In this article, we are going to tackle a game feature of the padel. And more precisely to a very particular type of player: the left-hander.

A rare commodity

The left-handed player is a rare commodity in the sports market. In particular in the padel. This is why it is particularly requested by the best players. Mathieu Lapouge, Benjamin Tison and Samuel Devrand are among these left-handed players.

A more aggressive pair

A pair of right-handed and left-handed players is often more aggressive than two players who play the same hand. Why ? And that's where the number 1 trumps a pair with a left-handed and a right-handed player: both players can smash more easily when the ball comes to the center.

Disabilities ?

However, this asset can quickly turn into a handicap. Because the two players can spike when the ball is in the center, it is necessary that the positions are established: the knowledge of his pair and the communication with his partner are therefore essential. If the two players are not talking to each other, there can quickly be problems with who takes the ball first. The automatisms are not part of the padel. Hours of training and some knowledge of the other are then recommended.

Having his left-handed: An advantage?

But the southpaw leaves all the same with some additional benefits. Its rarity makes it not used to play against these players. And who says inverted hand says inverted game. When the ball bounces against the glass, the ball often goes in the opposite direction of which the player is accustomed. In terms of placement and footwork, it complicates the thing enormously. It will take a few adaptation games to begin to anticipate the trajectory of the ball. Any defense will become more complicated against a southpaw.

A different tactic against them

In addition, the lob facing a southpaw is not the same way. Faced with a "classic" pair, the player can lob around the center but more on the side of the player who will have a high ball to negotiate in reverse so that the right-handed smasheur is in a chair. If the player achieves the same pattern of play against a pair of right-handed and left-handed players, the left-handed player on the right will be able to easily smash his smash. The strategy is therefore to be reviewed. The solution will be either along the line or crosswise.

Play the opponent's backhand

In terms of looking for the opposing end, we could say that it seems more "logical" to target the opponent's backhand, but it depends on the characteristic of each player, some are better in backhand volley than suddenly law. On this stroke, therefore, there is really no truth.

Fed up with left-handed people? then you must read this article:
https://padelmagazine.fr/samuel-devrand-dit-tout-sur-ces-gauchers-au-padel/

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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