In padel, we are often told that the right tactic is to play diagonally. However, we are going to show you that “breaking your diagonal” can make sense and can even relieve you during a complicated match. Focus on the strategic reasons for playing parallel in padel.

1. Relieve the game

The main reason that a player will want to play in parallel is that he wants to relieve the game that focuses on him. Indeed, the latter will play in parallel so that the game changes diagonally so that the game focuses on your partner (or conversely who focuses on you).

2. Our parallel opponent is the weaker of the two

Here, the goal is to play on the opponent who does not have the same level as himself so that he makes more easily direct mistakes than his partner or he gives more often easy balls that allow you to finish the point quickly.

Centering the game on this player is clearly a strategic reason for facilitating victory in the match. It will then be necessary to identify which of the two opponents is the one who has the most difficulty in the game.

3. During a smash

In this game situation, the player will prefer to finish the point by smashing in parallel to return the ball in his camp that crossed. Indeed, the distance being less, the smash will be more difficult to counter if the player makes a smash in parallel.

4. To surprise

When in an exchange where there have been several moves exchanged in the same diagonal, changing and playing in parallel, the opponent may be surprised to receive the ball and thus allow the conclusion of the point more quickly. Indeed, the player being surprised will be more likely to make a direct foul or give an easy ball than the player who is concerned with the game.

5. Improve the quality of our typing

Here, there will be 2 situations so that the hit made is more difficult for the opponents to defend:

  • For right-handed players: If you receive a ball halfway up to play a backhand volley, it would be best to play it in parallel. Tactically, the player on the left who receives this ball will have a hard time returning a good defensive ball so playing in parallel will be the best solution.
  • For left players: Same situation as for right players but here, the mid-height ball will be on your forehand. Tactically, playing in parallel is the best solution because the player on the right opposite will be surprised, will therefore be late, and his defense will therefore be approximate.

 By cons, it should be remembered that each match requires a careful study of the opponent and a different strategy each time.

The purpose of this article is not to encourage you to play all the time in parallel but to show you that the game can sometimes move in parallel.

Alexis Dutour - Padel Magazine

Alexis Dutour

Alexis Dutour is a padel enthusiast. With his training in communication and marketing, he puts his skills at the service of padel to offer us articles that are always very interesting.

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