Padel Doubles Strategy: A Beginner's Guide to Winning

Why Strategy Matters in Padel Doubles

Padel is always played in doubles. Unlike tennis, where singles is the default format, padel was designed from the ground up as a two-on-two sport. The enclosed court with glass walls and metal fencing creates a game where positioning and teamwork consistently beat raw power.

If you're coming from tennis or pickleball, this is the biggest mental shift: you don't need to hit winners. Over 40% of points in padel are won through the middle of the court — the seam between opponents — rather than from powerful shots down the line. Strategy and placement are everything.

Court Positioning Basics

The single most important concept in padel positioning is the imaginary rope. Picture an invisible cord connecting you and your partner. When one of you moves forward, the other advances. When one retreats, both drop back. You move as a unit, always.

Why the Net Wins Points

The net position is the attacking position in padel. The team that controls the net controls the match. From roughly two meters behind the net, you can:

• Hit volleys downward at your opponents' feet
• Cut off angles before the ball reaches the back glass
• Force your opponents into defensive lobs

Your goal in every point is to work your way forward with your partner. Play patient rallies from the back, wait for a short ball or weak return, and advance together.

Side-by-Side Movement

Each player covers their half of the court, but the key is staying connected. If your partner shifts right to cover a wide ball, you slide right with them to close the gap in the middle. Think of yourselves as a two-person wall — no daylight between you.

The middle of the court is the most dangerous area to leave open. Experienced opponents will exploit any gap between partners, so staying synchronized matters more than covering the sidelines.

The Four Key Formations

Both at the Net (Attacking)

This is where you want to be. Both players stand roughly two meters from the net, covering their respective halves. From here you control the point, hitting volleys and smashes while your opponents scramble at the back.

You earn this position — don't rush the net after a weak approach. Wait until you or your partner hit a quality shot that pushes your opponents deep, then move forward together.

Both at the Back (Defensive)

When your opponents are at the net and hitting good volleys, retreat to the back of the court together. Position yourselves about a meter from the back glass to give yourselves time to react to volleys and use the glass for returns.

From the back, your primary weapon is the lob. A deep, high lob over your opponents' heads forces them off the net and gives you the chance to transition forward.

One Up, One Back (Transitional)

This formation happens naturally during transitions — one player moves forward while the other hasn't caught up yet. It's not inherently bad, but it is temporary. The player at the back should be actively looking to join their partner at the net.

The danger with one-up-one-back is the gap it creates. The opposing team can hit through the middle or at the feet of the net player with little resistance from the back player. Keep this formation as brief as possible.

Switching Sides

Sometimes your partner gets pulled wide and you need to switch sides mid-point. This is perfectly fine — and often the smart play. The key is calling it out. A quick "switch!" tells your partner to take the opposite side while you cover theirs.

Switch back to your original sides whenever there's a natural pause in the rally, like after a lob resets the point.

Essential Shots for Doubles Strategy

You don't need a huge shot arsenal to play effective doubles. Three shots will cover most strategic situations.

The Lob — Your Best Reset Button

The lob is arguably the most important shot in padel, especially for beginners. A well-placed lob over your opponents' heads accomplishes three things at once: it pushes them off the net, buys you time to reposition, and can force a difficult overhead off the back glass.

Aim your lobs deep — you want the ball to hit the back glass high, making the return awkward. A short lob that your opponent can smash is worse than keeping the rally going with a safer shot.

The Bandeja — Net Control Without Overcommitting

The bandeja is a controlled overhead hit with slice, played from around the service line. It's not a power shot — it's a placement shot that lets you maintain your net position while keeping pressure on your opponents.

Think of it as the opposite of a smash. Where a smash tries to end the point, the bandeja keeps the point going on your terms. The slice keeps the ball low after bouncing, making it harder for your opponents to lob you back.

The Chiquita — Pulling Opponents Off the Net

The chiquita is a soft, low shot aimed at your opponents' feet when they're at the net. It forces them to volley upward, giving you a weaker ball to attack. Aim for the middle between the two net players — that seam where neither is sure who should take the ball.

This shot is especially useful when you're at the back of the court and looking for a way to transition forward. A good chiquita creates indecision and opens up the court.

Communication with Your Partner

Padel doubles is a conversation. The best teams talk constantly — not just between points, but during them.

Call every ball. "Mine" and "yours" should be automatic, especially on balls down the middle. The player with the forehand on the ball typically takes it, but calling removes any doubt.

Signal switches. When you need to swap sides, say "switch" clearly. Don't assume your partner sees what you see — they're watching the ball, not you.

Stay positive. Padel points are long, and mistakes happen. A quick "no worries" or "good idea" after a missed shot keeps your team's energy up. The pair that stays composed through rough patches usually pulls ahead in the third set.

Talk between points. Discuss what's working, what to change, and where to target. Even a quick "let's lob more to the backhand side" gives you a shared game plan.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Both Players Hitting the Same Ball

This is the number-one beginner mistake. Two players lunge for the same ball, collide or get in each other's way, and the point is lost. The fix is simple: call every ball, and respect the call. If your partner says "mine," trust them and hold your position.

Standing Too Close Together or Too Far Apart

Both extremes leave gaps. Too close and a wide shot exposes an open court. Too far apart and the middle is unguarded. Maintain roughly 3-4 meters between you, adjusting as the ball moves.

Never Coming to the Net

Many beginners feel comfortable at the back of the court and never advance. This hands the net — and the point — to your opponents. Even if you're not confident with volleys yet, practice moving forward with your partner after pushing opponents deep with a lob.

Hitting Too Hard Instead of Placing the Ball

Power feels satisfying but loses more points than it wins at the beginner level. A controlled shot to the middle of your opponents' court or a well-placed lob creates more pressure than a hard drive into the glass. Focus on consistency and placement first — the power will come with better technique.

Putting It All Together

The best padel doubles strategy for beginners comes down to three principles: move together, control the net, and communicate constantly. You don't need fancy shots or athletic heroics. Keep the ball in play with smart placement, advance to the net as a pair whenever you can, and talk through every point with your partner.

If you're new to the sport, check out our complete guide to padel rules and our overview of what padel is and how it works. Players transitioning from tennis will find our tennis-to-padel guide especially useful for understanding the tactical differences between the two sports.

Ready to put these strategies into practice? Find padel courts near you and book a session with a friend.