Por tres (“by three”) is a padel smash hit so hard that, after bouncing, the ball leaves the court over the side fence. Por cuatro (“by four”) is the same idea but the ball goes out over the back wall. Either way the point is won, unless an opponent runs outside the court to return it where the venue and rules allow.
Where the names come from
The numbers refer to the walls the ball has to clear: around three metres at the side and four metres at the back on a standard court.
How to hit a por tres
- Wait for a short, high lob near the net.
- Get behind the ball and hit down hard with a flat or slightly kicked smash.
- Aim for the floor about two-thirds deep and towards the side, so the bounce carries the ball up and out over the side fence.
Common mistakes
- Smashing from too deep in the court: the ball rarely gets out and comes back off the glass.
- Hitting too close to the net, so the bounce is too short.
Wear the word: the Por Tres. Hoodie.
Related: remate · rulo · all padel terms