The gancho is a defensive overhead shot in padel, used mainly against lobs. Played with the arm rolling above the head, it sends the ball high and dipping, often forcing weak replies. A well-timed gancho can turn defence into attack.
What it is and why it’s used
Quick definition
The gancho is an overhead hook shot played when a lob goes over your non-dominant shoulder. Contact is made high and slightly behind the body with a rolling arm action. The ball is aimed toward the side glass or fence to produce a low, awkward bounce.
Importance in matches
The gancho helps you maintain net position without retreating. By striking early, you turn a defensive lob into a neutral or attacking shot, often forcing a weak reply from opponents.
How to hit a gancho
Stance and positioning
Begin at the net, ready for a lob. Turn your shoulders and aim to hit the ball at its highest point. For right-handed players, this often means reaching over the left shoulder.
Grip
Use your standard overhead grip. Keep the wrist relaxed for a finishing flick that adds angle and control.
Timing and contact
Make contact high and slightly behind your body with a straight arm and rolling motion. Aim toward the side glass or fence so the ball drops low. If the ball is too low or late, choose a bandeja or lob instead.
To see how that alternative works, check our full guide on the bandeja shot in padel.
Practice tip
Drill with a partner feeding high balls. Focus first on shoulder rotation and wrist flick separately, then combine them into one fluid shot.
Smart ways to use the gancho
When to use it
Play a gancho when a lob lands over your left shoulder (for right-handed players) and you do not have time to prepare a smash or bandeja. The high contact point allows you to stay at the net and place the ball toward the side glass for a tough rebound.
Reading your opponent
Aim for the side glass if opponents are deep and off-centre. Use the gancho as a surprise shot to break rhythm. If they struggle with high balls, hit with extra height. If they handle slow shots well, vary speed and placement.
Another attacking option from similar situations is the víbora shot in padel, which adds more spin and aggression.
Common mistakes
- Overuse: Using it too often makes it predictable. Mix with bandejas, volleys, and smashes.
- Poor contact: Hitting too low or early makes it weak. Focus on high contact and a wrist flick.
- Wrong target: Avoid centre shots. Aim for the side glass or fence.
And if you’re just starting out, it’s helpful to go back to the basics of how to play padel.
How to practise
Partner drills
- Lob-and-gancho drill: practise timing and side glass placement.
- Pressure drill: mix volleys, bandejas, and ganchos to sharpen decision-making.
- Target drill: use cones on the glass to train accuracy.
Solo drills
- Self-lob drills for repeated contact at the right height.
- Wall practice for overhead timing.
- Shadow swings to rehearse arm loop and wrist flick.
FAQ
What is a gancho in padel?
The gancho means “hook” in Spanish. It is an overhead shot used to return lobs, usually over the left shoulder. The goal is to send the ball into the side glass for a difficult rebound.
Why is the gancho important?
The gancho lets players stay at the net after a lob instead of retreating. Its high contact point makes it hard for opponents to attack and can turn defence into offence.
How do you hit a gancho?
Turn your shoulders, keep your arm straight, and meet the ball high over your non-dominant shoulder. Use a relaxed wrist for a flicked finish and aim toward the side glass.
When should you use the gancho?
Use it against lobs when you are at the net and do not have time for a smash or bandeja. It works best on lobs over the left shoulder.
What are common mistakes with the gancho?
Overusing it makes it predictable. Poor timing or low contact reduces its effect. A stiff wrist or aiming too central also weakens the shot. Always aim high and target the side glass.
How can you practise the gancho?
With a partner, try lob-and-gancho drills and aim for the side glass. Solo players can use wall drills or a ball machine for repeated high contacts. Coaching or video feedback helps refine stance and timing.
