Here is a question we are frequently confronted with. How to play better players than us? Before you throw the sponge, even before entering the field, take a few minutes to read this article that will make you see the thing differently in your next game.

You have to be lucid. It is important. And we have the right to say that we are an outsider in a match. But you will see that even more padel, the balances can switch much more easily than another sport. Firstly because it is a sport which is practiced at 2 vs 2. And finally, in padel, the differences in levels can be important, but padel, we can have the impression rightly or wrongly to believe that we can beat a supposedly stronger pair ... Opt for the second option!

1. In case both players are better:

The most important thing is not to rush playing balls at a speed that is not ours. By playing this way, we will make more mistakes and demoralize ourselves. Then there is a good chance that we will lose the match, but there are some attitudes to adopt both in offense and defense:

  • In attack

After a service performed with security, apply on the first end by playing it preferably in the center which will be the most disturbing zone.

Increase our margin of error by slowing the game to avoid putting ourselves in the red physically, and away from the windows; bounces close to the windows can quickly become foul balls.

Try to play more often cross, being careful during our flights to play them to the least easy area for our opponents; if the player in my diagonal has a great setback, I would play him more often on the forehand.

  • In defense

Apply on the return. It is very important to do the effort by returning without fault, even giving an easy ball to play opponents. The important thing is that they play one more ball.

Concentrate when you are in a defensive position to bring back a maximum of balls. Activate the legs and especially motivate between partners during and between points.

Use the lob. It can be a guarantee of security. It will help you get back on the ground and especially to calm attacks.

In case only one player is better:

The tactic generally used is that of the "fridge", that is to say that we will play as few balls as possible to the player of the highest level. This technique is proven but be careful not to abuse it because you could enter a dynamic where you try to play all the balls to the player of lower level, even in an impossible situation. Do not forget to "fix" the best player on his side. If you play all the balls on the weaker, there will come a time when the best will cross to take more balls.

So when you can, you put the best player in the cool by fixing it from time to time so that he stays on his side, and when you have a ball easier to play, you play it on the player of better level so that he realizes the fault; mentally it's terrible.

If you lose the match, it will be normal, but at least you will have struggled, and it is on these occasions that we progress.

source: Padel star

 

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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