Why the 'Chiquita' is Your New Best Friend on the Padel Court
In Padel, the fierce battle for net control often dominates strategy. While powerful smashes, strategic lobs, and aggressive volleys grab the headlines, there's a quieter, more deceptive shot that can consistently tip the scales in your favor: the Chiquita.
Often described as a "short game" groundstroke, the Chiquita is a low, soft shot typically hit from near the service line or mid-court, designed to land just over the net into your opponent's service box. It's not about power; it's about precision, deception, and strategically forcing your opponents into uncomfortable positions.
What Exactly Is a Chiquita?
Imagine you're deep in your court, trying to recover from an opponent's aggressive net play. Instead of launching a desperate lob or a risky power shot, you hit a soft, controlled groundstroke. This shot floats just over the net, landing short and low in the opponent's court, near their feet. That's a Chiquita.
The word "Chiquita" itself means "little one" in Spanish, perfectly describing this understated yet highly effective shot.
Source: Padelverse
Why the Chiquita is a Game-Changer
The Chiquita serves several crucial purposes that make it an indispensable weapon in your Padel arsenal:
Forces a Weak Volley: When a Chiquita lands short and low, opponents at the net have to bend down, stretch, and hit the ball while moving forward. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to generate power or accuracy, often resulting in a weak, high volley that you can then attack.
Creates Net Opportunity: By forcing a weak return, the Chiquita creates the perfect window for you and your partner to push forward and take over the coveted net position. It's your ticket from defense to offense.
Opens Up the Court: If opponents anticipate a powerful shot or a lob, a well-placed Chiquita can catch them flat-footed, creating wide-open spaces for your next shot or for your partner to poach.
Prevents Counter-Attacks: Unlike a lob that can be smashed, or a hard drive that might come back faster, the Chiquita neutralizes the point and gives your opponents very few aggressive options.
Builds Pressure: Consistently hitting good Chiquitas grinds down your opponents, making them doubt their net positioning and increasing their frustration as they struggle to hit effective returns.
How to Master Your Chiquita
While deceptively simple, the Chiquita requires finesse and practice.
The Grip: Use a continental grip (the "hammer" grip). This versatile grip allows for the subtle paddle face adjustments needed for control and underspin.
The Swing: Think of it less as a hit and more as a push or slice. It's a compact, controlled swing, often with some underspin, allowing the ball to float just over the net and die quickly upon landing. Avoid a long backswing.
Target Zone: Aim for your opponent's feet, especially the player standing on the deuce side (if they are right-handed) or the player on the ad side (if they are left-handed), as this is often their weaker side. Aim for the front half of the service box.
Soft Hands: Use your wrist and forearm for subtle control, not raw power. Imagine you are guiding the ball, not striking it.
Footwork & Positioning: Chiquitas are often hit from mid-court or after an opponent's deep shot. Focus on getting into a balanced position, slightly forward, to execute the shot with control. Your body should be moving towards the net after you hit the Chiquita.
The Follow-Through: A short, controlled follow-through helps maintain precision.
When to Use the Chiquita
When Opponents Are Glued to the Net: This is its prime scenario. If your opponents are firmly positioned at the net, a Chiquita is an excellent way to force them to react and potentially create an opening.
After a Deep Ball from Opponents: If opponents hit a deep ball that you can't easily attack, a Chiquita is a great way to "reset" the point and move forward.
To Change the Pace: If the game is becoming too fast and powerful, a Chiquita can slow things down, disrupt your opponents' rhythm, and introduce a element of touch.
To Open Up Angles: A well-placed Chiquita can pull an opponent out wide, leaving the middle or other side of the court open for your next shot.
Don't underestimate the power of subtlety. The Chiquita might not be the most glamorous shot in Padel, but it's one of the most effective for gaining tactical advantage, controlling the net, and ultimately, winning more points.
