Padel, as you may already know, originated in Mexico and developed further in Argentina and Spain. This is why many of the terms used in the sport are in Spanish. Whether you're learning the culture of padel, planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, playing with Spanish-speaking players, or watching a professional match on TV, there are plenty of reasons to learn the Spanish vocabulary of padel. Let’s discover the most important terms in this Dictionary English / Spanish.
Padel : a unique sports, with unique terms!
Padel is played on a unique court that combines elements of both tennis and squash. The use of walls and the fence allows for distinctive shots, like the contrapared (back wall boast) or sacarla por 3 (over the fence).
One of the most unique aspects of padel is its tactical nature. Unlike tennis, where players often aim for powerful smashes to win points, padel relies more on strategy and placement. Due to the smaller court and the use of walls, players often find themselves in positions where a definitive shot is not always possible without risking an easy return for the opponent. This is where shots like the bandeja, víbora, rulo, and gancho come into play. These shots allow players to maintain control, set up the next move, and avoid giving away easy points.
Learn the difference between bandeja and víbora
The bandeja and víbora are two of the most emblematic shots in padel. However, it can sometimes be difficult for players to understand the difference between them. Both are high ball overhead shots, but the bandeja is a controlled shot used to keep opponents at the back of the court, often as part of a defensive or strategic play. The víbora, on the other hand, is more aggressive, with added spin designed to put pressure on the opponent by targeting weak spots or forcing them out of position.
Padel dictionary
Discover or rediscover the most important terms related to the court, techniques, and shots used in padel. Understanding these terms will help you better understand the game and communicate more effectively with other players, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
Court and technique
- Contrapared – Back wall boast
- Bajada de pared – Off the wall smash
- Sacarla por 3 – Over the fence
- Sacarla por 4 – Over the back wall
- Traérsela a su campo – Bring it back
- Pared lateral – Side wall (glass)
- Pared de fondo – Back wall (glass)
- Malla – Fence
- Red – Net
- Esquina – Corner
- Volea – Volley
- Bote pronto – Half volley
- Plano – Flat
- Cortado – Backspin, slice
- Liftado – Topspin
- Paralelo – Down the line
- Cruzado – Cross court
- Derecha – Forehand
- Revés – Backhand
- Dejada – Drop shot
- Globo – Lob
- Bajada – Off the back-wall smash
- Dormilona – Sneaky drop shot
- Bandeja – A controlled overhead shot to keep opponents at the back of the court
- Víbora – An aggressive high ball shot with spin, aimed at weak spots like corners or side walls
- Gancho – A shot between a bandeja and a smash, hit in a hook shape
- Rulo – A gancho or lifted smash aimed at the side wall or back wall
During the game
Do you have a game with Spanish-speaking players? Here are the key terms you need to know to keep up with the flow of the match, understand the scoring system, and communicate effectively on the court.
- Pelota – Ball
- Pala – Racket
- Árbitro – Umpire
- Ventaja – Advantage
- Iguales – Deuce
- Juego – Game
- Desempate – Tie-break
Conclusion
Learning the vocabulary of padel, especially in Spanish, is an essential step in mastering the sport. Whether you're playing with friends, participating in a tournament, or simply watching a match, knowing the key terms will enhance your experience and understanding of the game. This Dictionary English / Spanish is a great resource to help you navigate the world of padel and communicate with players from Spanish-speaking countries. Enjoy the game and keep practicing!
