip on the handle of the racket.
Equipment
Grip size
The thickness of the handle once the grip and overgrips are added.
Competition
Group stage
A phase where pairs are placed in groups and play several matches before qualification.
H14 terms
Tactics
Hacer la nevera
Spanish phrase for putting a player in the fridge: deliberately giving one opponent very few balls.
Technique
Half-volley
Shot taken immediately after the bounce, common around the feet and in defensive transitions.
Equipment
Handle
The part of the racket held by the player. Its size and grip setup affect comfort and control.
Equipment
Head-heavy balance
Weight distribution towards the top of the racket, increasing power but reducing maneuverability.
Rules
Hinder
An interference situation that affects the opponent’s ability to play the ball.
Slang
Hit big
A casual expression for striking the ball with a lot of power.
Slang
Hit with pace
To put a lot of speed into the ball, especially on smashes, bajadas or aggressive volleys.
Slang
Hold the box
To remain on the winning court in a king-of-the-court style rotation by winning several rounds in a row.
Tactics
Hold the diagonal
To keep the rally in the diagonal until a better tactical option appears.
Tactics
Hold the net
To keep the attacking position at the net, usually with controlled overheads and volleys.
Equipment
Hole pattern
The layout of the racket holes, which can affect feel, stiffness and air flow.
Court
Humidity
A playing condition that can affect glass rebounds, ball speed, grip and general comfort.
Equipment
Hybrid pala
A racket designed to balance power and control.
Equipment
Hybrid racket
Pala designed to balance control, power and manoeuvrability.
I7 terms
Tactics
I-formation
A serving formation where the net player starts close to the centre to disguise movement.
Rules
Illegal coaching
Advice from outside the court when it is not allowed by the match rules. It may be penalised.
Court
Indoor
A covered or enclosed padel environment, usually less affected by wind and weather.
Court
Indoor court
Indoor or covered court with more stable playing conditions.
Competition
Interclub competition
A team competition between clubs, with several pairs playing for the same club.
Court
Inward fence rebound
A fence rebound that comes back into the court, often making the ball playable.
Tactics
Isolate a player
To direct play so one opponent is targeted heavily, or so the stronger player touches fewer balls.
J2 terms
Tactics
Jugador de drive
Spanish for the right-side player, usually the player operating on the forehand side in a standard pair.
Tactics
Jugador de revés
Spanish for the left-side player, often the player with more attacking responsibility in many pairings.
K2 terms
Technique
Kick smash
Topspin smash designed to jump high or sideways after the glass.
Competition
King of the Court
A rotation format where winners stay on the main court and challengers rotate in.
L11 terms
Tactics
La nevera
Spanish expression often used in English padel for the nevera tactic: isolating one opponent by playing most balls to the other.
Equipment
Lateral stability
A shoe’s ability to support quick side movements, which are constant in padel.
Slang
Launch it out
Club slang for hitting the ball too high or out of the court.
Tactics
Left-side player
The player who normally plays on the left half of the court.
Tactics
Lefty
Left-handed player. A lefty on the right side can create strong overhead and forehand patterns.
Rules
Let
A point or serve that is replayed. On serve, this often happens when the ball clips the net and then lands validly.
Technique
Lob
A high ball used to push the opponents away from the net and regain court position.
Technique
Lobbed return
A return played high and deep to push the serving pair away from the net.
Tactics
Lose the net
To be forced away from the net, usually by a lob or a difficult low ball.
Equipment
Low balance
Weight distribution towards the handle, improving maneuverability, defence and reaction speed.
Competition
Lucky loser
A pair that loses in qualifying but enters the main draw because another pair withdraws.
M16 terms
Competition
Main draw
The main tournament table after entries, wild cards and qualifiers are set.
Rules
Mandatory bounce on serve
The serve must be played after the ball bounces once behind the service line.
Equipment
Maneuverability
How easy the racket is to move quickly, especially in defence and at the net.
Slang
Manger la vitre
French expression meaning to misread the glass badly and get trapped by the rebound.
Competition
Match format
The scoring structure used for a match: full sets, super tie-break, no-ad or other variations.
Scoring
Match point
A point that can win the match.
