What Is the Chiquita in Pádel? The Shot That Wins You the Net

Quick Answer

The chiquita is a soft, low shot played from the back of the court toward the feet of the net player. It forces opponents to hit awkward low volleys — giving you a weak ball to attack as you advance toward the net. Use a continental grip, soft hands (grip pressure 3/10), a short compact swing, and aim for the service line area at their inside foot. The chiquita doesn't win points directly — it wins you the net.

Last updated: March 2026 · Technique sourced from Padel Tonic, Corcuera Padel Club, and Padel USA coaching resources.

What the Chiquita Does

Your opponents own the net. You're stuck at the back. A hard drive? They volley it. A lob? They smash it. What now?

The chiquita. A soft ball that dips below net height and lands at their feet. They have to bend down, reach forward, and hit a volley from below. That volley comes back weak and high.

Now you attack that weak ball and take the net yourself. The chiquita flipped the positions.

When to Use It

The chiquita works when:

• Opponents are camped at the net and you need to move them
• They expect a drive or lob — the sudden soft pace catches them flat-footed
• You want to advance — the chiquita is the passport from baseline to net
• The rally is stuck — a change of pace breaks the pattern

Don't use the chiquita when opponents are already at the back of the court. It only works against net players.

How to Hit the Chiquita: 5 Steps

1. Read the Situation

You're at the back. Opponents are at the net. Look for a moment when they're slightly off-balance or expecting something aggressive.

2. Continental Grip, Soft Hands

Continental grip. Knees bent, weight forward. Grip pressure drops to about 3 out of 10. This is a touch shot — death grip kills it.

3. Short, Compact Swing

No backswing. Keep the motion short and discreet — you don't want to telegraph it. The stroke is almost a push. If opponents see a big swing, they expect pace and prepare.

4. Aim Low at the Service Line

Hit softly so the ball travels low over the net. Target: the service line area, at the opponent's inside foot or hip. Below net height on arrival.

Too deep? They volley comfortably. Too short? They angle it. The sweet spot is just short of where they want the ball.

5. Follow Through Short and Advance

Short follow-through. Immediately move forward toward the net. The chiquita is only half the play — the other half is attacking the weak volley that comes back.

The Pro Move

Paquito Navarro turned the chiquita into an art form. His version is disguised as a drive until the last millisecond — the opponent prepares for pace, gets touch instead, and the volley floats back for Paquito to put away. Agustín Tapia uses the chiquita to set up his partner for attacking volleys.