Doubles: how to position as a team at the net

28 June 2026

Padel is almost always played as doubles, but a lot of players train and think as if it were singles. The biggest difference from singles is that positioning is about the pair, not just you.

The core principle: move as a pair

When your partner steps forward to the net, you step forward too. When your partner retreats, you retreat too. You should almost always be on the same “line” on the court - both at the net, both on the baseline, rarely one of each.

The most common beginner mistake is one player staying at the net while the other is forced back for a lob. That creates a big gap in the middle of the court that opponents can exploit.

Cover the middle, not just your side

A lot of beginners think in terms of “my half” and “your half” strictly split down the middle of the court. It’s better to think about who has the best angle on each ball - often whoever has forehand on a ball near the middle should take it, regardless of exactly where you’re standing.

How to respond to a lob

If a lob forces you both back to the baseline, do it together and at the same pace. Then retake the net together as soon as you get a chance - one player staying alone at the net is almost always worse than both retreating and then attacking back as a pair.

Communicate loudly and early

Short calls like “mine!”, “yours!”, or “switch!” solve more points than advanced technique. Most missed balls in doubles come down to both players assuming the other would take it, not poor shot-making.

A simple drill to practice this

Play points where you’re not allowed to talk - only move. It forces you to read each other’s position through eye contact and movement instead of words, which sharpens your communication once you’re allowed to talk again.

Summary

Think of you and your partner as a single unit moving together along the net, not two individuals covering your own half. It’s the single most important tactical shift in going from a beginner to a player opponents have to respect.