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If you are new to padel, positioning can feel confusing at first.
The court is enclosed, points feel as though they last a long time, and the game rewards patience as much as power. Many beginners focus primarily on hitting better shots, but where you stand is just as important. Good positioning helps you win points without needing to hit the perfect shot every time.
The coaching team here at Padel39 got together to share their thoughts on the basics of court positioning to help new players. We hope that this post helps give you some helpful pointers on where you should be on the court and why it matters.
In padel, the team at the net usually has the advantage. From this position, you can volley, apply pressure and control the point.
As a beginner, your first goal after serving or returning should be to move forward with your partner and take the net. Hanging back near the baseline might feel safer, but it puts you on the defensive.
If you remember one thing, make it this: work your way to the net as soon as you can.
Once you are at the net, positioning becomes more precise. You do not want to stand right on top of it or too far back.
A good rule of thumb is to stand about two to three steps behind the net. This gives you enough space to react to fast shots while still being close enough to finish points with volleys.
Your stance should be slightly crouched, with your racket up and ready. Small adjustments with your feet are key. Good positioning is not static. You should always be making tiny movements to stay balanced and prepared.
Padel is a doubles game, and positioning only works if you and your partner move together.
Imagine a rope connecting you and your partner. When one of you moves left, the other should shift left as well. When one moves forward or back, the other follows.
This keeps your team compact and avoids leaving big gaps for your opponents to exploit.
A common beginner mistake is chasing the ball alone, leaving your partner exposed. Stay connected and trust each other to cover your side.
There will be times when you are pushed back to the baseline. This is normal, especially against more experienced players.
When defending, stand a step or two behind the service line or closer to the back glass depending on the situation. Give yourself enough space to react to the ball coming off the walls.
Do not rush forward too early. Be patient, use the glass, and focus on returning the ball deep. Your goal is to reset the point and create an opportunity to move forward again.
One of the most important skills in padel is knowing when to move from the back of the court to the net.
Look for these opportunities:
When you see your chance, move forward quickly and confidently with your partner. Hesitation often leads to getting caught in the middle of the court, which is the worst place to be.
The area between the baseline and the net is often called “no man’s land.” It is where many beginners get stuck.
From this position, you are too far back to volley effectively and too far forward to defend comfortably. You become an easy target.
Try to avoid lingering here. Either commit to staying back and defending, or move forward to take the net. Decisiveness is key.
Good positioning is not just about your side of the court. It also depends on what your opponents are doing.
If they are both at the net, you will likely need to defend and look for a chance to lob. If they are both at the back, you should move forward and take control.
Always be aware of where everyone is standing. The best players are constantly adjusting their position based on the flow of the point.
Even at a beginner level, communication can make a huge difference.
Simple calls like “mine,” “yours,” or “switch” help avoid confusion. Talking also keeps you and your partner aligned in your movement and positioning.
The more you communicate, the more natural your positioning will feel.
Positioning in padel is about awareness, teamwork and making smart decisions rather than hitting perfect shots.
Get to the net whenever possible, move as a pair, stay out of no man’s land, and be patient when defending. These simple principles will instantly improve your game.
Mastering positioning takes time, but once it clicks, you will find yourself winning more points with less effort and enjoying the game even more.
As always, come and chat to one of the team if there are any aspects of your game that you would like to develop. We run a range of sessions and you will always have fun.
