Doubles padel strategies: a guide to improving together

There is no doubt about it: padel is a sport based on harmony between two players. Playing doubles requires excellent coordination and a solid strategy to dominate your opponents and win matches. 

Contrary to what one might think, padel strategies are not limited to good communication alone. You also need to know how to exploit opponents' weaknesses, alternate between attacks and defence, and adopt good positioning. Here is a complete guide to improving your doubles strategies in padel and making a difference.

Discover the essential basics for successful doubles play

Before diving into advanced tactics, mastering the fundamentals is essential :

• Constant communication: Always talk to your partner to avoid misunderstandings, especially to call the balls you take or the areas to cover.

• Strategic positioning: Maintain an optimal distance between the two players, neither too far apart nor too close together, to cover the court effectively.

• A good understanding of each player's roles: Often, one player takes the initiative in attack (the more attacking player), while the other focuses more on defence.

These basics lay the foundations needed to execute more specific doubles tactics.

Diagonal play: a classic but essential strategy

Playing diagonally is often recommended to maximise angles and reduce opponents' attacking opportunities. This tactic relies on consistency and precision. It allows you to:

1. Using the side walls: Balls played diagonally take longer to bounce, giving the defending team extra reaction time. This applies to both indoor and outdoor padel.

2. Maintaining pressure: Long rallies wear down opponents and push them into making padel errors.

3. Creating openings: By controlling the diagonal, you often force the opposing team to attempt lobs or risky shots.

However, "breaking the diagonal" can sometimes pay off. For example, playing down the line can surprise your opponent or exploit a specific weakness. 

The alternative: when and why play down the line?

• Relieving the pressure: If your diagonal is particularly contested, a down-the-line shot redirects play towards your partner.

• Exploiting a weaker opponent: Focus rallies on the less technical opponent to force errors.

• For the element of surprise: Alternating between diagonal and down-the-line play unsettles opponents, especially after several similar rallies.

As you will have understood, breaking the diagonal game by switching to down-the-line play relies above all on a good understanding of padel.

The art of coordinated attack: knowing how to move forward with your partner

One of the most effective movements in doubles is the simultaneous advance of both players towards the net. Inspired by pros such as Ale Galán, this tactic turns a standard serve into an attacking opportunity.

Why move forward together?

• Increased pressure: By moving forward, you reduce your opponent's attacking angles while creating an impression of dominance.

• Immediate attack: Most returns of serve are low and without a lob, allowing you to take the initiative with an aggressive volée.

• Covering the centre: This position effectively blocks balls through the middle, avoiding dangerous cross-court rallies.

How do you execute this strategy?

Start slightly further back, not too close to the net so as not to limit your mobility. Synchronise your advance with your partner's serve to create the impression of a compact block, in perfect synchronisation. Finally, watch out for lobs: keep an eye on high returns that could push you back to the baseline.

The importance of lobs and volleys

Lobs and volleys play a crucial role in a game of padel. Knowing when to use them is essential to make your strategy successful and win the match. Consider investing in a racket suited to your style and level of play and in padel accessories such as overgrips to ensure control of these important shots.

The lob: defence and opportunity

The lob is a formidable defensive weapon. It allows you to regain control by pushing your opponents away from the net. But be careful not to be predictable: vary your lobs (long, short, with spin), which will allow you to unsettle your opponents.

Volleys: mastering aggression

• Controlled Volée: Play with precision to keep your opponents under pressure.

• Volée down the line: Particularly useful in situations where the opposing player is caught off guard, such as after a series of diagonal rallies.

Adapt your doubles strategy to the level and style of your opponents

Every match is different, and it is essential to adapt. If your opponents are very attacking, favour a defensive game with well-placed lobs to disrupt their rhythm. Conversely, against slower players, impose a fast tempo by playing low, driven balls. Do not hesitate to analyse your padel performances, or those of your opponents if you have access to them, using video reviews of past matches, for example.

Mistakes to avoid in doubles

Finally, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Playing individually: A lack of coordination can quickly cost points.

• Not varying your shots: Predictability is a weakness your opponents will exploit.

• Positioning yourself too far back: Giving up the net gives your opponents a huge advantage. It is crucial to position yourself well on the court.