Are you afraid of playing in front of a pair with a left-hander? Here are some strings that can help you play more leisurely, and certainly make more points.

These are often the most difficult teams to play. Those formed by a right-handed and a left-handed. Why ?

When there are two right-handed people in front of you, the game is more predictable. To stay in the tactical logic, the player positioned on the left will take more ground than his partner, in particular on the balls from the center, at shoulder height and above (bandejas and smashes).

When you have a right-hander and a left-hander, things change. The player on the left is less tired because he has to cover the field less, and these balls from the center in height can be played by both players. So what to do?

Here is what we suggest you test during your next meeting on this left-hander who drives you crazy:

  • If you are a right player and you are in a defense position (at the bottom of the field), try to play balls in the feet of the left player, if possible on his backhand, so crossed. In this way, he will not be able to enter with his forehand, which is generally the stroke with which we have the best control of the ball below the net.
  • Also in a defensive position, you want to play a lob on this left-hander who is in your diagonal. Avoid the center under penalty of being quickly sanctioned by a bandeja or a smash. Deep lobs on the backhand will be more effective. And if this left-hander hits smashes when your lob is very correct, block the angle by positioning yourself in front of the grid.
  • You're right and at the net, so you attack. Try to make the left-handed player play backhands by looking for the grid or the back window, if possible by turning it on itself. If you insist on his forehand, left-handers are often skilful, you are likely to lose the advantage.
  • Now you are placed on the left on the field, and in defense. Play lefthanded slow backhand volleyes. Try to play in parallel.
  • The lobs must be fast lobs, that is to say which take up little height, and on the back of the left-hander. He will not be able to attack them directly by placing himself under the ball. He must therefore either play a high backhand volley (which is never good) or return to the bottom of the track. And that’s good for you.
  • Finally you are on the left and at the net. Look with the forehand volley that you can play above the net, the double glass, that is to say a ball which would take first the side window then the bottom window or vice versa. No one likes these balls, not even lefties.

It's your turn…

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.