Yes. Two people can practise padel one versus one on a standard doubles court, and LTA Padel says recreational singles practice is possible there. The wider playing area makes it more demanding to cover, so a purpose-built singles court is better suited if one is available. For most pairs with an ordinary court booking, a mix of cooperative drills and short one-versus-one points makes better use of the time than playing a full match from the first ball.
This is a suggested 30-minute session for two recreational players, especially beginners or partners who want to practise without finding another pair. The timings are a practical template, not a tested programme. If you are entering an organised event, check its format with the venue or organiser rather than assuming recreational singles guidance applies.
A 30-minute session for two players
| Time | Task | Setup | Make it easier if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Get moving and find a comfortable rally | Start with gentle movement, then rally cooperatively from a manageable distance. | Shorten the distance or slow the feed. |
| 7 minutes | Build a rally on half court | Rally cooperatively across one half of the court. Set a small target, such as two controlled returns, then add a shot when that feels steady. | Return to one comfortable shot each before increasing the target. |
| 8 minutes | Read the back-glass rebound | One player feeds a predictable deep ball; the other lets it bounce, reaches the back glass and guides the return. Swap roles after five feeds. | Slow the feed and give the player time to watch the rebound. |
| 5 minutes | Practise serve and return | Take turns serving and receiving, then reset after the return so both practise each role. | Focus on getting the serve and return in, without trying to win the point. |
| 5 minutes | Play short one-versus-one points | Start points with a serve and return. Play to a small score, then switch server. | Go back to cooperative rallies or use a half-court task. |
The sequence follows a simple constraint: keep the early tasks predictable, then add the decisions of a point. LTA Padel’s partner-drill guidance includes rally-building and back-glass work; this plan places those tasks before serve-return practice and short singles points so the session does not jump straight from warming up into full-court chasing.
Why start with half-court rallies?
On a full doubles court, a pair of players has a lot of space to cover one versus one. Starting on half court gives both players more chances to control contact and recover for the next ball. LTA Padel also uses half-court rally drills to build consistency, with a target that can increase as the exchange becomes more reliable.
Keep the rally cooperative. If the ball repeatedly goes out or dies in the net, move closer, slow down, or agree to play a forehand-only sequence for a few turns. The task is to create a repeatable exchange, not to test who can hit harder.
If you are new to the sport, the site’s four-session beginner progression explains how to build from a controlled rally towards serves, glass and points with a partner.
How should you practise the back glass with two people?
Stand on the same side of the net: one player feeds a slow, deep ball and the other waits for the ball to bounce and rebound from the back glass before returning it. Swap roles after a small set of feeds. Keep the ball predictable until the player can judge its rebound and prepare without rushing.
LTA Padel describes a similar partner-fed back-glass drill. An extra bounce can be allowed while learning the movement, but that is a practice aid, not a rule for a live point. See the back-glass guide for more on spacing and timing. When you are comfortable with the rebound, the serve-return and first-volley guide offers a related next step for point starts.
Is one-versus-one padel the same as a normal match?
No. The familiar format of padel is doubles. LTA Padel’s FAQ says players can use a standard doubles court for recreational singles, while noting that the larger area is more demanding to cover and that a purpose-built singles court is better suited. Treat that as permission to practise casually, not a guarantee that a singles format is accepted in every competition.
For the five-minute points at the end of this session, agree beforehand whether you will use the full court or a narrower practice area. If a full-width rally turns into a scramble, shorten the task and return to cooperative play. The aim is to practise useful contacts and decisions, not to simulate an official match format.
How can Padel Coach App fit into this session?
If both players are happy to be recorded, capture one short rally or glass-ball sequence. After the session, review one question together, such as whether the player waited for the rebound before preparing the racket. The match-video review guide explains a simple way to discuss a clip, and Padel Coach App can help organise a video and a practice focus for the next booking. Video feedback is a prompt to discuss and test on court, not a substitute for a coach’s assessment.
Sources and scope
- LTA Padel FAQs on recreational singles practice on a doubles court and the additional court coverage it requires.
- LTA Padel training tips for partner rally and back-glass drills.
- LTA Padel rules for the standard game format and basic point rules.
The session timings and order are editorial suggestions adapted from those public resources; they have not been trialled as a formal training plan. Check with an event organiser if you need to know whether a particular competition allows singles.
Learn how our guides are researched, prepared and checked in our editorial policy.