Why you NEED the GANCHO! Padel Smash

This padel smash is rarely talked about and yet is used at the WPT level all the time!
This smash will have a big impact on your game...and guess what?! It is not an attacking smash! This is a great way to force your opponents into the corner and create spaces for you!
Check out our course on overheads, which covers all of the air game: thepadelschool.com/padel-over...
Next time you are playing a game, try to add the gancho into your arsenal and see how it works! The variety of smashes in padel makes them difficult to learn but if you have a couple that work really well for you then it is important you learn how to use them!

[@alexandre.o.zamberlan]

Coach! Great advice! Like always. I really appreciate when you make us think.

[@ThePadelSchool]

That's what I am here for :)

[@miguel.a.d.6078]

No he visto ningún vídeo tratando este tema específicamente ni en español. Gran trabajo como siempre 👍🏼

[@sobp9896]

love the match clips you put in as examples of what you are talking about

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thank you - try to put them in context...

[@Buurmanni]

Super video once again! Will add this shot to our upcoming overhead practice session

[@ThePadelSchool]

Definitely - try it!

[@joacimkindstrom2478]

Great video Sandy! I keep on learning.Vamos

[@ThePadelSchool]

Keep it up Joacim!!

[@JuanMartinez-zv7yf]

Great video Sandy. It helps to make pádel more popular

[@ThePadelSchool]

I hope so :)

[@kierongeorgewall9520]

Hi Sandy. Probably too basic but wondered if you might do a video showing how to hit both parallel and crossed ground shots from the back of the court? Not sure about footwork and timing when changing direction. Thanks

[@q8_padels]

Nice 👍

[@prasetyowangunhardjo6389]

So much informative video. Thank you Sandy! Can you make a video review of hesacore tour grip?

[@ThePadelSchool]

I tried it once before, but wasn't for me. Will see if I can get my hands on one again...

[@shmootzable]

Hey Sandy, great video like always! I'd like to know, how to decide quickly which (overhead-)shot is the right to do next and based on what factors. Like the own position, position of the opponents and their moving direction. And one question offtopic: why do players on wpt change their balls regulary and put the others next to the net?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Great video suggestion "how to choose which smash to hit"...why do they change balls during a match? Because the balls get used quickly at that level.

[@sarinyoUtv]

I've always thought that many players have their rituals and changing the ball when they failed last rally is also a possibility (some players like to stick to the same ball throughout their service game)

[@pepijnhuvenaars]

@0:36 You have a good point. I would really like an overview of the various shots and their uses. Not in depth for every shot, but a general overview of the various shot types.

[@ThePadelSchool]

This might be useful: kzbin.info/aero/PLFotglr241m4pBo1qACt0xqansmKvjXap

[@TheRealBlueSwan]

Thanks for the vid, Sandy. I think indecisiveness is the big problem for many beginners and intermediates when it comes to overheads. I have found that my game improves quite a bit when I play more decisively, regardless of whether my decision is to play aggressively or more patiently. So for overheads, I don't have problems with deep overhead shots because I basically always play those at low to medium speed instead of taking any risks. The problem is with midcourt overheads (overheads at the net I will always try to kill). Do I go for the kill or do I play it safer? This is where indecisiveness can hurt you a lot because if you do end up going for a winner, your frame of mind is not for making winners and you likely end up just setting up your opponents or even making an error. Anyway, another problem with overheads I see all of the time is with people not using their non-dominant arm, not getting into position and using too long of a backswing. Get those three things right and your overheads should automatically improve leaps and bounds.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Such a good point! Decisiveness really is the key and worthy of it's own video! Make the choice and stick to it! :)

[@interg12]

amazing video. Im a tennis player and i often hit my overheads too hard, from too deep, and they go into the net or the back glass.

[@ThePadelSchool]

A common issue from tennis...we've all been there!!

[@JanEerdekens]

Is there something similar for lefties that play on the right side, especially if like me you have trouble getting back far enough to let the ball get lower for a bandeja? One I have heard, but it might be a local name is to play a 'rulo' which is a soft topspin push to the fence which you also play high over your head.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yes, thats a little topspin to the fence - I would say with "lefties" it is similar to righties but obviously from the other side. So your gancho would almost always be played down the line.

