Tweener (Willy)
Also known as: tweener padel, willy padel, what is a willy in padel, between the legs shot padel, padel shot between the legs, por debajo de las piernas
A tweener is a shot hit between your legs, usually while running back with your back to the net. In padel it is also called a willy, after the tennis player Guillermo 'Willy' Vilas. It is mostly a defensive rescue when a lob has beaten you. It is legal as long as you hit the ball once, before its second bounce.
Most tweeners happen when a lob goes over you and you cannot turn in time. You chase the ball with your back to the net and flick it between your legs.
In padel, the walls give you another option. Often you can let the ball come off the back glass and play a normal shot. A tweener is for when that is not possible.
The name 'willy' honours Guillermo Vilas, a tennis player who played one in 1975. It follows the normal rules. You must hit the ball once, before it bounces twice, and send it over the net.
Tips by skill level
First learn to let lobs come off the back glass. Keep the tweener as a last resort.
When you must play one, aim high and deep. A low tweener near the net is an easy volley for the opponents.
Example
A lob beats Sofía at the net and drops near the back wall. She sprints back and flicks a willy between her legs, then turns to recover.
Why it matters
A tweener can save a point that looks lost. Knowing when not to try it keeps you from giving away easy points.
Common mistakes
- Trying a tweener when the ball would come off the glass for an easy shot
- Playing it for show in a close match
- Swinging too hard and losing control
- Forgetting to turn and recover after the shot
Frequently asked questions
What is a willy in padel?
It is another name for a tweener, a shot hit between the legs. It is named after the tennis player Guillermo 'Willy' Vilas.
Is a tweener legal in padel?
Yes. It follows the normal rules: one clean hit, before the second bounce, over the net.
Sources
Related terms
- LobA lob is a high, deep shot over the opponents at the net that pushes them back. It is padel's most important defensive weapon for winning back a losing rally.
- Moving Back for a Lob in PadelTo move back for a lob in padel, turn sideways first. Then move back with side shuffles or crossover steps while your free arm points at the ball. Get slightly behind the ball and stop before you hit. Many coaches warn against backpedaling while facing the net. It is slower and makes a fall more likely.
- Back GlassThe Back Glass is the tall transparent wall at each end of a padel court. This players use intentionally to extend rallies by letting shots rebound back into play.
- Out-of-Court PlayOut-of-court play lets you run out through a side opening to return a ball that has left the court, where the court has the clear space the FIP rules require. You must play the ball before it bounces a second time or touches anything outside. A ball that bounces in your court and leaves over the back wall still wins the point for the hitter. Where out-of-court play isn't allowed, any ball that leaves after a legal bounce wins the point.
- Defensive Wall ReturnA defensive wall return is any shot played after letting the ball rebound off the glass instead of intercepting it. This habit makes the walls padel's core defensive safety net.
Related guides & benchmarks
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