Understand the Chiquita in Padel (Simple & Practical Guide)

The chiquita is one of the most powerful counterattack tools in padel.

But most players either:

• Use it at the wrong time

• Hit it too hard

• Or move forward when they shouldn’t

Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly how to use it.

1. What the Chiquita Is

The chiquita is a soft counterattack shot played from the back of the court.

Its purpose:

• Make the ball bounce low

• Land at your opponent’s feet

• Force a weak volley

• Give you time to move forward and take the net

Important:

The chiquita is not meant to win the point directly.

It creates the opportunity to attack on the next shot.

Think of it as:

A small, controlled lob that lands low instead of high.

2. When to Use It

Use the chiquita when:

• You’re defending at the back

• The ball is comfortable (not too fast or low)

• Opponents are tight at the net

• You want to change from defense to attack

Best situation:

After the ball comes off the back wall.

Why?

• You have more time.

• The ball is lighter.

• It’s easier to control direction.

It’s harder to play when:

• The ball hasn’t touched the wall.

• It comes very fast.

• You must change direction sharply.

3. Who Should Use It?

Beginners

• Focus mostly on lobs first.

• Use chiquita occasionally.

• Don’t force it under pressure.

Intermediate Players

• Start using it as a planned counterattack.

• Practice playing it after the back wall.

• Move forward together with your partner.

Advanced Players

• Mix chiquita and lob to stay unpredictable.

• Disguise it with the same preparation.

• Use it to break aggressive net players.

At higher levels, unpredictability makes it powerful.

4. Step-by-Step Execution

Let’s make this simple.

Step 1: Correct Position

You are:

• At the back of the court.

• Balanced.

• Reading the ball early.

Ideal moment:

The ball bounces off the back wall and moves forward.

That gives you time and control.

Step 2: Grip

Use the continental grip.

Why?

• Works for forehand and backhand.

• Allows you to disguise the shot.

• Lets you change at the last second (lob or chiquita).

Keep preparation looking neutral.

Step 3: Short Preparation

This is critical.

• Keep the backswing short.

• Stay compact.

• Hit the ball in front of your body.

Short preparation = more control.

Step 4: Think “Small Lob”

Do not hit down hard.

Instead:

• Slightly open the racket face.

• Hit gently under the ball.

• Use gravity.

• Let the ball travel soft and low.

The ball should:

• Cross the net.

• Drop quickly.

• Bounce at the opponent’s feet.

Soft and precise beats powerful.

Step 5: Contact Point

• Hit the ball as it is descending.

• Contact slightly under the ball.

• Keep it controlled and smooth.

No big swing.

No aggressive topspin.

Step 6: Follow Through & Move Forward

After contact:

• Long, smooth follow-through.

• Immediately move forward.

• Your partner moves forward too.

The pressure comes from:

• The low bounce.

• And your forward movement.

You are turning defense into attack.

5. Common Mistakes

• Hitting too hard

• Hitting too high

• Playing it when under heavy pressure

• Moving forward alone (partner stays back)

• Going forward even when the chiquita is bad

• Using a long backswing

Big mistake:

Playing a bad chiquita and still charging the net.

If it’s not good, stay back and reset.

6. Simple Key Reminders

Keep these in mind:

• It’s not a winner.

• Soft and low beats fast.

• Best after the back wall.

• Short preparation.

• Same preparation as the lob.

• Move forward together.

• If it’s not good, stay back.

The chiquita is a risky shot.

But when used correctly, it’s one of the easiest ways to:

Escape defense and take control of the point.