Juan Alday: “Padel isn’t better, it’s just become more demanding”

He is one of the leading coaches in international padel , with a route built between Argentina , Spain and today the France . Juan Alday details his approach to high level , his vision of modern padel , his work with Alix Colombon et his new role within the French selection .

From beginnings in Argentina to an immediate passion

“I discovered padel in 1989 , at a time when this sport was very fashionable in Argentina I started playing and I never stopped, because I immediately loved the sport.

"Upon arriving in Spain I continued giving lessons from the very beginning. Very quickly, I also started working with players, particularly in Catalonia »

“Initially, I mainly coached amateurs. Then, gradually, I moved towards the high level »

"The real turning point is when Fernando Belasteguín called me to become the second coach alongside Miguel Sciorilli . I spent three very intense years in this role.

A trajectory built with the best players

"I started working with Marta Marrero who was practically a beginner in padel. We collaborated for 11 years And during that time, I accompanied many players.

"Among them are..." Alix Colombon , with whom I have been working since 9 years »

"I also worked with Alejandra Salazar , Martita Ortega , Tenorio tasting , Lucia Sainz , Paula Josemaría »

"I also collaborated with Nicole Traviesa et Jessica castelló »

"All these players have been important in my journey. Each one has brought me something and contributed to building my vision of the profession."

A mind-centered approach

"My work is largely based on the emotion control during the match.

"I try to keep the players concentrated for as long as possible »

"The goal is to maintain a high intensity over time "Because that's what allows for the effective application of tactical aspects."

Juan Alday: “Padel isn’t better, it’s just become more demanding”

A more physically demanding and faster padel

"Padel isn't necessarily more physical, but players today can train more »

"They have more resources to devote themselves entirely to sport."

" The power "It has evolved a lot, especially because of the equipment: the balls, the shoes... everything is faster."

"The players are better prepared and develop a much greater power than before."

"Today, there is less variation "Because power is taking up more and more space."

"On fast tracks, the differences are harder to perceive."

“Before, the game was slower and the tactical dimension was more visible.

"That's why in the women's padel "Sometimes, we see more variation than in men."

A sport that is constantly evolving

"Padel is neither better nor worse than before, it is simply different »

"It is constantly evolving with new moves and new tactics »

"Certain game situations, such as small balls, were used much less frequently before."

"Positions on the ground and the effects have evolved."

"Players today are much more prepared »

"But ultimately, the game remains similar in its essence."

"The difference is that today, a poorly played ball is immediately penalized."

A coaching role that has become central

"The role of the coach has changed enormously.

"Before, he was much less important and less present in the teams."

"There weren't large structures or academies like there are today."

"Now there is a real professionalisation , with a lot of video analysis and a more important strategic role.

Alix Colombon has significant room for improvement

"I coach" Alix Colombon for 9 years »

“Our relationship has become very strong, almost family and »

"We understand each other very easily, almost without speaking."

"Its main qualities are the job , The Constance and perseverance »

"She always strives to improve and has never stopped working."

“Today, staying in the world top 20 is much more difficult.

"The overall level continues to rise."

"Everything has become more demanding."

" The consistency in competition is essential to maintaining a high level of performance.

"She still has a significant room for improvement »

"We've been working on developing his game for about a year."

"We are convinced that this work will eventually bear fruit."

"It has already evolved considerably in recent years and continues to progress."

"But the course remains very tough and demands great stability."

A new generation to watch

"There are many today emerging young female players »

"Their progress will depend on their mental , their training and their consistency.”

« Jana Montes et Raquel Eugenio can reach a significant milestone.

« Giulia Del Pozzo has already shown some great things in Cancún.

« Laia Rodriguez They're working differently this season and could surprise us.

"Other players are arriving and could quickly establish themselves."

"The women's padel changes every year.

"We're seeing the emergence of new players who are raising the overall level."

« Martina Calvo , as before Bea González ou Ari Sánchez , participates in this evolution.

“The players are increasingly professional "...with a better-structured mindset and a more organized game."

"The overall level has never been higher."

A project based on adaptation with France

“In my project with the France I mainly want to contribute my experiment »

"The goal is to help each player improve their own game."

"I'm not trying to change their style."

"I adapt to the players and their characteristics."

"A good coach has to work with what he has."

"I also want to get to know the players better, understand their form and how they're developing."

Learning French, a personal goal

"The dream of Alix Colombon , that's what I need to learn French »

"By coming to Vichy I understand better and better.

"I'm going to start taking classes."

"In quick exchanges, we often use a common language, but I'm improving."

"I really want to learn to speak French."

“I am fortunate to be helped by Baptiste Benedicts in the selection.

"I have already learned the Catalan in Spain and the English with the German national team.

"Today, my goal is to learn French."

"And since it's also Alix's dream, it gives me even more motivation.

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.