Padel is often played at high intensity at the net, but the best players know when to slow down the rally to better punish. The rulo and the chiquita are two essential shots for breaking the rhythm and forcing opponents, even when well-positioned, to commit an error or play a defensive shot that is easy to intercept.

The Chiquita: The Offensive Drop Shot in Mid-Court

The chiquita is a slow and short shot, often executed from the baseline or mid-court, whose objective is to land just behind the opponent's service line.

• The Concept: The chiquita is a short ball with little power and, most importantly, a low ball! Instead of hitting the ball flat or lobbing, you give it just enough power so that it passes the net and drops before they have time to advance.

• Technique: The stroke is very soft and the motion must be short and discreet so as not to reveal your intention.

• Tactical Objective:

  • Force Advancement: If the ball drops short, the opponents must advance or are bothered by a ball at their feet. It is often a ball that will be played below net level and close to the net, thereby reducing the opponents' possibilities.

  • Create Opportunity: The chiquita forces the opponent to play a low, defensive volley. If it is poorly played by your opponent, you can often finish the point.

• When to Use It? When opponents have moved up to the net but are not glued to it, as otherwise, it's a punishment! A chiquita is often more effective after a few powerful volleys.

The Rulo: The Angled Shot After the Glass

The rulo is a more complex and advanced shot. It is often executed in defense, after the ball has rebounded off the back glass, and aims for a very tight angle.

• The Concept: The rulo is a lateral cutting shot that gives the ball an extremely curved trajectory. The objective is to make the ball bounce first near the opponent's corner, and then make it return towards the side glass, far from their racket.

• Technique: The motion resembles a sliced shot (slice), but the racket hits the outside of the ball to maximize the lateral spin (sidespin). The difficulty lies in controlling power and angle.

• Tactical Objective:

  • Move the Opponent Away: The rulo is often used to push the opponent away from the net or force them to play a difficult lateral volley.

  • Buy Time: It is an excellent option for slowing down the game in defense and allowing your own team to reposition.

• When to Use It? When you are out of your comfort zone hitting an opponent's lob and are ideally off-center near the edge of the court.

Conclusion: Patience in the Service of Performance

The rulo and the chiquita are shots that demand patience and technical finesse. These shots are not intended to win the point directly, but to manipulate space and break the rhythm. By integrating them into your repertoire, you force your opponents to anticipate a slower pace of play, which is often fatal in a sport focused on aggression at the net.