Padel is a team sport for two players, where the mental and relational dimension plays as important a role as technique or tactics. Two recent examples illustrate the extent to which a player's attitude toward their partner can influence team cohesion and, consequently, the team's performance on the court. And it is obviously Romain Taupin, the analysis of Padelonomics which explains the reasons to us.

The Belasteguin–Coello example

In a picture from their early days together,  Fernando Belasteguin  – sixteen times world champion – addresses  Arturo Coello , still shy at the time. His words reflect a clear desire to unite:

"You want to win as much or more than I do, don't ask me for forgiveness anymore. We're together, and if you put ten balls out, I'll keep supporting you. Vamos Arturo!"

This benevolent, trust-oriented mindset sends a strong signal: whatever happens, team unity takes precedence over individual mistakes.

The Lebron example – his partner

On the other hand, a recent scene highlights  Juan lebron , four-time world champion, reacting after an opponent's comeback. His words are aimed directly at his partner:

“As always, as always… The 5-3 volley into the net…”

In this case, the strong reproach places the individual fault at the center of the discourse, creating a distance between the two players rather than support.

The importance of the collective mind

These two attitudes, opposed in form and intention, remind us that padel is won by two people, and that the mental approach of the pair can swing a match as much as the quality of the game. Supporting, reassuring, and maintaining cohesion are essential levers of performance. Conversely, pointing out mistakes can weaken mutual trust and reduce overall effectiveness.

At the highest level as in amateur padel, this lesson remains universal: the way in which we communicate with our partners often determines the success of a team.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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