- Bajada
- An attacking shot played after the ball bounces off the back glass, hit at shoulder or chest height to send it back aggressively into the opponents' court. It's one of the most powerful weapons to maintain offensive control at the net.
- Bandeja
- A defensive overhead shot played with a slight slice, hit at medium pace to keep the team at the net without risking a smash. It lands deep in the opponents' court, usually near the side glass.
- Chiquita
- A soft, low shot played from the back of the court that lands at the feet of the opponents at the net. Its purpose is to force a defensive return and regain control of the point.
- Contra-pared
- A shot where the ball is intentionally played against your own back wall so it bounces over the net into the opponents' court. It's typically a last-resort defensive shot when the ball is too difficult to return directly.
- Dormida
- A smash that bounces high off the floor and then dies against the side glass, making it almost impossible to return. It's one of the most lethal finishing shots in padel.
- Fence (Grillage)
- The metallic mesh that forms part of the court's enclosure, usually on the sides behind the service line. Balls can rebound off it and remain in play if they bounce on the floor first.
- Globo (Lob)
- A high, deep shot designed to send the opponents back from the net to the baseline. It's a key tactical shot to regain the net position or break the opponents' attack.
- Golpe de fondo
- A groundstroke played from the back of the court, usually after the ball bounces on the floor or off the back glass. It's the foundation of defensive play in padel.
- Kick smash (Smash par 3)
- A powerful smash hit with topspin that bounces high and flies over the side fence on the third bounce, awarding the point directly. It requires precise timing and power.
- Let
- A call made when the serve clips the net and lands correctly in the service box, requiring the serve to be replayed. It can also apply to interference during a point.
- Net (Red)
- The central barrier dividing the two sides of the court, lower in the middle than at the posts. The ball must pass over it for shots to be valid.
- Par 3
- A smash that sends the ball out of the court after three bounces (floor, then over the fence), winning the point outright. It demands controlled power and the right angle.
- Par 4
- A smash that sends the ball out of the court over the four-meter-high glass walls, an extremely difficult and spectacular winning shot. It's typically reserved for professional-level play.
- Rulo
- A defensive shot played close to the side glass where the ball rolls along the wall before returning into play. It's a tricky shot used when the ball is jammed against the glass.
- Salida de pared (Wall exit)
- The action of playing the ball after it has rebounded off the back or side glass wall. Mastering this shot is essential for solid defensive play in padel.
- Service box
- The area where the serve must land, located between the net, the service line, and the central line. The ball must bounce here before being struck by the receiver.
- Smash
- A powerful overhead shot hit downward with force to finish the point. It's the main offensive weapon when an opponent sends a short or weak lob.
- Underarm serve
- The mandatory serving technique in padel, where the ball must be struck below waist height after one bounce on the floor. It's a key rule that distinguishes padel from tennis.
- Vibora
- An aggressive overhead shot hit with strong sidespin, faster and more attacking than a bandeja. The ball curves sharply and usually dies into the side glass, making it hard to defend.
- Volley (Volea)
- A shot played at the net before the ball bounces on the floor. Volleys are essential to maintain offensive net position and pressure the opponents.
- Back glass (Fondo)
- The glass wall at the back of each side of the court, used by players to play balls after they rebound. It's a defining feature of padel that allows long, strategic rallies.
- Bandeja invertida
- A variation of the bandeja played on the backhand side with a similar slicing motion. It's used to keep the team at the net when defending lobs hit to the backhand.
- Court
- The padel playing area, measuring 20 by 10 meters, enclosed by glass walls and metal fencing. Its enclosed design allows the ball to remain in play after rebounds.
- Drop shot (Dejada)
- A delicate shot played just over the net to make the ball drop sharply on the opponents' side. It's used to surprise opponents positioned at the baseline.
- Match point
- The point that, if won, awards the match to the leading team. It often creates high tension and decisive tactical choices.
- Net position
- The dominant tactical area near the net where players aim to volley and attack. Controlling the net is the main goal of any padel point.
- Side glass (Pared lateral)
- The lateral glass walls of the court, used for rebounds during defense and as a target zone for attacking shots like the víbora. They are central to padel's unique strategy.
- Tie-break
- A special game played at 6-6 in a set to decide the winner, first to 7 points with a two-point margin. It's used to avoid excessively long sets.