Padel Shots→Overhead Shots

Rulo

Franco Stupaczuk's signature topspin overhead targeting the side fence.

Advanced
Category: Overhead Shots
Difficulty: advanced
Spanish: Rulo

What is the Rulo?

The rulo (Spanish for "roll") is a topspin overhead made famous by Franco Stupaczuk (#5 world ranking). It's a soft smash that targets the side fence, creating a dead ball or forcing opponents back. Known as "El Rulo" or "The Lightning Bolt."

Rulo padel shot technique illustration

Illustration showing the rulo technique

When to Hit the Rulo

When lobbed over your backhand shoulder (non-dominant side) with no time to get into position for a regular smash. Best when playing toward your "inside" near the side fence.

How to Hit the Rulo

  1. 1
    Similar technique to a kick serve in tennis
  2. 2
    Contact on your non-dominant side (left for right-handers)
  3. 3
    Let ball drop lower than normal smash contact point
  4. 4
    Roll the racket face over the ball for topspin
  5. 5
    "Imagine a clock - hit at midday, well up" - Stupa
  6. 6
    Brush forward over the top of the ball
  7. 7
    Use slightly more open grip than continental for extra spin

Video Tutorials

How to Use THE RULO Properly by Study Padel

The Secrets Of Stupa's Rulo - Technique Analysis by Padel Analysis

AVOID These Common Rulo Mistakes by Study Padel

Common Mistakes

  • Hitting too hard - this is one of the SLOWEST smashes
  • Wrong contact point - ball must be on your outside shoulder
  • Not enough topspin to get the ball to dip

Pro Tips

  • Right-hander on LEFT side or left-hander on RIGHT = easiest position
  • High trajectory over net, lands in front of the net - topspin makes this possible
  • "Second serve in tennis to the outside" is the same motion
  • Creates dead ball out of fence (best case) or forces opponents back (worst case)

Related Shots

Bandeja

The signature padel shot - a sliced overhead that maintains net position.

Vibora

An aggressive overhead with heavy sidespin - the attacking cousin of the bandeja.

Gancho

A defensive hooking overhead when the ball is behind you.

Ready to Practice the Rulo?

Find a padel court near you and work on your rulo technique.

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