Left or right side? Roles and communication in padel.
Left and right are not fixed player identities. A useful partnership allocates middle balls, lobs and point construction by strength, keeps a stable shape and communicates clearly before, during and after each point.
How to choose sides
Start where returns, backhand volleys and overheads feel more secure. A left-hander often plays right so both forehands cover the middle. Test the arrangement for several games and switch only for a clear tactical reason.
- No hierarchy
- both sides attack and defend
- Own the middle
- agree it before play and call lobs
- 4 short calls
- mine, yours, leave, back
Common roles, not stereotypes
Traditionally the right side is described as a patient builder and defender, while the left handles more attacking overheads from the middle. Wilson also notes that modern play gives neither side an automatic scoring advantage.
Handedness, return quality, movement, overhead confidence and trust matter more than a label. Two right-handers should agree the middle early; with a left-hander on the right, both forehands face the centre.
Who takes the middle ball?
Agree a default and override it with a clear call. Often the player who can contact with a forehand in front, or who holds the stronger position, takes it. An early call beats every theoretical rule.
For lobs, the player with the better view calls short, deep, middle or back. Also say whether both advance or both defend. Silence creates gaps and can create racket collisions.
Return and service order
Under FIP rules, the receiving pair decides at the start of each set who receives on the right and left, and that order stays for the set. Within a service game, the same server alternates between right and left.
Tactical switching during a rally is possible, but recover the agreed structure deliberately afterwards. Otherwise both players can defend the same space.
Communication that helps
Before the point, one plan is enough: serve target, return shape or ownership of the first middle ball. During the point, calls stay short and descriptive. Afterwards, discuss one decision rather than several technical mistakes.
- Mine: I play the ball
- Yours: partner plays it
- Leave: let it travel or reach the glass
- Back: recover to defence together
Try it on court
Put the theory into practice. Find a padel club in Austria or check current court availability.
Rules and team tactics
The fixed receiving order follows FIP rules. Side roles and calls are tactical conventions from coaching and manufacturer material and should fit the actual pair.
Editorially reviewed on 10 August 2026