Drive Side vs Revés Side
Also known as: drive side, revés side, reves side, derecha side, left side or right side in padel, which side should I play in padel, forehand side padel, backhand side padel
In padel doubles, each player usually keeps one side of the court. The drive side, or derecha, is the right half as you face the net, and the revés side is the left. With two right-handers, the revés player has the forehand in the middle and often takes more overheads.
The names come from the shot each player hits next to the side wall. A right-hander on the right plays forehands, or drives, beside the side glass. A right-hander on the left plays backhands, or reveses, there. Each player receives serve from the same side for a whole set. That makes the choice of side important.
With two right-handers, the revés player's forehand covers the middle. Many pairs put their stronger overhead player there to finish lobs down the center. The first point of each game is served to the drive side, and the next to the revés side. In advantage scoring, every advantage point is therefore received on the revés side. The drive player is often the steadier one. They build points with returns, lobs and volleys.
Left-handers change the picture. A left-hander on the drive side also has the forehand in the middle. A lefty-righty pair set up that way has two forehands covering the center. Choose sides by strengths rather than habit. Put your stronger finisher where their forehand covers the middle, and the steadier player on the other side.
Tips by skill level
Try both sides in practice. Notice where your forehand faces and which overheads feel natural, then pick a side for matches.
With a lefty-righty pair, test both setups. Two forehands in the middle helps against lobs, but it leaves both backhands on the side walls.
Example
Two right-handed friends start playing together. The one with the stronger smash takes the revés side, where her forehand covers the middle. Her partner plays the drive side and focuses on low returns and deep lobs.
Why it matters
Your side decides which shots you hit most and which points you receive. Picking the right side for each player makes the pair stronger.
Common mistakes
- Switching sides every match instead of building a partnership
- Putting the weaker overhead player where most middle lobs go
- Assuming the left side is only for backhands
Frequently asked questions
Should I play on the left or right side in padel?
Choose by strengths. With two right-handers, the left-side, or revés, player has the forehand in the middle and often takes more overheads. The right-side, or drive, player is often the steadier one.
What is the drive side in padel?
It is the right half of the court as you face the net, also called the derecha side. A right-hander there plays forehands next to the side glass.
What is the revés side in padel?
It is the left half of the court as you face the net. A right-hander there plays backhands beside the side glass and forehands toward the middle. In advantage scoring, every advantage point is received on that side.
Do you switch return sides in padel?
Not during a set. The receiving pair decides who receives first in the first game of each set. Each player then keeps receiving from the same side until the set ends.
Sources
Related terms
- Doubles RotationDoubles Rotation in padel describes the coordinated lateral and forward-backward movement of a pair as a unit to maintain court coverage, close gaps, and respond to each ball without either player being left exposed.
- Cover PlayCover Play refers to one partner temporarily taking responsibility for more than their half of the court to protect the gap left when the other partner is displaced, stretched, or out of position.
- Return of Serve PositioningReturn of serve positioning is where the receiver stands before the serve, usually a step or two behind the service line. It balances time to react with control of the return.
- BandejaA bandeja is a controlled sliced overhead — Spanish for "tray" — hit to maintain net position while placing the ball deep with backspin, prioritizing position preservation over outright winning the point.
- SmashA smash is a powerful overhead hit downward to finish a point. Here it is often aimed at the back panel so the ball rebounds clean out of the enclosure — the signature finish of the sport.
- Net Position Communication (Doubles)Net position communication is how a padel pair coordinates spacing at the net, often without words. Partners mirror each other so the middle and sides stay covered.
Related guides & benchmarks
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