Gancho
A hooked overhead from the middle of the court, usually by the left-side player, hit flatter than a bandeja to finish a short lob.
When to play it
On a short lob in the middle of the court. When the other pair are deep and you can attack the space between them.
How to play it
Get under the ball early and hit it in front of you. A compact, flatter swing than the bandeja. Aim at the gap down the middle or at a player's feet.
Common mistakes
Taking it on a deep lob, where it lands short and gets punished. Swinging too big and losing control.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the gancho legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14b as long as the ball bounces in their court before it touches their glass or mesh (Rule 13g). Touching the net or posts with your racket or body during the point loses it (Rule 13a).