Chancletazo
A slapping overhead or volley named after the sound and swing of a flip-flop: a flat, wristy hit used to flick a ball away quickly, often from an awkward height.
When to play it
On a ball near your head when there is no time to prepare a proper overhead. To surprise a defender with a flat, fast ball.
How to play it
Keep the racket face flat and snap through the ball with a loose wrist. Aim low, at the feet or into the side glass. Recover quickly: it rarely wins the point outright.
Common mistakes
Using it on balls you could play with a bandeja. Flicking so hard that the wrist and elbow take the strain.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the chancletazo legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14: a quick flat hit is fine as long as you strike the ball once (Rule 13i), keep hold of your racket (Rules 13m and 13r), and do not touch the net (Rule 13a).