Talking to Your Padel Partner: The Calls That Win Points
Why talking matters
Quick take. Use five short calls: "mine/yours", "switch", "leave" or "watch", "back/up" and "coming". Agree before you start who takes the middle. Move forward and back together. Encourage your partner, don't coach them mid-point, and save tactics for the changeovers.
Most lost points in social padel aren't great shots by the opponents. They are balls down the middle that both players leave, or both go for. A few words fix most of them, especially at Americanos where you play with a new partner every round.
The five calls
- "Mine" / "Yours": say it early, loudly, every time the ball could go to either of you.
- "Switch": when one of you crosses to cover a lob, the other moves to the empty side.
- "Leave" / "Watch": tells your partner the ball is going out, or will come off the glass.
- "Back" / "Up": move as a pair. If one goes to the net and the other stays back, there's a gap.
- "Coming": you are going for it; your partner can cover behind you.
Agree on the middle
Before the first point, decide who takes balls down the centre. A common rule: the forehand in the middle takes it, which for two right-handers is the player on the left. See left or right side for more on roles.
Move as a unit
Imagine a rope between you. When you both go to the net, go together; when a lob sends you back, go back together. Keep a distance of a few metres side to side.
Changeovers
The rules allow up to 90 seconds at a changeover. Use it: a sip of water (see our heat guide), and one or two simple points, like "let's lob more" or "serve to their backhand".
What not to say
- Coaching mid-match ("you should have...").
- Sighs and eye-rolls after an error.
- Blaming. A quick "next one" or "good try" does more for the next point.
Looking for a regular partner? Post in the Bangkok Padel Community on Facebook, or find a social game on the tournaments page.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What should I say to my padel partner during a point?
Short, clear calls: "mine" or "yours", "switch" when you swap sides, "leave" or "watch" for a ball going out or onto the glass, "back" or "up" to move together, and "coming" when you are going for the ball.
Who takes the ball down the middle in padel?
Agree before the match. A common rule is that the player with the forehand in the middle takes it, which for two right-handers is the player on the left.
When should we talk tactics?
At the changeovers, which last up to 90 seconds. Keep it to one or two simple points and stay positive.
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