Side-spin cut
A ball cut across its side so it curves and skids sideways after the bounce, making rebounds off the side glass harder to read.
When to play it
With a víbora or a sliced volley towards the side glass. On the serve, to pull the receiver wide off the glass. Against defenders who read straight rebounds well.
How to play it
Swing across the outside of the ball rather than through the back. Aim the bounce close to the side glass so the spin takes effect off the wall. Cover the middle afterwards.
Common mistakes
Cutting so much that the ball has no depth. Hitting the side glass before the bounce, which loses the point.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the side-spin cut legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14 if it bounces in their court before it reaches a wall. Rule 13 loses the point if it hits the wall first.