The bandeja is one of the most iconic and essential shots in padel, but it's also one of the most commonly mishit. Whether you're a new player or someone looking to refine your game, chances are you've faced the same challenges many others have when trying to perfect this shot.

Here are four of the most common mistakes players make with the bandeja:

1. Contacting behind the body
2. Contacting too high
3. Hitting too hard
4. Incorrect swing path

Each of these errors can disrupt your control, timing, and ability to recover to the net quickly. The good news? There are a few simple adjustments you can make that will dramatically improve your bandeja.

Improvement #1: Move Back Early and Exaggerate Your Position

One of the biggest breakthroughs players experience is when they start moving back early and exaggerating their position behind the ball.

You should aim to make contact with the ball in front of your body, not behind it. If you consistently get behind the ball, it's much easier to meet it at forehead or eye level — the ideal height for a solid bandeja. It also sets you up to recover quickly back to the net after executing the shot.

This adjustment alone will solve multiple issues at once: better contact point, better height, better positioning, and better recovery.

Improvement #2: Focus on Arm Position During Take-Back

Another huge improvement you can make is in your take-back.

When preparing for your bandeja, make sure to exaggerate the height of your elbow during the preparation phase. Your elbow should be high and strong, helping you create a swing path from high to low.

Recording yourself can be extremely helpful here. When you review the footage, check that your elbow is not dropping too early. A strong preparation leads to a controlled, aggressive swing — exactly what you want for an effective bandeja.

Bonus Tip: Go Through the Ball for a Lower Shot

A final bonus tip for keeping your bandeja low and deadly: make sure you go through the ball with a slightly open racket face.

This slight openness creates spin, which keeps the ball lower after bouncing and makes it tougher for your opponents to attack. Think about "brushing" the ball with control instead of slapping at it with pure force.

The bandeja isn't about power; it's about position, spin, and control.

Final Thoughts

The bandeja is a shot you can — and should — practice during your social games. These small improvements, if worked on consistently, will make a massive difference in your confidence and consistency.

Remember: move early, exaggerate your prep, swing from high to low, and trust the spin!

Your bandeja can become a real weapon — and your net game will thank you for it.

👉 Watch this video to see the technique in action

Your game, your story—keep playing.