Don’t know where to stand on the court?: Court positioning is one of the most important and, paradoxically, most underestimated aspects of padel. It’s not enough to have great technique, a state-of-the-art racket, or excellent physical fitness. If you’re not well positioned on the court, your ability to respond effectively to your opponent’s shots will be limited, and you’ll significantly increase your number of unforced errors.
In this article, we’ll explain—clearly and step by step—how you should position yourself at every stage of a match to improve your performance and make better tactical decisions.
The Basic Position: Balance and Teamwork
Padel is played in pairs, which means you must act as a single unit with your partner. The fundamental principle is simple: always maintain alignment. What does that mean? That if one of you moves up to the net, the other must do the same. And if one drops back to defend from the baseline, the partner must follow.
Breaking that alignment creates gaps on the court that opponents can easily exploit, especially with unexpected cross-court or down-the-line shots.
In addition to alignment, you should adopt an active ready position:
- Feet shoulder-width apart.
- Knees slightly bent.
- Weight leaning forward, on the balls of your feet.
- Racket at chest height, with both hands if defending, or with one hand if expecting an offensive volley.
This balance allows you to react quickly in any direction and adjust to the pace of the game.
Positioning When Serving and Returning
When serving:
- Stand close to the baseline, toward the center of your half of the court.
- After serving, take one or two purposeful steps forward. The goal is to reach the net as quickly as possible, where you’ll have more attacking opportunities.
- Avoid standing still or stepping back after the serve. Even a small forward movement puts you in a stronger position and helps you take control of the point.
When returning:
- Position yourself about one meter in front of the back glass—not too close (you’ll have less time to react to rebounds), and not too far (you give away space to your opponent).
- After returning the serve, observe the play: if your return is deep and controlled, consider moving up to the net. If it’s short or risky, stay back and prepare to defend.
The key here is reading the play: don’t automatically move up after returning—decide based on the quality of your shot and your opponent’s positioning.
Moving Up to the Net: When and How
La red es la zona donde se define la mayoría de los puntos, especialmente a niveles intermedios y avanzados. Estar allí te permite The net is where most points are won, especially at intermediate and advanced levels. Being at the net allows you to control the pace of the game, pressure your opponents, and finish points with volleys, smashes, or bandejas.
But it’s not just about charging forward. Ideally, you move up after a shot that puts your opponents under pressure, such as:
- A strong serve that forces a short return.
- A deep bandeja that keeps them from attacking.
- An offensive lob that throws them off balance.
Once at the net:
You and your partner should be slightly off-center in your respective halves, leaving the middle line clear to avoid collisions and properly cover the diagonals.
Maintain a consistent distance and make sure you’re not leaving gaps between you and your partner.
Stand about half a meter from the net—not too close, to avoid being passed by lobs.
Defending from the Back: Order and Anticipation
When defending from the back of the court, your positioning becomes strategically crucial.
- The recommended position is about 70 cm to 1 meter from the back glass. This distance allows you to read the rebound better and respond more accurately—whether with flat shots, topspin, or defensive lobs.
- Coordination with your partner is vital in this phase: one player can focus more on the diagonal while the other watches for down-the-line shots.
In defense, it’s not just about getting the ball back—it’s about regaining control of the point. Use cross-court shots to open angles, or lobs that force your opponents to retreat. That gives you time to move up and shift into an offensive position.no solo se trata de devolver la pelota, sino de recuperar el control del punto. Utiliza golpes cruzados que abran ángulos o globos que obliguen al rival a retroceder. Eso te dará tiempo para subir y pasar a una posición ofensiva.
In Summary: Good Positioning Means Better Play
UnProper court positioning allows you to anticipate plays, maintain a solid defense, and attack more effectively. Even if you’re not an experienced player, mastering these tactical concepts can make a big difference in your performance.
Remember:
- Move in sync with your partner.
- Alignment, balance, and communication are key.
- Choose the right moments to approach the net—don’t do it automatically.
- Adapt your positioning to every phase of the point: serve, return, defense, or attack.
Padel is not just technique: Tactical intelligence and good positioning will take your game to the next level.
