Playing doubles with a left-handed and right-handed pair has undeniable strategic advantages, but facing such a team also requires specific tactical adjustments.

Playing with a left-handed/right-handed pair:

  1. Optimal positioning: Placing the left-hander on the right and the right-hander on the left allows each player's forehands to be in the center of the court. This setup makes attacks easier and provides better coverage of the center, making opponents' lobs less effective.
  2. Enhanced communication: With both forehands in the middle, it is essential to communicate well to avoid confusion on the central balls. Effective coordination allows to maximize the aggressiveness of the pair while maintaining a solid defense.
  3. Exploitation of effects: Left-handers produce different spins on the ball, which can be unsettling to unfamiliar opponents. Understanding and anticipating these spins allows the right-hander to position himself wisely to close out points.
Left-handed padel players: an advantage on the court?

Playing against a left-handed/right-handed pair:

  1. Target setbacks: Backhands are often less powerful than forehands. Directing your balls towards both players' backhands, especially from deep, can limit their offensive ability and create opportunities to take advantage.
  2. Adapting lobs: Avoid lobbing to the center, where both players have their forehands, making it easier for them to smash. Aim for parallel lobs to force them to use their backhands or move around more.
  3. Preparation for reverse effects: Left-handers generate reverse spin compared to right-handers. It is crucial to get used to this quickly to adjust your receptions and anticipate ball trajectories, thus minimizing errors.
The tricks to playing against a left-hander in padel

In short, a well-coordinated left-handed/right-handed pair can dominate through effective court coverage and a variety of spin. However, with the right strategy, it is possible to neutralize these advantages by targeting their weak points and disrupting their coordination.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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