Decision making: using five zones on the court
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I decide which shot to play based on my position on the court?
Use the five-zone system to simplify your choices. If you are deep in defense, play safe lobs or middle balls to gain time, and only look for winners once you have successfully transitioned to the net area.
What this lesson covers
Decision making on the court becomes clearer by dividing the playing area into five zones. This system helps players simplify their shot selection based on their current position relative to the net and the opponent. In the deepest defensive zone, the priority is to keep the ball in play and gain time. Players should opt for a straight ball to the middle or a lob, as attempting winners from this distance leads to unforced errors. The goal is to force the opponents to hit from a position where they cannot attack effectively.
As the player moves into the transition zone, the objective shifts toward building the point. While a lob remains a safe choice if the opponents are crowding the net, players can start incorporating chiquitas or balls to the feet to disrupt the rhythm. Once the player reaches the attacking zone near the net, the focus turns to finishing. Only in this final area should players look for winners, such as a smash or a fast volley. The size of these zones can be adjusted based on individual skill, confidence, and the specific match conditions. This framework is suitable for players of all levels who struggle with shot selection during points.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Padel Decision Making Masterclass, The 5 Zones by German Schafer
Description
Please subscribe and hit the notification bell, let's get 60K subscribers this year! Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome back on the youtube channel! Great to have you back! Today we have a nice video with German for you! Decision making on the court, with the use of 5 playing zones. Your position in these zones will help you to decide what kind of shot you should play. A lob, a winner, a lower ball or a higher ball? Hope this helps you! If you would like to see more videos like this, let us know below! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Vamooooos We are also announcing a huge giveaway this video: SUBSCRIBE TO WIN! 🎉Ready to level up your game and bring your gear to the next level? Stand a chance to win an Otro Nivel padellesson from Sven Boele, brand new Bidi Badu clothing and a Tactical Padel racket. The package also includes tickets for WPT Finals Amsterdam, Peakz Padel credits to play for free & more… #m-score #padel-ID All you have to do is to: ✅ Subscribe to Otro Nivel Padel YouTube Channel 👍🏼 Like & drop a comment on one of our latest videos! 🎾 Tell your padel partners too! Winner to be announced 5 okt (random winner) Good luck, VAMOS! ~ Visit my online padel shop. Go to www.racketteam.com ~ With the official Peakz Padel app you can easily book a court at a Peakz Padel location near you! ~ Would you like to learn more? Become a Otro Nivel channel member or special member, support us and become better! 👊🏼 Click & join ➠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMuJTshdLiaUmbYJy8lSkA/join ~ Also find us on: Our Facebook group ➠https://www.facebook.com/groups/padeltips Our Facebook page ➠https://www.facebook.com/otronivelpadel 👊🏼 Become a supporter ➠https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/0tronivel ~ Our instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/0tronivel/ Sven's instagram page ➠https://www.instagram.com/svenboele/ Sven's tiktok➠ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZScj6vNr/
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Left, Right, Both sides, Net, Service line, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Lob
Keywords
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