Padel Shots→Overhead Shots

Vibora(Víbora)

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

Advanced
Category: Overhead Shots
Difficulty: advanced
Spanish: Víbora

What is the Vibora?

The vibora (Spanish for "viper") is an aggressive overhead shot with heavy sidespin. Named for the snake-like movement of the ball through the air, it's more attacking than the bandeja and creates unpredictable bounces off the glass.

Vibora padel shot technique illustration

Illustration showing the vibora technique

When to Hit the Vibora

When balanced and lined up under a short lob, and you want to attack rather than just maintain position.

How to Hit the Vibora

  1. 1
    Use a continental grip (essential for sidespin)
  2. 2
    Adopt a slightly open stance, non-dominant shoulder toward net
  3. 3
    Bring elbow to shoulder height, racket behind head
  4. 4
    Position completely sideways, looking at side wall
  5. 5
    Use a short backswing for control
  6. 6
    Chop across the back of the ball for side-slice
  7. 7
    Contact at eye level, brush the outside of the ball
  8. 8
    Follow through like "arm wrapped around neck like a scarf"

Video Tutorial

How to Hit the Vibora - NOX Padel by NOX Padel

Common Mistakes

  • Gripping too tightly (need relaxed wrist for spin)
  • Too much backswing
  • Hitting from under instead of the side

Pro Tips

  • Vibora = hit outside of ball (sidespin). Bandeja = hit under (backspin)
  • Two types: low contact (stays down) and high contact (faster, hits side fence)
  • Right-handers on the left side find this easier
  • Practice against the back glass to limit backswing

Related Shots

Bandeja

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

Rulo

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

Smash

A powerful overhead shot aimed at winning the point outright.

Ready to Practice the Vibora?

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

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