[@diegosa1530]

Very nice video, another type of overhead shot! What about the Gancho played from the left side, normally looking for the corner or fence? Regards.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Often played down the corridor down that line - whether it hits the glass or fence it needs to stay close to the side and then will get the objective...

[@zepintoferreira8431]

Not sure if you agree but I learned the gancho as a way to punish opponents who come to the net looking to volley your bandeja. If played when the opponents are in front of the service line it either gives you an easy volley to put away or passes them and dies in the back glass. Playing a gancho when they're behind the line seems like it would give an easy ball to attack with. All very much like a rulo is in relation to a topspin smash.

[@fabriziogiorgini1913]

I think the gancho is the one of first thing I learned to do and "overdo". I always use it when I don't want to lose the net.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Haha if it works, got to use it!

[@sebulban]

Nice! If you're hitting this one inside out, will you change from almost flat to moderate topspin to get more net clearance and to let it fall faster before the fence? Asking this as I'm a lefty playing usually in the A and using this if the lob is played over my right shoulder. I mostly prefer some topspin as I feel it gives me more control and I also have the choice of hitting it harder (in disguise) to the back wall (and hopefully out :) )

[@ThePadelSchool]

I think I understand the shot - you are playing topspin towards the diagonal fence. I would only go for that shot if you can make sure you hit the fence - otherwise you could leave yourself exposed.

[@johannordkvist]

Hi Sandy! My biggest problem with my overheads is that the bounce off the back glass is too high and easy for my opponents. In theory I know why - too high contact point and too little slice. But, still difficult for me to do in a match.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Hey Johan, we have all been there. It can be a tricky one to master.

[@davchn4233]

Great video! I need some tips to improve the smash.. I can’t hit at the correct height and time to kill the ball for a x4.. do u have some exercise to do??

[@ThePadelSchool]

Does this video help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2qcZ6Oifs-WsJI

[@brianmccluskey4281]

Looks a wee bit chilly where you are Sandy. Are you missing Dubai? Excellent video. Never knew this shot existed.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Thanks and happy to help - not missing it at all - but maybe ask me again in the depths of winter! haha

[@joaosousa988]

I would love to be able to do a Lebron type smash that kicks the ball back to my court. Any tips or exercises I might do to train it? I have good access to a padel court, even if I'm alone

[@ThePadelSchool]

I would love to be able to do that too!! If you can get someone to feed you a basket of balls that's the best!

[@JoaquimDuarteRibeiro]

Hi Sandy, Great video as always. Thank you ❤️ My gancho is going a bit to the left and sometimes goes directly to the fence or glass :( Some tips?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Do you think you are leaning too far to the left? And therefore body weight going in that direction?

[@JoaquimDuarteRibeiro]

@@ThePadelSchool yep that was it. Just tested today 😂 Thank you!

[@riccardopocci73]

I play rightside so i can play this shot when the ball is going to the center and it s not appropriate to hit with a backhand that could be too high to play? Because that situation happens a lot in my intermediate games Thank you

[@ThePadelSchool]

Exactly, this is what it is for. More likely when the lob comes from diagonal (opposite right side) because your partner has less time to hit the Bandeja/vibora 💪

[@carlovigano1163]

difficulty with overheads: timing and position to hit the ball at the perfect height/position

[@ThePadelSchool]

Sounds like preparation might be a factor too ;)

[@sarinyoUtv]

@@ThePadelSchool also reading your opponents intention is crucial to get the timing right, what do you think?

[@gilardino801]

As a lefthanded player who plays on the right side is it better play to the bandeja?

