Basic Court Positioning
Most points aren’t lost because of bad shots.
They’re lost because of bad positioning.
If you and your partner stand in the right places by default, the game becomes much easier. Here’s exactly how to do it.
1. What Basic Court Positioning Is
Basic court positioning means:
Knowing where to stand at the back
Knowing where to stand at the net
Moving together with your partner
Returning to a solid “home base” after every shot
There are only two main starting positions:
Back court position (defensive)
Net position (offensive)
Everything else builds from these two.
2. When to Use It
Use basic positioning:
At the start of every rally
When returning serve
After being lobbed
When you feel out of position
If you’re unsure where to stand
Even advanced players return to these positions constantly.
Watch professional matches from the World Padel Tour and you’ll notice they always reset to strong base positions before adjusting tactically.
This is your foundation.
3. Who Should Use It?
Beginners
Essential.
This alone can dramatically improve your results.
Most beginner mistakes are positioning errors.
Intermediate Players
Helps you defend lobs better.
Makes net play more stable.
Improves teamwork with your partner.
Advanced Players
Still critical.
Even at high level, strong fundamentals win tight matches.
Advanced tactics only work if base positioning is correct.
No matter your level, this applies.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
A) Back Court Position (Defensive Base)
This is where you stand when:
Returning serve
Defending
Starting the rally from the back
Step 1: Stand just behind the service line
About one step behind the service line
Around two steps from the side glass
Balanced and ready to move
If your court has glass panels, use the panel separation as a visual guide.
Step 2: Both partners stay back together
If you’re back, your partner is back.
Don’t leave your partner alone.
Move as a unit.
Step 3: Stay there until you earn the net
Defend.
Play lobs.
Build the point.
Only move forward after a strong, deep lob.
Do not rush.
B) Net Position (Offensive Base)
This is where you stand after taking the net.
Step 1: Use the “second post” reference
Imagine the posts on the side fence.
Your starting volley position should be:
Roughly in line with the second post
Not glued to the net
Close enough to pressure
Far enough back to defend lobs
Step 2: Maintain this as your home base
From here:
You can step forward for short volleys
You can move back for lobs
You can cover most angles
After each volley:
Step back to this position.
Step 3: Move forward only if you’re in control
If opponents are struggling:
Step slightly closer to attack.
But don’t live on the net tape.
5. Common Mistakes
At the Back
Standing too deep against the glass
Standing too close to the service line
One player at net, one at back
Rushing forward without earning it
At the Net
Standing right on top of the net
Not being able to defend a simple lob
Failing to reset after stepping forward
Leaving big gaps between partners
The most common beginner mistake?
Standing too close to the net and getting lobbed repeatedly.
If you’re constantly sprinting backwards, you’re too close.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Keep this in mind during matches:
If one is back, both are back.
If one is at net, both are at net.
Just behind the service line when defending.
Around the second post when attacking.
Reset after every shot.
Don’t guess, return to base position.
Positioning is not complicated.
But it must be disciplined.
Master these two basic positions, and your defense improves, your net game stabilizes, and you’ll stop giving away easy points before the rally even begins.
