Left-handed padel players are often talked about. But what is the real story?

A significant surprise effect

On a padel court, a left-handed player can destabilize his opponents. His hitting angles and effects are different from those of a right-hander, which can disrupt the opposing team's game. The left-hander's effect is totally different from that of a right-hander, plus his gameplay style is going to be totally different than a right-handed player playing on the right, so it requires a lot of adaptation and a different playing strategy.

The left-handed-right-handed pair: an effective combination

This is a popular configuration for teams. A left-hander on the right, a right-hander on the left, because it offers a more large ground coverage with both forehands in the center, it therefore becomes more hard to lob the team. In addition, the possibilities of finishing the point are greater with the two smashes in the center and the two forehand volleys as well; however, in padel, a large majority of balls are played in the central zone. This also offers a physical advantage, a left-hander will be able to come and help his left-handed partner more. We see it among professionals, this association works, Fernando Belasteguin, 16 years old world number 1, with left-handed partners (Juan Martin Diaz, Pablo Lima), even today the world numbers 1 (Coello / Tapia) are a left-handed / right-handed pair.

The mental aspect: an additional asset?

Studies suggest that left-handed people may have a data processing faster, in fact, they would have a better connection between the hemispheres of the brain which would allow a better reactivity. On a padel court, where reactivity, reflexes are important, this could be an advantage. Left-handers represent only 13% of the population, which makes them rare pearls in padel.

Being left-handed in padel can offer certain advantages. However, it is not a guarantee of success. Technique, game vision, physique… are much more important elements than simply being left-handed.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !