Paddle tennis dilemma: How to finally determine which side is best for you?

When a new doubles partnership forms on the court, one of the first questions asked is: "Do you play on the left or the right side?"  The common perception is that right-handed players stand on the left to hit high balls towards the centre of the court, while left-handed players stand on the right for the same reason. It's simple logic... but it's no longer sufficient to define each player's role. Modern padel tennis has changed the dynamics of the game, and choosing which side to play on is no longer simply a matter of handedness.

The player on the left: the one responsible for finishing the game.

Traditionally, the left side is associated with the player responsible for finishing the point. They face more high balls, must be able to maintain pressure, hit powerful shots when opportunities arise, and cover a larger area of the court. Their game relies on impact: powerful bandejas, heavy smashes that bounce off the court, control over fast trajectories, and a consistent presence in the center of the court.

Commonly observed characteristics:

• Attacking tendency

• Natural power

• Good court coverage

• Calculated risk-taking

  
  

The player on the right: the one responsible for organizing the team.

On the right side, the requirements are different. Players are expected to control the pace of the game, read the game, and create opportunities for their partners. The game revolves around defense, precise lobs, accurate drop shots, and strong tactical awareness. Players on the right side don't necessarily seek to finish the point; their focus is on putting themselves and their teammates in the best possible position.

Commonly observed characteristics:

• Consistency and patience

• Accuracy within the designated area

• Defensive capabilities

• Strong tactical awareness

Finding the right balance

These methods share a common thread: they encourage players to move beyond their dominant hand. They raise key questions: Do I prefer building the play or finishing it? Am I more effective defensively than offensively? What best serves my partner?

Try to find the right partner.

Whether you're more of a finisher, an organiser, or a hybrid player, the key is the same: communication. Role definition depends as much on dialogue as it does on technical skills. Trying both roles in multiple matches, discussing ideas with your partner, and making adjustments over time... this is often how partners find their balance.

Perhaps the right question is no longer, "Which side should I play on?", but rather, "On which side am I most useful to the team?". The answer isn't always what you might think, and sometimes that's exactly what helps a partnership improve.