The Padel Mystery: Which side should you play?

The amount of times we hear "I am a backhand player" from new players in the game. We are regularly asked how do you know which side to play on...?
In this video we describe the traditional characteristics for each side, but in reality to become a better player you need to understand both sides and this means (at least to begin with) you should play on both sides. Also, these principles are not set in stone and there are plenty of exceptions, it really depends how well you can work with your partner.
Enjoy the video and share it with your doubles partner...

[@barrycoffey492]

Another very informative and well presented video. Well done Sandy.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Barry Coffey thanks very much! 👍

[@crisbivolaru819]

Another clear very simple and helpfull video thank you Sandy !

[@ThePadelSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@martinduggan4077]

Thank u for everyting just started playing

[@gcasag]

Amazing video as always Sandy! Have you got any tips for left-handed players?

[@tomcharles1907]

thanks for the video!!!!

[@ThePadelSchool]

Tom Charles always welcome

[@cameronmckelvie81]

Can't believe I didn't know about this!

[@ThePadelSchool]

About choosing the sides? Hope it helped!

[@ccvidor]

As I’m not a very aggressive player, so I learned to play on the right side where I really improved the defense and preparation for the next shot.. the only exception is when I play with a “leftie” partner, then I move to the left side and play on preparing the next shot, just like if I was on the right side of the court.. Before you say anything else, YES, I’ve started on being more aggressive and it’s quite good finishing some points while keeping a good sort of control - it definitely “surprises” the guys that used to play with me.. 😎

[@ThePadelSchool]

An excellent way to learn the game - build a solid consistent base and work on being more aggressive! Great way to do it :)

[@aom9913]

LIKE from Spain

[@ThePadelSchool]

Gracias!

[@thrallphotography9418]

Congrats Sandy!! Any tips or video for left-handed players?

[@ThePadelSchool]

I really wanted to do this video with a left hander to illustrate, but I am struggling to track one down...so I will try to make this video on my own.

[@ericandresen680]

Both me and my partner/brother are left handed.. :P So we mix a lot but i play the most at the left hand side.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Playing with family AND both lefties...not an easy combo! haha

[@thomasberggren2931]

I'm a lefty and new to the game. Normally I play to the right when returning and a normal setup when we have the serve. Gives us a chance to play both sides

[@gajogrande]

As a big, heavy guy, I naturally tended to the right side even without thinking too much about it.

[@ThePadelSchool]

Always worth trying both to get an understanding...

[@ZombieHorror666]

Whats the correct rules? Lets say we are gonna play the first game in the first set. If I decide i play the left side of the court, am I supposed to start there every game of the set, or can we switch side for every game and serve?

[@ThePadelSchool]

The side you select for the return must be the same for the whole set (when returning). In a new set you can change return side, but then must keep that for the whole set again...But for the serve, you can stay on the opposite side if you prefer or you can switch each serve. Does that help?

[@dimep.7232]

My coach asks me every lessons if I've chosen my side. It's so stressful as I'm not fixed yet. I didn't play enough and need more time and experiment more to decide which side I'd be more comfortable with. At the same time it's embarrassing not knowing which side to play each time with a new partner...

[@ThePadelSchool]

PierreM BK in my opinion this is the biggest mistake made by new players/coaches. Until you understand fully both sides I wouldn’t make a specific decision. Even after you know, you might choose a different side depending who you play with...it really only becomes important when the smashing gets aggressive anyway. But if you know how to smash for both sides you can still take your time deciding!

[@dimep.7232]

@@ThePadelSchool thanks a lot !! this makes sense now :-)

[@valeriofons]

I feel less comfortable on the return with a backhand where my opponents usually serve. Is it something worth considering?

[@ThePadelSchool]

Worth considering for practice - if you play that side its important to get confident!

[@togume]

I see some people switching sides when serving, where I feel that keeping sides unless you need to switch mid-point is the way to be most consistent. Where do you land on this?

[@ThePadelSchool]

I would say that at beginner level, you can’t really go wrong by switching sides. I would encourage players to try both sides wether it’s during play or service. At intermediate and advanced level, it’s more beneficial to keep sides.

[@stepparentingmadeeasy]

You ask your trainer and what he tells you, listen.

[@julia3061]

I thought it was the other way around 😮