Cuchilla
A flat, fast shot with side spin that blends the bajada and the víbora, usually played after the ball comes off the back glass high, so it skids low off the floor.
When to play it
On a high ball off your back glass that you can attack. When the other pair are waiting at the net for a lob.
How to play it
Let the ball come off the glass and drop to head height. Cut across the ball fast with side spin, contact in front. Aim low, into the side glass on their side.
Common mistakes
Trying it on low balls. Hitting with pace but no spin, so the ball sits up.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the cuchilla legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14b: played after the ball bounces on your side and comes off your glass, which keeps it in play (Rule 12.3). The ball must bounce in their court before it touches their glass or mesh (Rule 13g).