Choosing your side: court positioning and pairings

What this lesson covers

Selecting a side depends on handedness and relative skill levels. A lefty and a righty pairing creates the ideal setup because both players maintain their forehand in the center of the court. This configuration ensures that overheads like the bandeja are covered by the stronger forehand side regardless of where the lob lands. When a lob goes to the center, the player whose forehand faces that side takes the ball.

Two right-handed players face a different tactical reality. The player on the left must cover three-quarters of the court to protect the partner on the right from having to hit backhand overheads. If the stronger player plays on the right, opponents can easily target the weaker player on the left. To avoid this, the more skilled player takes the left side to manage the center and support the partner.

Ultimately, versatility is the goal. Playing both sides allows for better game opportunities and a deeper understanding of court geometry. The demands of the left side differ from the right, and mastering both provides a complete view of the game.