Basic padel strategy for pairs: position and tactics

Padel is a pairs sport: two players moving as a unit against two others. Pairs with good tactics beat stronger but disorganised ones. This guide gathers the basic ideas of position, movement and communication so you play smart from the start.

The central idea: the net is the territory

In padel points are won mostly from the net position, because from there you can volley and smash with an advantage. That is why most of the match is a fight for it: whoever has it applies pressure; whoever is at the back defends. Your strategy revolves around winning the net and not losing it.

Basic positions

• Pair at the net (attack). Both players close to the net, a few metres apart, ready to volley. This is the formation every pair wants to hold for as long as possible.
• Pair at the back (defence). Both players back, waiting for the rebound off the walls and looking for a chance to move up.
• One pair up and the other down is the typical situation in a close point: the defender looks for the lob or the deep return to recover the net.

The golden rule is that the pair moves together. If one goes up and the other stays, a gap opens between the two through which the opponent will win the point. Think of it as an invisible rope tying the two players together: if one moves, the other adjusts.

What each player does

Traditionally two roles are described according to the side of the court:

• Right-side player (the "drive" side): usually takes the ball down the middle, with forehands. Often the steadier player.
• Left-side player (the "backhand" side): covers the backhand zone and is often the more aggressive with smashes.

These roles are not a rule, just a useful reference. What matters is agreeing with your partner who takes what and why: according to dominant hand, style and comfort.

The middle belongs to everyone (and no one)

Balls that fall between the two give away the most points, because both hesitate or collide. Agree a simple rule before starting: whoever has the forehand takes it, or whoever is closer to the net takes it. And talk on every point. A clear agreement, even an imperfect one, is always better than two players hesitating at the same time.

How to win the net

Moving up is not running forward at any moment: it is doing so when the opponent cannot punish you.

• After a good lob. If your lob beats the opponents and sends them back, it is your chance to advance.
• After a short ball from the opponent. If the ball lands mid-court, go up and attack.
• With the serve and the return. A good deep return at the server's feet gives you time to take the net.

Avoid going up when the opponent has a high ball and is well placed to smash: that is the moment to defend.

The lob, the defender's tool

The lob is the most useful shot for recovering the net. A good lob is high, deep and towards the opponent's weaker side. It forces opponents to retreat, gives you a few seconds to reorganise and, if it bounces near the wall, is hard to smash.

Defending without panic

When you are at the back and under attack:

• Do not return with power: aim for depth and patience.
• Use the wall to your advantage: let the ball rebound and answer it with a controlled shot.
• Aim at the opponents' feet or the spaces between them.
• Stay calm: a good defender turns an attack into the opponent's error.

Attacking intelligently

When you have the net:

• Smash with control, not maximum power. A placed smash at the feet or the side is worth more than a hard one hit straight at them.
• Volley deep and without hurry: keep the opponents back.
• Do not overhit: if the ball is difficult, play a controlled volley and wait for the next one.

Minimal, useful, constant communication

• Before the match: who takes the middle, who serves first and what you do if the opponent plays a certain way.
• During the point: "mine", "yours", "leave it", "up", "go". Short words.
• Between points: one brief, positive phrase, and carry on.
• After the match: honest comments with no blame.

A simple routine for your next match

• Agree with your partner who takes the middle.
• Try to return deep on every ball in the first few games.
• Move up to the net when you win a good lob or a short ball.
• If you are under pressure, use the lob to recover position.
• When in doubt, play down the middle: it reduces the opponent's angles.