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Moving as a pair: as if tied by a rope

In padel you move as one unit. When the ball goes to one side, you shift together so the middle is never open.

TacticsIntermediate

By Yves Richel ·

Padel is a doubles game, and most gaps open up when partners move independently of each other. Imagine you are tied together by a rope of about three metres: if one of you moves to the side, the other moves too.

How you shift

  1. 1If the ball goes to the left side, the left player moves towards the side wall and the right player towards the middle.
  2. 2If it goes to the right, the same applies mirrored.
  3. 3If one player moves up to the net, the partner follows. If one has to go back, the other goes back too.
AB
The ball goes left, A moves to the wall, B closes the middle.Your pairOpponentsBallMovementBounce

The middle belongs to both of you

Balls through the middle are the most dangerous, because both of you think the other will take it. Agree on who covers the middle: usually the player with the forehand there, or the one standing further forward.

A quick “Mine!” or “Yours!” prevents most misunderstandings.

Common mistakes

  • One player at the net, the other at the back: the diagonal is open.
  • Both players stubbornly staying on their side while the ball changes sides.
  • Not talking to each other.

Drill: The rope

  1. Hold a band or rope three metres long between you.
  2. A coach plays balls alternately left, right and into the middle.
  3. Move so the rope stays taut, and play the balls back.

Frequently asked questions

Who takes the ball in the middle?

Agree on it beforehand. Often the player who can play the ball with the forehand.

Do we also move together at the back?

Yes. In defence you also shift together so no gap opens up.

Still have a question about technique? Pal, our AI assistant at the bottom right, answers from these pages.