Are You a Right Side Player in Padel?
Many players say, “I want to play like Lebron on the right.”
But that’s not traditional right-side padel.
The right side has a clear role. It’s not about smashing everything. It’s about structure, control, and setting up your partner.
Here’s what the right-side player actually does, and whether that role suits you.
1. What It Is
For a right-handed pair, the right-side player is usually:
The more consistent player
The strategist of the team
The one who builds the point
The one who sets up the finisher
Your job is not to dominate with smashes.
Your job is to create the ball your partner can finish.
You control the rhythm of the point.
2. When to Use This Role
You should play right side when:
You value consistency over power
You prefer constructing points
Your overheads are solid but not huge weapons
You’re comfortable defending and resetting
If your partner has stronger smashes and overheads, this role makes even more sense.
Also:
If you are left-handed, you should almost always play right side.
This gives you forehand overheads down the middle, a big advantage.
3. Who Should Play Right Side?
Beginners
Play both sides first.
Don’t decide too early.
But if you’re left-handed, start getting used to the right side early, it will benefit you long term.
Intermediate Players
Right side suits you if:
You can defend well
You have good lobs
You don’t rush points
You’re comfortable using bandeja and gancho more than vibora
If you struggle to finish points aggressively, right side may suit you better than left.
Advanced Players
At higher levels, right-side players:
Control space
Manipulate tempo
Use angled bandejas and ganchos
Force weak replies
They are not passive.
They are strategic.
They choose the right moment to attack.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
Here’s how to actually play the right side properly.
A) Back of the Court
From the back:
Your forehand handles the side glass (if right-handed).
The middle ball is often your backhand.
You must be confident with defensive backhands.
Your role:
Play high, controlled lobs.
Use chiquitas.
Avoid low-percentage winners.
Build pressure gradually.
Think patience first.
B) Overheads at Net
This is where the right side differs most.
Most lobs will:
Go over your left shoulder.
Force you to hit to the “closed” side of the court.
That means:
You use more bandejas.
You use more ganchos.
You use fewer viboras.
You rarely smash aggressively from the middle (unless the ball is perfect).
Your overhead goal:
Keep opponents deep.
Maintain net position.
Create a weaker ball.
Not finish immediately.
C) Tactical Role
This is the key.
As a right-side player, you are:
The stabilizer.
The constructor.
The space controller.
Your objective:
Play angled bandejas or ganchos.
Push opponents into corners.
Force a weaker ball.
Let your partner attack.
You can still finish points.
But only when it’s clearly your ball.
D) When to Be Aggressive
Be aggressive when:
The ball is short.
You’re balanced.
You’ve created space.
Your partner is out of position.
Don’t attack just to prove you can.
Attack because it’s the right ball.
5. Common Mistakes
Trying to play like a left-side smasher
Forcing aggressive viboras from bad positions
Taking too many risks
Ignoring your partner’s strengths
Playing too passive and giving easy balls
Another big mistake:
Playing right side but refusing to adapt your mentality.
If you try to dominate every point, you hurt the pair’s balance.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Right side = control.
Set up first, finish second.
Use bandeja and gancho more than smash.
Be consistent under pressure.
Think as a team, not as an individual.
Attack only when it’s clearly yours.
Ask yourself:
Am I consistent?
Do I build points well?
Am I comfortable defending?
Does my partner have stronger overheads?
If yes, you may be a natural right-side player.
And remember:
Right side isn’t passive.
It’s intelligent padel.
