In professional padel, players tend to have a preferred side and, except in rare cases, they stick to it. Why is this choice so important? Should amateur players do the same? Let’s explore this key aspect of padel.
Beginners: try both sides
When starting padel, it’s essential to play both on the left and right sides to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game. Testing both positions allows players to:
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Understand the tactical and technical specificities of each side.
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Improve positioning and movement.
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Develop better game awareness and communication with their partner.
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Be more adaptable.
By regularly alternating sides, a player gains greater versatility, which is particularly beneficial when you struggle to find partners of your level to play with!
Why choose a side
With experience, specializing on one side becomes more important to maximize performance. Consistent training on the same side helps develop automatisms and a better understanding of the situations specific to that position. Additionally, each player naturally feels more comfortable on one side based on their eye coordination, motor preferences, playing style, and strengths.
- A right-handed player with powerful shots and a strong smash may prefer the left side, as it's more attack-oriented. These players typically seek powerful rackets.
- On the other hand, a right-handed player with solid defensive skills and a good ability to build the game might be more effective on the right side. For the typical right-side player, it’s usually advised to choose a more defensive racket model.
You should still be able to play on both sides
However, as mentioned earlier, even if a player specializes on one side, it's still important to be able to play correctly on both. In matches, certain situations may require switching sides mid-point, and the ability to adapt is crucial in those moments.
This is why great players are able to perform on both sides. A good example is Juan Lebrón: after reaching number 6 in the world playing on the left side, he switched to the right and became number 1 alongside Paquito Navarro. He then continued to play on the right with Alejandro Galán, holding the number 1 spot for three consecutive years. He is the proof that the best players in the world can maintain an outstanding level on both sides
Left-handers on the right: a strategic choice
In padel, left-handed players almost always play on the right, as this setup allows both players to place their forehands and smashes in the center of the court. This positioning gives both players control over the middle, putting pressure on their opponents by limiting their options. With their smashes and forehand volleys positioned in the center, they can find better angles and create more effective plays.
The only exception to this rule is basically when a team consists of two left-handed players. In this rare case, one of them has to adapt and play on the left side.
Historically, some of the best padel pairs in the world have followed this setup. Fernando Belasteguín and Juan Martín Díaz formed the most dominant duo in history. Belasteguín continued his reign for three years with the left-handed Pablo Lima, and today, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia carry on the legacy of successful left-handed/right-handed pairs.
In general, there is a higher proportion of left-handed players in the elite of professional padel compared to the general population. This can be attributed to their rarity and the strategic advantage they bring, making them highly sought after not only in the professional circuit but also in amateur games!
Conclusion
Specializing on one side in padel is a gradual process. For beginners, it’s crucial to explore both sides to gain a deeper understanding of the game and develop diverse skills. With experience, specialization becomes a natural step, allowing players to build automatisms and maximize their strengths.
However, even when specializing, a good player must be able to play on both sides to adapt to different game situations and changes in partners. In professional padel, players like Juan Lebrón have shown that it's possible to perform at the highest level on both sides! So, there's no excuse if you want to join an amateur game and your preferred side is already taken!
