Both Returners Advance After the Return
The Situation
You have returned serve and your partner is already at the net. You are standing on the baseline.
What To Do
Move forward immediately after your return. Do not wait to see where the ball goes. Both players must reach the net together, split steps, move forward.
Why It Works
Staying back after the return leaves your partner alone at the net in a 1-v-2, opponents simply volley into the open half you abandoned. In padel the team at the net controls the point, so the return is not the end of your job, it is the trigger to advance. Move forward the instant you strike it, split-step as the opponent makes contact so you are balanced if they volley at your feet, and arrive at the net line together. Hesitating even one beat surrenders the window. This is the most fundamental positioning principle in padel at every level.
Court Positioning
Receiver strikes the return then immediately moves forward, split-stepping as the opponent contacts the ball. Partner already holds the net line; both converge to stand together ~3–4m apart before opponents can play the next ball. A dotted 'stayed back' player is shown stranded at the baseline, the net half open beside their partner.
Court View
Bird's-eye view: attacking net position
Skill Level
Serve to the Body to Jam the Returner
You are serving and want a reliable, high-percentage target that makes the return difficult.
Return Low at the Net Player's Feet
You are returning serve and the server's partner stands at the net ready to intercept.
Lob the Return Over the Net Player
The net player is aggressive and intercepts your cross-court returns consistently.