How to Master the Dejada in Padel?

Padel is a sport of feel, where finesse can sometimes overcome power. Among the most elegant and cunning shots, the dejada (or drop shot at the net) is undoubtedly the most formidable when mastered.

It consists in dropping the ball just behind the net, taking advantage of the opponent moving back or their anticipation towards the back of the court.

This shot, typical of the Spanish game, was popularised by players like Fede Chingotto or Fernando Belasteguín, capable of switching from defence to attack with a simple delicate touch.

What is a dejada in padel?

The word dejada comes from the Spanish dejar, "to leave", as if to let the ball drop gently. It is a short drop shot, played from the net, aimed at making the ball barely bounce in the opponent's side.

It is used when the opponent is back: rather than attempting a risky smash, you opt for finesse. The aim is not to hit hard, but to break the rhythm of the point, to slow the play down, somewhat like a Dormilona but from an attacking position.

How to play a dejada in padel

1. Choosing the right moment

The dejada is used when your opponent is far back, after a lob or a series of deep balls.

You need to read their positioning: if they have moved back, it is the perfect time to surprise them. If, on the other hand, they are close to the net, it is best avoided.

2. Shot preparation

• Position yourself side-on to the net, knees slightly bent.
• Hold your padel racket in front of you, racket face open, at mid-body height.
• The dominant arm must be relaxed, the wrist loose: the secret to the dejada is a soft touch.

3. The movement

The movement is short and cushioned:

• Start with the racket slightly open towards the sky.
  

• Hit the ball in front of you, with a light, almost gliding contact.
  

• Follow through upwards to apply effet rétro, so that the ball slows down after the bounce.
  

The closer you are to the net, the more compact your swing should be. On a fast surface, you can add a bit more spin to better control the trajectory.

4. The follow-through

Stay alert: if the ball comes back or hits the glass, you must be ready to intercept the return. A good dejada is played as much with the hand as with the eyes: you must anticipate your opponent's reaction from the moment you strike the ball.

Just like the padel serve, precision in execution and wrist control are essential to hit an effective dejada at the net.

When to use the dejada in a match

The dejada is a surprise shot: it is used rarely, but always at the right moment. Here are the ideal situations:

• Your opponent has just hit a deep lob and is still retreating to the back of the court.
  

• You want to break a monotonous rally to change the tempo.
  

• To force an error or a rushed movement.
  

• Late in the match, when fatigue makes movement slower.
  

It is also a psychological shot; it forces the opponent to doubt, to hesitate between staying back or moving up to the net. Used sparingly, the dejada offers a definite strategic advantage.

Players who excel in this art

Certain players on the FIP circuit or World Padel Tour are renowned for their pinpoint dejadas.

• Fede Chingotto perfectly masters the variation between power and drop shots.
  

• Paquito Navarro uses it as a signature shot, often at the end of a rally to wrong-foot an opponent caught too far back.
  

• On the French side, several French Padel Academy players now include the dejada in their padel skill set, especially during international tournaments.
  

Their common strength: an exceptional reading of the game and absolute relaxation in execution.

Equipment and conditions for success

A good dejada requires the right equipment:

• Padel racket: favour models focused on control and precision, with a good touch (e.g. Head Delta Control, Nox ML10, Bullpadel Hack Control).
  

• Padel shoes: they must provide stability and grip, especially near the net.
  

• New balls: livelier, they allow for better effet rétro.
  

• A dry grip or tacky overgrip helps maintain control of the handle.
  

The choice of equipment is not trivial. A racket that is too stiff will make the dejada imprecise; a flexible racket will allow you to drop the ball effortlessly.

Dejada, Dormilona, or Bandeja?

These three shots share a common philosophy: changing the rhythm of the point. But they differ completely in their context:

• The Bandeja: played overhead, defensively, to deal with a lob.
  

• The Dormilona: played at the net after an opponent's smash hits the back glass.
  

• The Dejada: played at the net, from an attacking position.
  

All three require excellent technique, but the dejada remains the most accessible in the medium term, provided you judge your touch well.

Key takeaways

• The dejada is a drop shot played at the net to surprise the opponent and break the rhythm.
  

• It requires a precise motion, an excellent feel for the ball and a sharp reading of the opponent's positioning.
  

• It is a tactically clever shot: it turns a neutral position into a winning point.
  

• Its effectiveness relies on mastering touch, body positioning and wrist relaxation.
  

• Well executed, the dejada becomes a decisive weapon, especially on slow courts or outdoors.