Tournament coaching is a topic that arouses lively discussions in the world of padel. Currently, it is only authorized from P500 classified competitions, unlike all categories among young people. But this restriction does not fail to raise questions. Why limit coaching to higher levels, when it could enrich amateur tournaments?

Mario Cordero, player, coach and commentator, gives us his opinion.

A striking comparison with team sports

In other team sports, such as football or basketball, coaching is a given, whatever the level. In football, even in District (D4), teams have a coach. Why would it be any different in padel, a sport that is also based on collaboration and conviviality? It is as if coaching were banned for District players, reserving it only for regional competitions.

Rules that hamper the spirit of padel

The governing bodies certainly consider that tournaments from P25 to P250 are amateur level, and as such coaching would not be necessary. In my opinion, banning coaching in these categories goes against the friendly and collective spirit of padel, where supporting friends or playing partners could enrich the sporting experience.

A simple and applicable proposal

The rules in force in the P500 should be extended to amateur tournaments. This would include:

  • Pre-registration of coaches (maximum two) before the start of the tournament.
  • A nominal declaration before each match, to designate a single person authorized to coach.

These measures would ensure a clear framework, even for amateur tournaments. Coaching would not become a constraint for the organizers, while making it possible to boost these competitions.

The arguments of the French Tennis Federation

The French Tennis Federation (FFT), which oversees padel in France, puts forward several objections. Among them:

  • Fear of unregulated paid coachingHowever, Mario Cordero points out that this phenomenon already exists, especially in high-level competitions.
  • Logistical complications for referees, although simplified management, such as that proposed for the amateur categories, would limit these difficulties.

I think that this rule of coaches in padel is influenced by rules from tennis, where coaching is strictly supervised. However, padel, with its friendly and collective dimension, requires a different approach.

A necessary change for the development of sport

The deadline for the next regulation, expected in May, is an opportunity to change these rules. Authorizing coaching in amateur categories would be an important lever for developing the sport. Even an amateur coach, without experience, can bring a unique energy and atmosphere, by strengthening the collective side of padel”.

Why is coaching allowed in all other team sports, but restricted in a sport as dynamic and accessible as padel?

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.