In padel, drive (forehand) and revés (backhand) also describe the two sides of the court. Facing the net, the drive side is the right and the revés side is the left. Pairs usually keep the same sides for the whole match.
The drive side (right)
- Often the more consistent, patient player.
- Builds the point, plays lots of balls through the middle and sets up the partner.
The revés side (left)
- For right-handers, the forehand covers the middle, so this player takes many of the overheads.
- Often the more aggressive finisher: smashes, víboras and por tres.
How to choose
Play where your strengths fit the role, and for a left-and-right-handed pair, the left-hander usually takes the revés side so both forehands cover the middle.
Related: padel level test · all padel terms