Who to Play to in Padel: Pick the Opponent Further From the Net

Look at the other side of the court before you hit. Very often their pair is not level. One player is tight to the net. The other is still a few metres behind, on the way in or stuck there.

Now you have a choice, and most players get it wrong. They hit at the player they can see best, the one at the net. There is a simple rule that wins you more points. Play at the one who is further from the net.

Padel court diagram showing two defenders at the back and two opponents staggered, one close to the net and one further back — Their pair is staggered. One is at the net, one is behind. That choice is the whole point.

The mistake: hitting at the closest opponent

The player at the net is the worst target on the court. He is close, so your ball arrives almost immediately. He takes it high and out of the air, in front of him, with the whole court open ahead.

You also gave him the easiest shot in padel. A volley from close to the net needs no power and no footwork. He just places it.

Padel court diagram showing a defensive shot played at the opponent standing closest to the net — Short distance, high contact, free volley. You handed him the point.

What it really costs: they both get the net

Here is the part players miss. It is not only about the volley he hits. It is about what his partner does while the ball is in the air.

Your ball had a short distance to travel, so it was dealt with quickly. That whole time, the partner behind is walking forward. By the time the ball comes back to you, they are level at the net, side by side. Now they control the point and you are stuck at the back.

Padel court diagram showing both opponents now level at the net after the ball was played to the closer player — Both of them at the net. That is what the easy target bought them.

The fix: play at the furthest one

Send the same ball at the player further back and everything flips. He has to play from deeper, lower, and with less angle available. Nothing about that shot is comfortable.

More importantly, the ball has further to travel. That extra flight time is yours. Use it to move forward. The rule is not really about hurting him. It is about buying seconds.

Padel court diagram showing the ball played deep to the opponent further from the net while the defenders move forward — Longer ball, more time, and you are already moving in.

Use the diagonal

If you want the most time possible, use the longest line on the court. The diagonal.

A staggered pair leaves a lane between them. Playing through it keeps the ball away from the net player's racket and gives you the longest flight of any shot you can pick. Same shot, same effort, more time to walk in.

Padel court diagram highlighting the diagonal gap between two staggered opponents — The diagonal gap. The longest route to their side of the court.

Make it a habit

Before you hit, take one look across the net and ask a single question. Who is further back? Then play there.

You will not win the point with that ball, and you are not trying to. You are buying the time to take the net. Once you are up there, the point is yours to win.

Padel court diagram showing both defenders now at the net after playing to the deeper opponent — Same rally, opposite outcome. Now you own the net.

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