tell each other right player ou left player is easy. But are you able to recognize that you look like more to a right player while you want always play on the left?

It's a really interesting topic to talk about when we play padel as a right-hander. Most certainly you found yourself on the track with a new partner who told you: "I only play on the left". And the problem is, you are too! So, what are you doing ? As you are nice, you pass to the right, and you lose the match, telling yourself that you would certainly have won it if your positions had been different...

Copy the pros

It's the first thing to do. Take as an example Juan Lebron. He currently plays on the right but is originally a left player! And maybe one day he will separate from Galan and resume his position on the left. For Tapia we saw the same thing. For Bela too, to name a few...

Why do you have to know how to play on both sides? To be able to choose the best partner available, but also to better understand the game and be able to adapt to all match situations.

Juan Lebron smash Roland Garros quarter-final 2022

When learning

It is interesting in children and even in beginner players, to start on the right side of the track. First of all to assimilate the fact of putting the ball back and building the point. Then to learn how to negotiate all the rebounds, whether the ball comes from a right-hander or a left-hander. Finally, knowing how to play on the right will allow you to understand the work done by your teammate the day you switch to the left.

More to the right or to the left?

You will have understood it, padel you have to know how to do everything. Let's take several scenarios.

You have a regular partner, you get along well, you have found your position and the performances are there. Nothing to say, it's perfect, everything is fine.

You play for the first time with a partner who plays on the right, and you, you play on the left. Again nothing to say.

On the other hand, the first match with a player who plays on the same side as you, that's where the problem arises. The solution ? Go right without making any fuss. Maybe indeed, your new partner is very strong on the left, better than you, and you will form a magnificent team. But maybe you'll realize that nothing is working, and at the end of the first set, the score will be overwhelming in favor of your opponents. It will certainly be time to change and at that time you will have many more arguments than at the start of the match. Given the score, this new teammate will probably accept more easily to turn.

Please note: it will be necessary that during the first set you were remarkable. Super teammate who encourages, motivates, reassures, prepares, in short, you will have understood it, you will have tried everything to save the set but unfortunately it will not have worked and the solution will surely be to reverse the positions.

How do I know if I'm a right-handed player?

This player is generally calm, composed, thoughtful, tactician, patient, with a good hand to deposit the ball at the four corners of the track. He knows how to motivate his partner, encourage him in his game but also calm him down when the time comes. He knows the score, recognizes the important moments of a game or set and will suggest short-term (one point) or longer-term (several games) tactics.
This player can sometimes touch a lot of balls and will then have to organize the game, or sometimes touch very few balls and then be more incisive to relieve his partner.

How do I know if I'm a left player?

The player on the left is more of a showman. It is he who often imposes himself to put an end to the points. Big strikes, incisive volleys, aggressive defenses, he likes to take risks. Often sanguine, he takes situations to heart and it's more entertaining to be by his side when his team wins the points rather than when they lose them. He has several heavy loads on his shoulders.
The first is its position in relation to the score. It is he who must return the important points: advantages, 40-30 or 0-40, the tight points during the tie-breaks, it is for him.
The second is that more bullets are coming at him, so physically he will have to be strong, hold the intensity to bite as soon as possible.

So ? Rather player of right or left? One thing is certain, even if you feel more comfortable on one side than the other, do not hesitate to change to understand what your partner is going through. And if you are open-minded, you will understand that depending on the situation, it is better to leave your place for the good of the team. Let's go!

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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