Padel is unique because players specialise in one side of the court: left-side (attackers) and right-side (controllers/defenders). Understanding who the elite players are in each role — and what makes them effective — is essential for analysing matchups and predicting outcomes.
This guide breaks down the world’s best left-side and right-side players, their strengths, weaknesses, and how their roles influence betting.
🟦 The Left-Side Player (Attacker)
The left-side player is typically the team’s:
- Main finisher
- Offensive driver
- Smash specialist
- Primary net aggressor
They handle:
- Overheads
- Attacking volleys
- Powerful rulo shots
Key Skills for Elite Left-Side Players:
- Smash power
- Fast footwork
- Strong bandeja / vibora
- Aggressive mentality
- Creativity near the net
🟦 Top Left-Side Players (Men’s Tour)
⭐ 1. Ale Galán
Explosive power + unmatched athleticism.
- Strengths: Smashes, speed, coverage.
- Weaknesses: Occasional over-attacking.
⭐ 2. Agustín Tapia
The most complete attacker.
- Strengths: Rulo, touch, creativity.
- Weaknesses: Smash less effective outdoors.
⭐ 3. Arturo Coello
Modern powerhouse.
- Strengths: Smash height + heavy topspin.
- Weaknesses: Defensive positioning.
⭐ 4. Franco Stupaczuk
Hybrid attacker with elite improvisation.
- Strengths: Counterattacks, speed.
- Weaknesses: Risk-taking volatility.
⭐ 5. Alex Ruiz
Left-handed explosive attacker.
- Strengths: Power, intensity.
- Weaknesses: Streaky form.
🟩 Top Left-Side Players (Women’s Tour)
⭐ 1. Paula Josemaría
The strongest smasher in the women’s game.
⭐ 2. Bea González
Physical, aggressive, and tactically improving.
⭐ 3. Lorena Rufo (Rising Star)
Huge potential and big overhead threat.
⭐ 4. Delfi Brea (Hybrid Attacker)
Incredible angles and counterattacks.
⭐ 5. Gemma Triay (Balanced)
Strong overhead + tactical intelligence.
🟨 The Right-Side Player (Controller)
The right-side player is the team’s:
- Tactician
- Defender
- Lob specialist
- Wall master
They handle:
- Defensive resets
- Chiquitas
- Backcourt structure
Key Skills for Elite Right-Side Players:
- Wall control
- Patience
- Lob accuracy
- Excellent positioning
- Tactical decision-making
Right-side players win matches with consistency, not power.
🟫 Top Right-Side Players (Men’s Tour)
⭐ 1. Martín Di Nenno
Best defender in the world.
⭐ 2. Federico Chingotto
Elite wall play + maximum consistency.
⭐ 3. Momo González
Smart, stable, and low-error.
⭐ 4. Juan Tello (Right-Side Version)
A powerful hybrid when paired correctly.
⭐ 5. Pablo Lima (Veteran)
Legend of right-side tactics.
🟥 Top Right-Side Players (Women’s Tour)
⭐ 1. Ariana Sánchez
Creative, technical, and tactically dominant.
⭐ 2. Alejandra Salazar
Legendary control player.
⭐ 3. Marta Ortega
Strategic mastermind with elite consistency.
⭐ 4. Virginia Riera
Strong defensive backbone.
⭐ 5. Carmen Goenaga (Rising)
Smart and technically strong.
🟦 Why Side Roles Matter for Betting
Understanding left/right balance tells you:
- Who finishes points
- Who dominates defense
- Who controls net transitions
- Who cracks under pressure
Examples:
- Weak right-side players → higher error rate under pressure → good for Over.
- Dominant left-side players → straight-set win potential → good for Under.
- Two defensive right-siders → long rallies → Over, often 3 sets.
Side roles help predict match length and momentum.
🟩 Best Left-Side vs Right-Side Partnerships
Great partnerships combine:
- One powerful attacker
- One consistent controller
Examples:
- Tapia + Coello → balanced power + precision.
- Sánchez + Josemaría → elite left/right synergy.
- Di Nenno + Stupaczuk → perfect athletic pairing.
These teams dominate because roles complement perfectly.
🟨 Matchup Dynamics Based on Sides
Left-Side Heavy Teams Beat:
- Slow defenders
- Weak lobbers
- Tactical-only pairs indoors
Right-Side Heavy Teams Beat:
- Overly aggressive attackers
- Smash-reliant pairs in wind
- Fast but error-prone teams
Side matchups often decide outcomes even before the match starts.
🟧 Summary
Left-side players provide firepower.
Right-side players provide stability.
Elite teams require balance.
Understanding which players excel on each side helps predict:
- Match length
- Style clashes
- Upset potential
- Court-condition effects
- Betting value
Next: Page 9 — All-Time Legends of Padel.