[@ThePadelSchool]

That’s a great question, and a frequent one we are asked in the community page. If you are a member, please feel free to ask this in there, and if you’re not a member, please feel free to join so you can see all the answers! thepadelschool.com/the-padel-school-plus/?Organic&+stories&TPS%2B

[@barrycoffey492]

As a right side player I often play this shot down the line. It isn't something you mentioned in the video and I would be interested to hear your view. The ball often glances off the glass or fence and dies in the corner making it difficult to defend. I find this shot useful even against players of a higher level. Is it because it is not often played? I come from a badminton background and find it quite a natural shot to hit.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Great question and the reason I didn't mention it is because I was talking about a lob down the middle. So to go for that angle is a risk (as it exposes you to defend most of the court). You do see it sometimes at the top level when they are confident of hitting it though!

[@Korbem]

The toughest part about overheads ? Decision making. On tough high balls : should I let it bounce and go for a bajada/lob or can I hit it well enough that I can make it back up to the net in time ? Cause if I don't I'll be at a larger disadvantage... How hard and how accurate can I hit my bandeja/vibora, I have had instances where I hit the ball too hard, even with plenty of slice allowing my opponent a chance to contact in front and reversing that pressure. Or on an easier ball : what type of offensive shot am I choosing ? I could go for the smash, but unless circumstances are good to perfect, I know it's not good enough to finish the point. Should I go for a vibora instead ? Where do I place it then, at their feet, junction 6/7 or sideglass ? Tough question Sandy !

[@ThePadelSchool]

These are tough questions! And brings up a really good point about making a decision and sticking to it! This deserves a video! Because it is a complicated part of the game!

[@IamRayz]

My main issues are getting spin on the overheads and hitting them while running backwards.

[@ThePadelSchool]

If you are hitting them while running backwards you potentially have prepared too late...

[@mohammedbasheer314]

Hey sandy..the most difficult thing is the position and time of the ball above my head

[@ThePadelSchool]

Preparation often the issue in this sitaution!

[@nataliadanilo4314]

Who gets to make more smashes - right hand player or left hand player?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Left side player is usually the more aggressive and therefore hits more attacking smashes. But depends on the game a bit.

[@qkardav]

How about backhand overhead? I like the backhand overhead, it gives it a little slice on the ball.

[@ThePadelSchool]

This shot is REALLY difficult to generate power, here's a video I've done before: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joauiqd8q8lspdk

[@qkardav]

@@ThePadelSchool I have seen that one. It is strange, if think the backhand smash is easier. Maybe it is due me tennis background ;)

[@Benigma]

My difficult with overheads: is the timing to smash at the correct point.

[@ThePadelSchool]

A lot of people struggle with that!

[@FlyFoxAir]

What about using a backhand bandeja instead??

[@ThePadelSchool]

very rarely recommend using a backhand bandeja

[@refortify9650]

Is it basically a Kick Bandeja?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Well...contact is in a different place and it's hit more flat than anything, so it's quite different, but a similar purpose in a game.

[@refortify9650]

@@ThePadelSchool ahhh ok

[@mnour9]

One of Sanyo’s favorite !

[@TheRealBlueSwan]

Indeed, yes. Exactly the player I was thinking of. He likes those short crosscourt overheads to the side fence.

[@ThePadelSchool]

He loves this shot!

[@mnour9]

@@ThePadelSchool Me too :D

[@mnour9]

@@TheRealBlueSwan Yup. El Magico!!

[@TheJupilo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYO9iYJ-bc2Yosk, is the placement bandeja from this video the same as the gancho or is there a difference? To make things even more complicated (-:

[@ThePadelSchool]

Yes, the "placement bandeja" is similar to the gancho, although looks just like a higher contact on the bandeja.

[@mikaelfridenfast2091]

Well... hitting the ball is probably the hardest... any ideas on how to fix it? :D

[@ThePadelSchool]

Hahaha doing lots of air swings?

[@mikaelfridenfast2091]

@@ThePadelSchool You know it Sandy! I could use a week or two of massive re-programming! ;)

[@TheRSChippe]

Difficult with overheads: Not hitting the net (ball going straight down directly in net)

[@ThePadelSchool]

Technique or preparation you think?

[@TheRSChippe]

@@ThePadelSchool both i would say 😅 Cant really explain but maybe i come Up with the racket too much in front of me holding it like a stop sign and try to hit the ball with wrist only.

[@eiriksvren7054]

First