The word "chiquita," which means "little" in Spanish, perfectly captures the subtlety of this key shot in padel. The chiquita involves hitting a slow, low ball from the back of the court to disrupt your opponents positioned at the net. The goal is to force them to hit a low volley, making them perform a shot from bottom to top, allowing you to take control of the rally. Let’s explore the key aspects of this strategic shot.
Attention!
Despite its apparent simplicity, the chiquita is a demanding shot that requires precision, strategy, and timing. When executed well, it can be very effective, but on the other hand, a poorly executed chiquita can give your opponents a perfect opportunity to finish the point!
When and how to use the chiquita
This shot is used when you’re on defense and want to create a favorable situation to move forward toward the net. With practice, you’ll be able to execute the chiquita in various situations, depending on the context of the rally.
It can be performed in two main ways. The shot can be played directly, either with a forehand or backhand, but the backhand is often preferred, as it’s easier to slice the ball with a backhand than with a forehand. After a bounce off the walls, it is typically executed after a ball bounces in the center. This type of ball gives you more time to position yourself, ensuring better precision when executing the shot.
The three key points
The success of the chiquita depends on three main factors:
- Accuracy: being precise with your shot is crucial to making the chiquita effective.
- Timing: choosing the right moment to execute the chiquita is vital to catch your opponents off guard. When your rivals expect a lob and already start to move backward, it’s usually a perfect moment to try a chiquita.
- Zone: aim for specific areas, such as your opponent's feet or the space between them, to increase the difficulty of their return.
What to do after playing a chiquita
The chiquita is meant to apply pressure, but it shouldn’t be confused with an immediate rush to the net. How your opponents respond will determine your next move:
- If their ball pops up, you’re exactly where you wanted to be—take advantage of it and move forward to take control of the rally, or even to finish the job if they give you a really easy volley.
- But if their volley is well executed, don’t panic—stay on defense and prepare for the next exchange.
Repeated chiquitas can make your lobs more efficient!
This may sound strange at first, but it’s actually very logical: after a few successful chiquitas, your opponents will usually start fearing them more and will tend to stay closer to the net. This hesitation will make your lobs more effective, as your opponents won’t move backward as quickly, preventing them from putting as much pressure on you with their smashes, bandejas, and víboras. As a result, you’ll have more time to organize in defense, making the chiquita a very useful tool, especially when facing tall and powerful opponents who aggressively attack every high ball.
What’s the best racket for executing your chiquitas?
For more advanced players, a stiffer, diamond-shaped racket is often preferred. It offers greater precision and helps you place the ball exactly where you want.
For less experienced players or those with less technical skill, a softer, rounder racket is recommended. The added maneuverability and longer contact with the ball give you more time to execute this challenging shot.
Conclusion
The chiquita is a key shot in padel, both strategic and technical. When used effectively, it can create opportunities and give you the upper hand in the rally. However, it’s important not to underestimate the risks associated with this shot. A poorly executed chiquita can give your opponents a perfect opportunity to finish the point. By mastering this shot and using it wisely, you’ll add a valuable weapon to your arsenal, one that can make a difference in crucial moments!