Scoring
Match tie-break
A tie-break used to decide the match, generally played instead of a final set.
Rules
Medical time-out
An authorised pause for medical attention, subject to the competition rules.
Tactics
Medio
Spanish for middle. In padel it often refers to the central zone where hesitation between partners can be created.
Competition
Mexicano
A social format where pairings and opponents are adjusted round after round according to results, creating more balanced matches.
Tactics
Middle
Central zone between the two opponents. Playing through the middle reduces angles and creates hesitation.
Scoring
Mini-break
A point won against serve during a tie-break or super tie-break.
Competition
Mixed doubles
Doubles category with one male and one female player per pair.
Slang
Moco
Spanish slang for an awkward or mishit ball that still creates problems.
Court
Mondo
A well-known sports-surface brand often mentioned when discussing padel court turf and playing conditions.
Tactics
Move to the net
Moving from the back court to the net while trying not to give the opponents an easy ball.
N5 terms
Court
Net
The central net separating both sides of the court. Many padel tactics revolve around taking and defending the net.
Tactics
Net interception
Stepping in at the net to cut off a ball early and pressure the opponents.
Tactics
Neutralisation
A shot or pattern used to remove immediate danger and reset the rally.
Tactics
Nevera
Literally “the fridge”: a pattern where one opponent is kept out of the rally for long periods.
Scoring
No-ad
A scoring format where 40-40 is decided by one point instead of advantage games.
O14 terms
Equipment
Omni sole
A multi-point outsole pattern used on some padel shoes for grip and sliding control.
Tactics
Open the court
To create an angle or movement that frees space for the next shot.
Rules
Opponent-side net rule
A player may only reach over the net in specific situations, for example after the ball has bounced back from their side or with a legal follow-through.
Rules
Out
A ball that lands outside the valid playing area or does not meet the rules of play.
Court
Out-of-court play
Playing the ball from outside the court through the door area, where the facility and rules allow it.
Court
Outdoor court
Outdoor padel court where wind, sun, temperature and humidity can affect ball behaviour.
Rules
Outside play allowed
A match condition where players are allowed to leave the court through the doors to play a ball that has gone out.
Rules
Outside play not allowed
A match condition where playing the ball from outside the court is not permitted, usually because the venue does not meet safety requirements.
Court
Outside the court
The playing area outside the court doors when outside play is allowed.
Rules
Outside-court safety
The safety space required around the court when outside play is allowed.
Court
Outward fence rebound
A fence rebound that moves away from the player, often making the ball harder to reach.
Equipment
Overgrip
A thin grip wrapped over the base grip to improve feel, thickness or sweat absorption.
Technique
Overhead
Family of shots played above shoulder height: bandeja, vibora, gancho, rulo and smash.
Technique
Overhead shot
Family of shots played above shoulder height: bandeja, vibora, gancho, rulo and smash.
P42 terms
Competition
P100
A tournament category awarding more ranking value than P50 in systems that use P-levels.
Competition
P1000
A strong national-level tournament category, often attracting advanced competitive players.
Competition
P1500
A high-level national tournament category used in some ranking systems.
Competition
P2000
One of the highest national tournament categories in systems using P-level events.
Competition
P25
A tournament category used in some national systems, generally at entry or local competitive level.
Competition
P250
A mid-level tournament category in P-level ranking systems.
Competition
P50
A tournament category above P25, used in some national ranking systems.
Competition
P500
A higher amateur tournament category in P-level ranking systems.
Court
Padel
A doubles racket sport played on an enclosed 20 x 10 m court, using glass, fence and an underhand serve.
Equipment
Padel racket
The solid perforated racket used in padel, usually made with carbon, fiberglass and foam materials.
Competition
Pair
Team of two players competing together.
Equipment
Pala
Spanish term for a padel racket, widely used internationally.
Equipment
Paletero
A padel bag designed to carry rackets, shoes, clothes and accessories.
Technique
Paralelo
Spanish term for down the line or parallel to the side wall.
Court
Pared
Spanish for wall or glass. It is central to padel vocabulary because the glass is part of the game.
Court
Pared de fondo
Spanish for the back glass/wall, used in glass exits, bajadas and defensive play.
