The 80/20 Rule — Spend 80% of Time at the Net
The Situation
You are not sure how to think about court positioning during a match.
What To Do
Your default position is the net. You should be there 80% of the time. The back court is a temporary defensive position — always work to return to the net.
Why It Works
PadelMastery identifies the 80/20 rule as the foundational positioning principle: master your positioning by spending the vast majority of the match at the net. Points are won at the net. Every tactic in padel is either about getting there or staying there.
Court Positioning
Court shown with net zone highlighted as primary position. Back court shown as temporary defensive zone with return arrows pointing back to net.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Never Both Players on the Same Side of the Court
During a rally you realize you and your partner are both on the same side of the court.
Never Stop in the Transition Zone
You are moving forward after a return and feel comfortable stopping between the service line and the net.
Split Step Before Every Opponent Shot
You are at the net or moving around the court and find yourself late to react to balls.