Adapted Padel: Basic Vibora to Attack Without Giving Up the Net
An introduction to the vibora, an overhead shot with side and slice spin used to answer a lob and put pressure on the opponents. It's taught in a basic, safe version focused on ball path and getting back to the net.
How to play
- Bandeja vs. vibora: the bandeja controls, the vibora speeds the ball toward the opponents' side wall with slice; shadow demo (4 min).
- Shadow swing in pairs: side-on setup, contact in front at head height, and a cross-body follow-through to the opposite hip; your partner checks three key points (5 min).
- Vibora off a feed: your partner tosses a soft lob by hand from the other side; you hit aiming to bounce the ball in a hoop near the far sideline (9 min).
- Vibora and recover: after the hit, take two steps forward to net position and volley the next toss (6 min).
- Live situation: a back-court player hits lobs with the paddle and the net pair chooses bandeja or vibora based on height; count points won while holding the net (6 min).
Rules
- The vibora is hit at head height; it's not a smash, so no jumping and no full-power swings.
- The feeder stands out of the hitting line, and no one picks up balls while someone is hitting.
- Each pair uses its own zone with at least 3 m side clearance.
Variations
Easier
Shadow swing and short tosses, just aiming to clear the net.
Standard
Vibora off a feed plus recovery to the net.
Harder
The back pair chooses between a lob and a low ball; the net pair must pick the right shot each time.
Adaptations
- Injured shoulder: switch to a lower bandeja, or act as feeder and coach.
- Wheelchair users: tosses at seated head height and a target in the middle zone.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the teacher shows the key-point sequence on picture cards.
Learning goals
- Tell the bandeja and vibora apart by purpose and ball path.
- Perform a basic vibora with side and slice spin.
- Get back to net position after an overhead shot.
Equipment for a class of 25
- padel paddles: 30
- padel balls: 45
- cones: 16
- badminton net: 2
- hula hoops: 8
Teacher tip
Without side walls, the hoop marks where the ball would bounce before reaching the side glass. Common mistake: hitting flat and hard like a smash; keep cueing "slice the side of the ball" and "finish at the opposite hip."
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