Court
Pared lateral
Spanish for the side glass/wall, important in double-glass situations and cross-court defence.
Court
Pared-pared
A two-wall sequence, close to the idea of a double-glass rebound.
Competition
Pareja
Spanish for pair. Very common in draws, rankings and Spanish-language padel commentary.
Competition
Pareja mixta
Spanish for mixed pair.
Slang
Parpaing
French club slang for a very heavy shot, literally a “concrete block”. Kept as a cultural term.
Court
Pelota
Spanish for ball, common in coaching cues and commentary from Spain or Argentina.
Technique
Peloteo
Spanish term for rallying or hitting exchanges, especially in warm-up or training contexts.
Tactics
Pin a player
To play repeatedly to the same player or zone to keep pressure before changing direction.
Tactics
Pin then switch
To lock the opponents into one area before changing direction to exploit the space created.
Technique
Plano
Spanish term for flat, used to describe shots hit with little spin.
Slang
Play tight
To play with caution and extra margin, usually in important moments, to avoid errors.
Tactics
Play to the feet
Aim low at a net player’s feet to stop them volleying comfortably.
Slang
Play with a tight arm
To play nervously, shorten the swing and avoid committing to shots on important points.
Tactics
Playing lane
A preferred channel in which a pair builds the rally, often diagonally.
Tactics
Poaching
A net player’s interception of a ball that would normally be taken by their partner.
Technique
Por cuatro
Smash that exits the court over the four-metre back wall after bouncing on the opponent’s side.
Technique
Por tres
Smash that exits through the side of the court after bouncing and contacting the side glass or fence area.
Equipment
Power pala
A racket designed to maximise attacking power, often with higher balance or firmer materials.
Equipment
Power racket
Racket designed to generate more power, often with high balance or diamond shape.
Competition
Premier Padel
The main international professional padel circuit currently recognised at the top level.
Tactics
Pressure through the middle
Sustained pressure through the central lane to reduce angles and force communication errors.
Competition
Private tournament
A non-official or privately organised event, often run by clubs, companies or groups of players.
Competition
Prize money
The money awarded to players according to the tournament’s financial distribution.
Slang
Puntaco
Spanish slang for a spectacular or very high-quality point.
Scoring
Punto de oro
Spanish expression for golden point, widely used in professional padel and tournament scoring.
Equipment
Punto dulce
Spanish term for sweet spot, the ideal hitting area of the racket.
Q2 terms
Competition
Qualifying
Preliminary rounds used to decide which pairs enter the main draw.
Competition
Quarter-final
The round before the semi-finals, usually involving the last eight pairs.
R25 terms
Equipment
Racket face
The hitting surface of the pala. Its composition affects feel, power and control.
Equipment
Racket holes
The holes in the racket face. Their pattern can influence aerodynamics, stiffness and feel.
Technique
Rally
A sequence of shots played during a point. In padel, rallies often include glass, lobs and net battles.
Competition
Ranking
Official ranking of players or pairs based on points and results.
Court
Rebote
Spanish term for rebound, especially off the glass.
Scoring
Rebreak
Winning back a break later in the set by breaking the opponents’ serve.
Technique
Reflex volley
A reaction volley played at very high speed, often on a ball hit at the body.
Court
Reja
Spanish term for fence or mesh.
Competition
Repechage
A second-chance path allowing a pair to continue after an early loss in certain formats.
Tactics
Reset to neutral
To stop the opponents’ advantage and return the rally to a balanced situation.
Rules
Rest time
The official break time between games, changeovers or sets.
Technique
Resto
Spanish word for return, common in international padel contexts.
Tactics
Retake the net
To recover the net position after being pushed back, often with a good lob or chiquita.
Technique
Return
The shot played by the receiver after the serve. In padel, a reliable return is vital because the serving pair usually moves forward.
Tactics
Right-side player
The player who normally plays on the right half of the court.
Tactics
Rotación
Spanish term for rotation, often used for coordinated partner movement.
Tactics
Rotar
Spanish verb meaning to rotate or switch positions as a pair.
Equipment
Rough surface
A textured racket surface that can help generate spin.
Equipment
Round racket
A racket shape generally associated with control, maneuverability and a larger sweet spot.
