Playing to the Weaker Player in Padel
Also known as: play to the weaker player padel, target the weaker player padel, attack the weaker player padel, playing the weaker opponent padel, targeting one opponent padel
Sending most of the play to the weaker or less confident opponent is a common padel tactic. It works best when you aim at that opponent's weakest shot, such as the backhand volley or a rebound off the back glass. Keep some of the play going to the stronger partner. Otherwise they start covering the middle and stealing shots meant for the other.
In doubles, many points end with the first error. Directing more of the rally at the less reliable opponent makes it more likely that error comes from them. It also keeps the stronger one out of the rally. Find the weak spot early. Common candidates are backhand volleys, low shots at the feet, high backhands and rebounds off the back glass.
Watch how the pair responds. Either partner may take any shot on their side, and a strong one may slide toward the middle to cover. If they over-cover, a drive down the line or a lob over them opens the court. Easy feeds can also build the target's confidence. Make each one difficult: low, deep or at the body.
In social games, use the tactic with care. Hammering one opponent on every point can spoil a friendly match. In competition it is a normal part of the game.
Tips by skill level
Spend the first few games noticing which shots each opponent misses. Then aim more of the play there.
Use the weaker opponent to pull the stronger one out of position. When the stronger partner over-covers, the line or the lob over them opens up.
Example
Their opponents' revés player misses two backhand volleys early. Elena and Marta send the next shots low to that backhand. When the drive player slides across to cover, Marta lobs over him down the line.
Why it matters
Choosing where to send the ball matters as much as how you hit it. Targeting a weakness wisely wins points without taking extra risk.
Common mistakes
- Sending every shot to one opponent until their partner covers it all
- Feeding the target easy shots that build their confidence
- Ignoring the space the stronger partner leaves when they over-cover
Frequently asked questions
Should we play everything to the weaker player in padel?
Send most of the play there, but not all. Aim at that opponent's weakest shot and keep some shots going to the stronger partner. Otherwise the stronger one starts covering the middle and taking shots meant for the other.
How do I find the weaker player's weakness in padel?
Test both opponents early with backhand volleys, low shots at the feet, high backhands and rebounds off the back glass. Note which ones they miss or float, then go back there.
Related terms
- Diagonal PlayDiagonal play means keeping most exchanges crosscourt to maximize margin and create angles, until a chance to go parallel (down the line) appears.
- Parallel ShotA Parallel Shot runs straight down the line, parallel with the side glass. It is a harder pass than the crosscourt but can catch opponents leaning toward the middle.
- Chiquita PlacementChiquita placement is choosing the target: the net player's weaker foot, the gap between players, or a body-jamming line. A chiquita to the wrong spot just gives an easy volley.
- Shot Selection Under Pressure (Padel)Shot selection under pressure means picking the safer, higher-percentage shot at tense moments. It favors a controlled lob or solid block over a nervy, low-margin winner.
- Golden Point StrategyGolden Point strategy is how a pair plans the single sudden-death point at 40–40. It covers who serves, who receives, and which serve target and shot pattern to commit to.
- Mixed Doubles Padel StrategyIn mixed padel, play to real strengths rather than assumptions about who is stronger. Choose sides by each player's overhead and backhand skills, and agree who takes the middle and the lobs. Under FIP rules, on a Golden Point or Star Point, the receiving player must be the same sex as the server.
Related guides & benchmarks
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