Key takeaway: In padel doubles, the right side (the "drive" side) is the consistency role and the left side (the "reves" or backhand side) is the finishing role. For a right-handed pair, most balls down the middle land on the right-side player's forehand and the left-side player's forehand smash, so the right side builds the point and the left side attacks and covers the middle lob. Beginners are usually best starting on the right while they build control, but you should play both sides for your first year before you commit.
If you have played a handful of padel sessions, someone has already asked you the question at the net: "Which side do you play?" And if you are new, the honest answer is probably "wherever you put me."
That is the right answer for now. But knowing what each side actually does will make you a far better partner, and it changes which racket suits you. Here is the whole thing, without the mystique.
What "left side" and "right side" actually mean in padel
Padel is doubles. Each pair splits the court down the middle, and each player owns one half for most of the rally.
- Right side - traditionally called the drive side. In Spanish coaching language it is the derecha.
- Left side - traditionally called the reves or backhand side.
The names come from a right-handed player's perspective. Stand on the right of the court and the balls coming down the middle arrive on your forehand. Stand on the left and those same middle balls arrive on your backhand, or, more importantly, on your forehand smash when the ball is lobbed.
That single detail is why the two sides have completely different jobs.
The right side: the point builder
The right-side player is the pair's metronome. Your responsibilities:
- Return consistently. Your return of serve starts most rallies. Depth and a low ball matter more than winners.
- Build the point. You keep the rally alive, work the walls, and create the ball your partner can finish.
- Cover the right tramline and your own lobs. Your half, your problem.
- Take the middle when you are better placed. Not every middle ball is your partner's.
Right side suits players who are patient, positionally disciplined, and hate unforced errors more than they love winners. If your instinct in a long rally is "one more ball", you are a right-side player.
The left side: the finisher
The left-side player is the pair's weapon, and their fire brigade. Your responsibilities:
- Finish points. Smashes, viboras and bandejas mostly fall to you.
- Cover the middle lob. This is the big one. When opponents lob down the middle, the left-side player runs it down and turns defence into attack. It is the most physically demanding job on court.
- Attack from the middle. Because middle balls land on your forehand side (right-handers), you are expected to step in and hit.
- Cover the left tramline, but you will spend far more time in the centre than a right-side player does.
Left side suits players who are aggressive, mobile, and comfortable making the decision that ends the rally. If you would rather lose going for it than win by attrition, that is you.
Left-handers flip the logic
A left-handed player on the left side gets their forehand on the outside tramline instead of the middle, so many left-handers are actually more natural on the right side, where their forehand covers the middle. The classic strong pairing is a right-hander on the right and a left-hander on the left, which puts two forehands in the middle of the court. If you are left-handed, try both and follow the forehand.
Which side should a beginner play?
Start on the right. Two practical reasons:
- More balls arrive on your forehand, so you face fewer technically awkward situations while you are still learning to control the ball off the glass.
- The left side's core job, covering the middle lob and converting it into an attacking smash, is a genuinely advanced skill. Doing it badly costs your team points and confidence.
But the bigger mistake is picking a side too early and refusing to move. Playing the other half of the court teaches you what your partner is dealing with, where their space opens up, and when to take the middle ball. Coaches see this constantly: the player who only ever plays one side plateaus first.
Rule of thumb: play both for your first 12 months, then specialise.
Does your side change which racket you should use?
Yes, and this is where most players never make the connection.
Right side (control role): you want forgiveness, a big sweet spot and predictable feel for returns and blocks. That usually means a round-shaped racket with even or head-light balance and a softer core. Consistency beats power in this role.
Left side (attacking role): you want mass behind the ball for smashes and viboras. That points towards a teardrop or diamond shape with a head-heavy balance and a firmer core. Harder to hit clean, much more punishing when you do.
If you are not sure yet, a teardrop with even balance is the safest all-rounder. It will not fight you on either side of the court.
Related reading: Padel Racket Shapes Explained: Round vs Teardrop vs Diamond and Padel Racket Balance Explained.
Three quick tests to find your side
- The lob test. Have a partner lob you down the middle ten times. If chasing it down and smashing feels like fun rather than a chore, you are a left-side player.
- The rally test. Count how many balls you can keep in play cross-court. If the number is high and you enjoy it, the right side wants you.
- The pressure test. At 5-5, do you want the ball, or do you want your partner to have it? Wanting it is a left-side trait.
Neither answer is better. A pair of two finishers loses to a pair with one of each, almost every time.
FAQ
Which side is harder in padel, left or right?
The left side is generally considered harder. It carries the responsibility for covering middle lobs, finishing points with smashes, and making the attacking decisions, all of which demand more movement and better overhead technique.
Should a beginner play the left or right side in padel?
Most coaches recommend beginners start on the right (drive) side. More balls arrive on the forehand and the role is less technically demanding, which lets you build consistency and court awareness first.
Why is the right side called the drive side in padel?
Because for a right-handed player standing on the right, balls down the middle of the court arrive on the forehand, the derecha or drive. The left side is called the reves side for the same reason in reverse.
Which side should a left-handed player play in padel?
Often the right side, because it puts their forehand in the middle of the court. A right-hander on the right and a left-hander on the left is a common strong pairing, as it places two forehands centrally.
Do I need a different padel racket for the left side?
Not strictly, but it helps. Left-side players usually prefer a teardrop or diamond shape with head-heavy balance for extra power on smashes, while right-side players tend to favour round, even-balanced rackets for control and a larger sweet spot.
Can I switch sides mid-match?
Yes, there is no rule against it. Pairs sometimes switch to disrupt a pattern or protect a tired player. It is rare at higher levels because side-specific habits run deep, but it is completely legal.
Gear up with AIXO
Same bold looks, different jobs on court:
- Control / right side - AIXO Pastel De Mint (round, forgiving, 3K carbon)
- All-round - AIXO Sundae or AIXO Country Club (teardrop, even balance)
- Power / left side - AIXO Insane Bolt 18K Carbon (head-heavy, built to finish)
Browse the full AIXO padel rackets collection.