Competition
Round robin
A format where each pair plays several opponents in a group before the final ranking or draw stage.
Equipment
Round shape
A racket shape with a more central sweet spot and easier handling.
Equipment
Rugosidad
Spanish term for roughness or texture on the racket surface.
Technique
Rulo
A topspin overhead hit around the ball, often used to make it jump out towards the side fence.
Technique
Rulo por cuatro
A rulo designed to make the ball climb over the back fence after the bounce.
Technique
Rulo por tres
A rulo designed to make the ball exit over the three-metre side fence.
S43 terms
Rules
Safety let
A let called when an external or safety-related situation interferes with play.
Court
Safety zone
The outside space around the court required when outside play is allowed.
Court
Salida
Spanish term for an exit, often used for outside-court play or a ball leaving the court.
Technique
Salida de pared
Shot played after allowing the ball to rebound off the glass or wall.
Court
Salida de pista
Leaving the court through the door area to retrieve a ball that has gone out.
Court
Sand-filled turf
Artificial turf with sand, common on padel courts and important for speed, bounce and grip.
Technique
Scissor smash
An overhead hit with a scissor-like leg action, often when moving backwards.
Slang
Scrape the fence
To deliberately play close to the fence to create an unpredictable rebound.
Slang
Scrapper
A player who fights for every ball, defends hard and refuses to give up the point.
Tactics
Se faire lober
French phrase meaning to get lobbed: the opponents send the ball over you and force you away from the net.
Rules
Second serve
The second attempt after a first serve fault. A second fault gives the point to the receiving pair.
Tactics
Secure the point
To choose the higher-percentage option instead of forcing a winner.
Competition
Seed
A pair protected in the draw due to ranking or status, usually to avoid meeting other top pairs too early.
Rules
Serve
The shot that starts the point. In padel it must be hit underhand, after a bounce, into the diagonal service box.
Tactics
Serve and volley
A pattern where the serving pair immediately moves forward after the serve to take the net.
Rules
Service box
The diagonal box where the serve must land to be valid.
Rules
Service fault
An invalid serve, for example wrong box, illegal height, foot fault, net without landing in, or ball touching the fence after the bounce.
Court
Service line
Line defining the service box and helping determine whether the serve is valid.
Tactics
Service-volley
French/Spanish-influenced wording for serve and volley; kept as an alternate term.
Scoring
Set point
A point that can win the set.
Rules
Shouting during a point
A shout may be accepted when linked to effort, but it can be penalised if it deliberately distracts the opponent.
Court
Side glass
The side glass wall, involved in angles, double-glass rebounds and many defensive situations.
Technique
Side spin
Spin that makes the ball move sideways, especially dangerous after the glass.
Slang
Sitter
A ball that sits up too high and becomes easy to attack.
Technique
Slice
A shot hit with backspin so the ball stays lower and loses speed after the bounce.
Technique
Sliced backhand
A backhand with backspin, designed to keep the ball low and controlled.
Technique
Sliced glass exit
A glass exit played with slice to keep the ball low and controlled.
Technique
Sliced lob
A lob with backspin, used to slow the ball and control depth.
Technique
Sliced volley
A volley with backspin, designed to keep the ball low and difficult to attack.
Technique
Smash
A powerful overhead shot. In padel, the goal may be to finish, bring the ball back, or send it out of the court.
Technique
Smash back to your side
A smash that bounces in the opponent’s court, hits the glass and returns to the striker’s side.
Technique
Spin
Rotation applied to the ball: slice, topspin, sidespin or a mixed effect.
Technique
Split-step
Small preparatory foot action just before the opponent hits, helping reaction and balance.
Tactics
Stack formation
A formation used to keep players on specific sides, especially around the serve and return.
Scoring
Star point
Name used in some formats for a deciding point, similar to golden point.
Equipment
Static weight
The measured weight of the racket when it is not moving.
Tactics
Subida paralela
Spanish term for moving up the line towards the net, often after a parallel shot.
Competition
Sudamericana
A social or club format with rotating partners and short matches, often used for events and group play.
Scoring
Super tie-break
A longer tie-break, often played instead of a full final set, commonly to 10 points with a two-point margin.
