Training Padel

The víbora is one of the most iconic attacking shots in padel. It’s an aggressive overhead shot with sidespin designed to pressure the defender. When executed correctly, depending on the opponent’s level, it can either finish the point or keep the offensive momentum.

To perform it well, you need to understand its specific mechanics: a 90° elbow preparation, contact on the side of the ball, a relaxed wrist, and a precise target zone.

This series of five progressive drills will guide you from the basic technique to applying the víbora in real match situations.

Although the demonstration focuses on left-side players, the same drills can be performed for right-side players.

Progression 1

Understanding the vibora mechanics

The first drill focuses on the movement itself, without external pressure.

The coach sets up a line of cones on the left half of the court to mark the target zone—between the cones and the side fence—to practice aiming for a double bounce off the glass.

Each player takes two balls, positions on the left side of the court at the back of the service square, and tosses the balls to themselves, hitting two diagonal víboras.

The ball should be contacted at head height, on the side, with sidespin applied as if brushing the ball at “3 o’clock” on a clock face.
The elbow remains high at 90° during the preparation, and the swing finishes near the left hip with a relaxed wrist.

To hit the zone between the cones and the fence, the shoulders must stay perpendicular to the net, rather than opening forward.

Video credits: 👉 CLASES DE PADEL · Víbora con Juan Carlos Gil 🎾 | Padelarte.com – YouTube

Progression 2

Viboras on high balls from the coach

The coach adds one cone at the net and another at the back of the service box.

Players start at the back cone. The coach feeds a high ball towards the back cone so the player can hit a diagonal víbora.
Immediately after hitting the shot, the player moves forward quickly to the cone near the net.

The víbora remains cross-court, and the player focuses on implementing the technique practiced in the previous drill. The player uses his non-dominant arm to better aim at the incoming high ball.

This drill not only works the víbora but also corrects a common mistake: passively watching the shot instead of closing the net to maintain pressure.

Progression 3

Vibora followed by a forehand volley

This drill is similar to the previous one.

This time, after hitting the víbora from the back cone, players move forward directly to hit an aggressive, deep forehand volley aimed at the center of the court.

Before the volley, players perform a small split step to stabilize and attack the shot under control.

The goal is to maintain the pressure created by the víbora and look to finish the point or force a weak reply.

Progression 4

Stepping back from the net to play a second vibora

This drill adds a third ball to the sequence.

Players perform the previous drill (víbora + forehand volley) and then step back a few steps to play a second víbora.

This simulates a realistic situation where attackers need to retreat slightly on a lob, adjust laterally, and still execute a controlled víbora to maintain pressure.

Progression 5

Free points starting with a vibora

The coach removes all the cones.

One player positions next to the coach in defense, and the other starts on the offensive side.

The coach feeds a high ball to the attacker, who begins with a diagonal víbora, aiming for a double glass to trouble the defender.

The defender attempts to return the víbora, and the point then continues freely on the diagonal.
When defending a well-placed, deep víbora, it’s often better to let it pass and play it off the back glass to slow down the rally.

The coach can count points to add a competitive dimension.
Players then switch roles so both can practice attacking and defending.