[caption id="attachment_11861" align="alignnone" width="750"] Differences between a left-handed and a right-handed player[/caption] There are many differences when it comes to playing padel if you are left-handed or have a left-handed partner. Some of the best World Padel Tour pairs have a left-handed padel player, and we'll explain why.

The advantages of a left-handed player

Among the advantages of having a left-handed player as a partner, we find the effect of the player when hitting the ball, as they do it in reverse. In addition, left-handed players have a faster analytical capacity than right-handed players, which can be used to analyze opponents before or during the match itself. Some of the qualities of a left-handed player are that they play the parallel volley off the back wall and the side wall. They also have the characteristic that the ball opens up more, making it more difficult for their opponent to return the ball from outside. The bandeja is one of their strong points, as they hit it diagonally and the ball hits the side, falling before reaching the back wall. Good understanding and communication are fundamental between a pair with a right-handed player and a left-handed player. Knowing their qualities makes it much easier to complement each other and thus score more points. A great affinity between both players can make pairs with a left-handed and right-handed player become one of the best on the World Padel Tour, as in the case of Pablo Lima with Agustín Tapia. On the women's side, we can find Paula Josemaría and Ari Sánchez. [caption id="attachment_11516" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Source: World Padel Tour 2021 - Ariana Sánchez.[/caption] A left-handed player will always be positioned on the right side of the court, because this way their forehand will be in the middle, and since most of the balls will go to the center of the court, they will hit with their forehand. On the other hand, some of the disadvantages that could be found in this type of pair are that both could be dominant and there could be some kind of confrontation over split balls, which is why communication is very important. Opponents always feel a certain fear when playing against a left-handed person, as they are not used to encountering the "reverse" player. To be more skilled when playing against them, it is necessary to consider certain guidelines. The pair can have a more aggressive game, so either opponent can take on the offensive role. In addition, the effect with which a left-handed player hits must be taken into account, as they do it in reverse, and to counter it, their game must be analyzed from the beginning of the match.

A left-handed opponent

When playing with a left-handed opponent, movements should be shortened, and the preparation of the padel racket should be shorter to be able to keep it close to the ball. The best way to learn to compete against a left-handed padel player is practice. On the other hand, if you are right-handed, whether you are on the right or left side of the court, your movements will be different from those of a left-handed player. If you have a partner who uses their left hand, you should play on the left side and they on the right side. If you are a backhand player, you must cover more court and possess various power shots. In addition, you must be decisive and gritty, with an aggressive volley. The player on the left side has to go for balls coming from the center, especially lobs that they can smash or hit a bandeja. This position will facilitate certain shots such as the smash over 3 or the forehand volley. Their attack will be more aggressive than their partner's. It is positive for the backhand player to have a large wingspan, as this will make it more difficult to hit lobs over them. It is important that they have good power shots, especially in the more aggressive ones like the smash.

The psychological aspects

From a psychological aspect, the player on the left should not lose patience. They must be optimistic and gritty, a player with character but humble. They must encourage their partner at all times, as they have the defensive role. In addition, they must be able to make important decisions during the game because it is important for them to take risks to win points. Finally, a right-handed padel player who plays on the right must be an intelligent player, with good resources and shots. The one positioned on this side of the court must be a tactical player with great knowledge of how to unbalance the opposing pair. The right-side player is not offensive; on the contrary, they are a player with great precision. They will execute fast, deep, and precise volley shots, so they must have physical qualities related to acceleration. They will be a player with great acceleration and anticipation from mid-court forward.