Beginner
Lob
Also known as: globo
A lob is a high, deep shot hit over the opponents at the net to push them back off their attacking position — one of the most important tactical shots in padel.
Because net control decides most padel points, the lob is the primary tool to dislodge opponents from the net and reset the point in your favor. A good lob lands deep enough to force a defensive overhead (or to die in the back glass) without sailing out. Lobbing well, repeatedly, is a winning doubles strategy at every level.
Example
Pinned at the back, a pair throws up a deep lob that forces the net team to retreat and play a defensive bandeja.
Related terms
- BandejaA bandeja is a controlled defensive overhead — Spanish for "tray" — hit with slice to keep the point neutral and hold the net position, rather than to win the point outright.
- Wall PlayWall play is using the glass walls that enclose a padel court — letting a ball rebound off the back or side glass and playing it on the bounce, which keeps points alive far longer than in tennis.
- VíboraA víbora is an aggressive sliced overhead — Spanish for "viper" — hit with sidespin so it stays low and kicks awkwardly off the side glass, more attacking than a bandeja but more controlled than a smash.
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