Bandeja technique: slice and contact point

What this lesson covers

The bandeja relies on speed and direction rather than heavy spin. A slight slice keeps the ball low after the bounce, which prevents opponents from attacking. To generate this slice, the racket must be positioned above the contact point with an open face. The arm moves downward through the ball rather than flicking the wrist. A straight arm during the backswing is necessary to ensure the racket moves downward at contact. A bent elbow forces an upward swing, which makes hitting slice physically impossible and often leads to an inconsistent side-spin shot.

Movement is the foundation for this technique. Players must move back early to ensure the ball is contacted in front of the body. Contacting behind the body prevents the downward brushing motion, causing the ball to float and become an easy target. While players on the left side typically use more slice, those on the right side often use a flatter contact or brush around the outside of the ball. This lesson is for players who struggle to keep their bandeja low and want to simplify their technique.