[caption id="attachment_6489" align="alignnone" width="778"] How to execute the "vibora" shot in padel?[/caption]

The "víbora" shot

As you all know, the world of padel is continuously growing. It is worth noting the large number of technical and tactical actions that can occur on the court. In this commentary, we will talk about how to perform the technical action known as the 'víbora' (viper). This shot is always best executed with padel rackets with a diamond shape, due to having the balance towards the top.

Undoubtedly, the vibora is one of the most spectacular offensive shots that can be seen in padel. Additionally, it can be categorized as a finishing shot or smash.

Víbora technique

This shot can be executed flat or with slice (with backspin). Both forms would be correct, although we must emphasize that with slice, the ball will have less bounce, which will make it difficult for the opponent to return the ball. Below, we detail step-by-step how to correctly execute the víbora.

• Start. Receive the ball sideways with your legs semi-flexed, with the racket behind and at head height. With the other hand, point to the ball with your arm extended. It is very important to time the ball.
• Adjust your steps. It is essential to perform them for a correct initial hitting position. Your feet should be spread apart to execute it agilely and quickly.
• Ball impact. We must look for the lowest possible point so that the ball's entry angle is as small as possible and the rebound stays close to the ground.
• Arm movement. A movement from inside to outside should be performed, moving away from the body. This movement imparts a rotation to the ball that reduces its speed and makes the ball skid on the ground.
• Finish. The arm should follow the ball in its direction and end at the height of the opposite shoulder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjE9yE2z_bY

Body mechanics of the víbora

To train this movement, or understand it, you should perform a throwing motion. That is, take the ball with your hand and throw it straight forward with your body turned. You will observe that the weight is loaded onto the back leg, and that the hip rotation will accompany the forearm and wrist in a synchronized manner. It is then that you will be facing the factors of performing a víbora.

• You might be interested in: how to execute the "dormilona", an exquisite shot

Tactics

Many players have this smash among their most common shots. For example, Marcello Jardim. However, not everyone has perfect execution, nor is it performed at the right moments. To that end, we will explain when this shot is effective:

• Opponents static at the back of the court.
• Synthetic courts.
• Heavy balls.
• As a precision shot in attack.

Ultimately, like every great technical action, the víbora must be practiced to have exceptional control over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyTlJtmlEmY

It is always said that "you play as you train." Therefore, do not neglect training, even if the shot doesn't come out perfect at first, as perseverance will give you the satisfaction of being able to perform it on the court and having a new technical and tactical action in your personal repertoire in the world of padel.