Court
Surface
The playing surface of a padel court, usually artificial turf with different sand and speed characteristics.
Slang
Surjouer
French term for overplaying: attempting a shot that is too ambitious for the ball, position or score.
Equipment
Sweet spot
The most effective hitting zone of the racket, where control, comfort and power are best.
Equipment
Swingweight
The dynamic weight felt when swinging the racket, different from static weight.
T15 terms
Tactics
Tactical switch
A deliberate side change within a pair to protect a weakness, exploit a matchup or change the diagonal.
Tactics
Take the net
To move forward and take the attacking position near the net.
Equipment
Teardrop shape
A hybrid racket shape between round and diamond.
Slang
Tenir la boîte
French club expression for staying on the winning court in king-of-the-court rotations.
Court
Through-the-door exit
A play where the player leaves the court through the door to retrieve a ball that has gone out.
Court
Through-the-door exit — example
Typical example: an opponent’s smash exits through the door, and the defender runs out to send it back into play.
Scoring
Tie-break
A game played to decide a set when the score reaches the required tie-break score, usually 6-6.
Rules
Time-out
A pause in play allowed in certain formats or competitions.
Technique
Topspin
Forward rotation that makes the ball dip and then bounce higher.
Technique
Topspin lob
A lob with forward rotation, designed to climb after the bounce and make the overhead more difficult.
Technique
Topspin volley
A rarer volley played with slight topspin so the ball drops quickly.
Court
Transition zone
The area between the back court and the net. Crossing it well helps a pair take the net without offering an easy ball.
Technique
Tweener
A shot played between the legs, usually when chasing a ball behind the body.
Technique
Two-handed backhand
A backhand played with both hands on the racket, often used for stability and control.
Technique
Two-wall defence
Reading and playing a ball after it contacts two walls or glasses.
U3 terms
Rules
Underarm serve
Padel serve hit below waist height after a bounce.
Rules
Underhand serve
The standard padel serve: the ball is hit after a bounce, below waist height, with an underhand motion.
Rules
Unforced error
An error made without strong direct pressure from the opponents. Reducing them is essential in padel.
V7 terms
Technique
Vibora
A sliced overhead with side spin, usually more aggressive than a bandeja and designed to stay low after the glass.
Tactics
Vibora al centro
Vibora aimed through the middle to limit the counter-attack and create hesitation.
Technique
Vibora cortada
A vibora with strong slice, intended to skid and stay difficult after the glass.
Technique
Vibora cross-court
Vibora played diagonally, looking for angle and an awkward glass rebound.
Technique
Vibora down the line
Vibora played parallel to surprise or change the direction of the rally.
Technique
Vibora to the body
A vibora aimed at the opponent’s body to reduce angles and reaction time.
Technique
Volley
A shot played before the ball bounces, usually from the net position.
W11 terms
Competition
Walkover
A win awarded without playing because the opponent withdraws or cannot appear.
Court
Wall rebound
Ball played after rebounding from the glass or wall.
Competition
Wheelchair padel
Padel adapted for wheelchair players, with specific movement and competition conditions.
Competition
Wild card
An invitation allowing a pair to enter a draw without meeting the usual ranking or entry criteria.
Technique
Willy
Another name for a tweener: a shot played between the legs.
Tactics
Windshield-wiper movement
Coordinated side-to-side movement by a pair to cover angles and the middle.
Technique
Winner
A shot that wins the point directly because the opponents cannot touch or return it.
Competition
WO
Abbreviation for walkover: match won without play because of absence or withdrawal.
Competition
World Padel Tour
Former major professional circuit, active from 2013 to 2023, whose legacy still shapes padel vocabulary.
Equipment
Wrist strap
The strap attached to the handle and worn around the wrist to prevent the racket from flying away.
Equipment
Wrist strap loop
The loop of the safety strap that goes around the player’s wrist.
X3 terms
Technique
X3
Common shorthand for por tres: smash exiting through the side after the 3-metre area.
Technique
X4
Common shorthand for por cuatro: smash exiting over the 4-metre wall.
Technique
X4 smash
Smash designed to send the ball over the four-metre back wall.
Z1 terms
Tactics
Zone of conflict
Space between two opponents where hesitation can appear over who should play the ball.
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