Surely on more than one occasion you have got into an argument with your partner in the middle of a padel match after he or she got too far into your side. Or maybe it was the other way around. After seeing the cases in which we can invade the opponents’ court, in this article we are going to give you some tips on how and when invading your couple’s half of the court will be of great help.
When the backhand player invade your side
Normally, the player on the backhand side is the one who occupies more of the court. However, this does not always have to be the case. It is possible that the player on the forehand side can get into the middle and even a little bit further.
The most important thing in these situations, as well as in the vast majority of those you encounter during a match, is communication with your partner. It is very useful that you talk before entering the padel court and make it clear what role you each have with respect to the balls in the middle.
Interpreting each point of the match
Despite having reached an understanding, you will find yourselves in the middle of points that will leave you no choice but to invade your couple’s area. One of these may be, for example, when it is our turn to cover the centre while our partner is defending his parallel. Don’t be afraid to get into his side.
This happens, above all, when we are at the net. At the back of the court it is not so common for us to leave our half of the court, but there are circumstances in which the opponent locks our partner in the corner, and he can use our help to defend the centre.
That is why, in addition to having discussed these types of points before the match, it is also important that we maintain fluid communication during the course of the match. In this way, we can support each other when one of us is in trouble. You are a team and you must not forget it.
Defending the opponent’s smash
When one of your opponents hits a smash, the exit of the ball can generate misunderstandings. There are times when the shot goes to the side of our partner, and yet we are the ones who run. It is very useful to have this discussed before going in.
On the other hand, couples in which this is not so coordinated can become annoying to each other and give rise to that point against materializing. Focus on interpreting which of you can get to the ball more easily and, once again, maintain good communication.
Playing with a left-hander
When attacking, lobs to the centre of the court can lead to misunderstandings and even a fight or two. It is clear that it is the backhand player who is better at hitting this type of ball, but everything changes when your partner is left-handed.
On these occasions it is really important to communicate well and clearly. It helps to be aware of which of the two of you has a more offensive game or who is more effective. All of this can depend on the moment of the match and the opponents you have in front of you.
You should not invade your partner’s side in these situations
I bet you’ve had someone next to you who thinks he or she is far better than you and therefore feels free to encroach more and more on your side. Sometimes he doesn’t just get into the balls in the middle, but also into the balls that are closer to the side glass and are clearly for you to hit.
Suddenly, you see a madman coming at full speed to get between your racket and the ball. What usually happens in these cases is that the shot is not as clean and effective as he thought it would be, he leaves an easy ball and all his side free. Of course, this ends up in fights and bad faces.
Make sure you play mostly in your half of the court, don’t encroach too much on your partner’s half of the court, and cover in certain situations when necessary.
Whatever the reason, keep in mind that you can’t leave your side unprotected. Remember that you are a team and that you both have to work equally if you want to win the match.
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