Where to Stand in Padel: A Beginner's Guide to Positioning

Beginners often lose points not because of their shots but because of where they are standing. Get your positioning right and the game becomes much easier.

The net is where points are won

In padel, the team at the net is usually on the attack. From there you can volley, angle the ball away and put pressure on your opponents. The team at the back is usually defending. Your aim is to get to the net as a pair and stay there.

Move as a pair

Imagine you and your partner are connected by a rope about three metres long. When one moves forward, the other moves forward. When one is lobbed and runs back, the other drops back too. A big gap down the middle is the easiest target in padel.

Serving and returning

When your team serves, the server's partner starts at the net, and the server follows in after the serve. When receiving, both players usually start back, then look for a chance to move forward together.

Left or right side?

The player on the left (the reves side) usually takes more overheads down the middle, so it often suits the more attacking player. The player on the right (the drive side) tends to play more consistent, controlled shots. At the start, just pick a side and stick with it for the match.

Do not hug the back glass

When defending, stand a step or two in front of the back wall, not against it. That gives the ball room to come off the glass so you can play it comfortably.

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