Dejada is the padel drop shot: a soft touch that lands just over the net and dies before your opponents can reach it. It works best when they are deep behind the service line.
When to play it
- When both opponents are back near the glass after a lob.
- Disguised as a bandeja or smash, then softened at the last moment.
How to hit a dejada
- Prepare as if for a normal shot so you don't give it away.
- Slow the racket head at contact and add slice to take the pace off.
- Aim just over the net, close to a side wall so the bounce dies.
Common mistakes
- Playing it when opponents are at the net: they'll just volley it.
- Too deep: a short ball that sits up becomes their winner.
Related: chiquita · all padel terms