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Chiquita

Padel / Popular

Play low, soft attacks at opponents' feet to transition toward the net.

What coaches agree on

  • Set up for the chiquita exactly like your normal drive or lob — same stance, same backswing — so your opponent has to watch the ball instead of reading your intention early.
  • Look to play it off a ball that has already rebounded off the back glass or wall — it's already slowing down and heading in the right direction, which makes the shot far easier to control than one taken on the rise.
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  • Vary your shot selection by mixing chiquitas in with your lobs — the unpredictability is what stops your opponent from settling into position and reading your next ball.

Common mistakes

  • A common mistake, especially for players arriving from tennis, is trying to add pace or heavy spin to the shot — hit hard or over-spun, the ball either flies too high, handing the opponent an easy attack, or comes off so fast there's no time left to close in behind it.
  • Another common mistake is playing the chiquita when the opponent is already right up at the net — they can simply step in closer or take it high and comfortably, so that moment calls for a lob instead.