Why Doubles Strategy Matters More In Padel Than Tennis

At first glance, padel and tennis might seem like close cousins—both racket sports, both played in doubles formats, and both involving fast-paced volleys and tactical play. But dig a little deeper, and one thing becomes clear: in padel, doubles strategy isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential.

Unlike tennis, where singles and doubles demand different skill sets, padel is predominantly a doubles game. Almost all professional and recreational padel matches are played in pairs. And while power and individual flair can certainly win points, it’s teamwork, communication, and coordinated tactics that win matches.

Source: Zona de Padel

The Cage Changes Everything

One of the biggest differences lies in the court itself. Padel is played in an enclosed area with walls that the ball can bounce off, which completely changes the dynamics of positioning and shot selection. In tennis, a ball hit past you is usually a lost point. In padel, it might come ricocheting back—and knowing who covers what and when becomes vital.

Doubles partners need to anticipate these bounces, cover angles together, and switch seamlessly between offensive and defensive roles. A split-second hesitation or poor positioning can open up the court and cost you the rally.

Communication Isn’t Optional

In tennis doubles, players often rely on hand signals and brief exchanges between points. In padel, that level of communication simply isn’t enough. Because the game moves quickly and involves strategic placement over raw power, constant and clear communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is a hallmark of strong padel teams.

Who’s covering the lob? Are you switching sides after that tricky rebound off the glass? Should we press at the net or hang back? These decisions have to be made on the fly—and together.

Positioning Is A Fine Art

Unlike in tennis, where baseline rallies dominate singles and even many doubles exchanges, padel is a net-dominated game. The team that controls the net typically controls the point. That means knowing when to move up, stay back, or slide laterally with your partner is everything.

The best padel pairs almost appear choreographed in how they move. One player presses while the other covers. One takes the middle while the other adjusts their position to plug any gaps. You can't freelance your movements in padel and expect to succeed—positional discipline is non-negotiable.

Shot Selection Depends On Strategy

In tennis, an explosive forehand or a blistering serve can make up for strategic lapses. In padel, the smart shot nearly always beats the hard one. Lobs, drop shots, chiquitas, and bandejas all have their place, but they’re only effective when used strategically as a team.

Should you lob to push the opponents back? Should your partner crash the net at that moment? Or is it better to slow things down and wait for an opening? These questions are answered not by instinct alone, but by understanding each other’s tendencies and making joint tactical decisions.

The Bottom Line

In padel, your partner isn’t just someone to share the court with—they’re your co-strategist, your backup, and your best chance at winning. Doubles strategy in padel is layered, demanding, and dynamic, far more so than in most tennis doubles scenarios.

Whether you're a tennis player making the switch or a padel beginner aiming to improve, one thing’s for sure: if you want to win more matches, start thinking like a team—not two players.