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One of them is clearly weaker. Where do you hit?
Find the weaker player and keep the ball there. Consistency of target beats variety of shot.
One opponent is obviously the weaker player. You have a free ball and can put it anywhere. What do you do?
Find the weaker player and keep the ball there. Consistency of target beats variety of shot.
Why
Padel is a pairs game, and a pair is only as strong as the player being made to hit. If one of them is less comfortable, the plan is to make them play, and to keep making them play until the evidence changes. There is a second effect that matters as much: the stronger player goes cold and starts reaching for balls that are not theirs, which pulls the pair out of shape. You are not being unkind. You are being clear.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Say it to your partner out loud between points so you are both aiming at the same person. Plans that live in one head are not plans.
Intermediate
Aim at the weaker player’s backhand and at their feet rather than their body. You want them uncomfortable, not merely involved.
Advanced
Watch for the swap. Good pairs start covering, with the stronger player poaching the middle. When that happens the ball behind them down the line is free, and it is a better point than the one you were setting up.
Common questions
One opponent is obviously the weaker player. You have a free ball and can put it anywhere. What do you do?
Attack the weaker player, over and over. Find the weaker player and keep the ball there. Consistency of target beats variety of shot. Padel is a pairs game, and a pair is only as strong as the player being made to hit. If one of them is less comfortable, the plan is to make them play, and to keep making them play until the evidence changes. There is a second effect that matters as much: the stronger player goes cold and starts reaching for balls that are not theirs, which pulls the pair out of shape. You are not being unkind. You are being clear.
Why not attack the stronger one: beat them properly?
Sport is not a fairness exercise. Hitting at their best player is choosing the hardest available route to the same point.
What should a beginner do here?
Say it to your partner out loud between points so you are both aiming at the same person. Plans that live in one head are not plans.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Watch for the swap. Good pairs start covering, with the stronger player poaching the middle. When that happens the ball behind them down the line is free, and it is a better point than the one you were setting up.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.
advancedThey are camped at the net and you cannot lob. What now?
If you cannot lift it over them, make them lift it for you. The chiquita is a slow ball at their feet.