In an interview with its equipment supplier Wilson, Fernando Belasteguin's coach, Miguel Sciorilli, gives the ten keys allowing him to have as much success with the players he trains.

Player understanding

“For me, understanding the player is fundamental. Each person absorbs information in a different way: some visually, others through auditory cues, and others kinesthetically. It is essential to identify a player's primary learning channel and prioritize it in training. And we must not forget that it is good to put ourselves in their place so that they really feel cared for on an individual basis”.

Adaptability and flexibility

“Adaptability is the cornerstone of effective training. Each player is a unique puzzle, and factors such as rest, sleep or personal issues can affect their performance. Being flexible, listening to your needs and adapting training accordingly is essential. I think a rigid training system does not encourage performance”.

Identification of appropriate objectives

“Finding the right balance in goals is an art. If they are too easy to reach, players get bored; if they are too difficult, they may feel defeated. It's about identifying their potential, pushing the limits and ensuring that each challenge is a step towards improvement”.

the Motivation box

“Motivation is a complex concept. It is often said that we must motivate the players. I do not agree. What I find important is not to demotivate them, to understand them. Each player has their own motivations and my role is to help them identify them and embrace them. It's about lighting the inner fire, not imposing external motivations”.

Effective communication

“Communication is fundamental. I have coached both male and female players and my communication style varies greatly from person to person. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Think about Bela: at 44 years old, he played last season with Yanguas, who is 22 years old. It's about adapting to each individual, otherwise they might not understand what you are trying to convey to them. The better the communication, the smoother the player-coach synergy.”

Positive approach

“Positivism changes the rules of the game. Our brain reacts differently to positive and negative stimuli. By taking a positive approach in communication, even when addressing challenges, we create an environment where players can visualize success. Positivism breeds better performance.”

Team dynamics

“I can’t stress enough how important the team is. It is essential to have a coherent team with a physiotherapist, a physical trainer, a doctor, a psychologist and a dedicated coach. Everyone has their role and changes in leadership between team members are crucial. For example, if the player gets injured, the doctor, the physiotherapist and the physical trainer take on more importance and I am there to support”.

Le padel is a game

"The padel is a sport, but it is also a game. Maintaining the essence of the game in training is vital. Using games and play situations as your primary training method helps maintain playfulness. This keeps players engaged, sharpens their skills and ensures they don't lose sight of the fun of playing.”

The protagonists are the players

“As a coach, it is essential not to overshadow the achievements of the players. When we win tournaments or improve specific aspects of their game, it's not about me. It's about them. My job is to facilitate their success, not take credit. The protagonists are the players.”

Miguel Sciorilli sitting instagram photo

The power of the mind

“The mind is a powerful tool. By promoting positive images, we train the brain's ability to visualize success. This goes beyond technical training; it's about creating mental images of triumph that players can call upon in crucial moments. It’s a psychological advantage that often makes the difference.”

Xan is a fan of padel. But also rugby! And his posts are just as punchy. Physical trainer of several padel, he unearths atypical posts or deals with topical subjects. It also gives you some tips to develop your physique for the padel. Clearly, he imposes his offensive style as on the field of padel !