In an interview with Diary, the professional player Pablo Lijo, 50nd world player, shared his views on the differences in playing style between the two main world padel circuits: Premier Padel et A1 Padel. Indeed, the Spaniard is used to playing both circuits and it is true that there is a notable difference in playing style between the two circuits.

A1 Padel : a more conservative game

The circuit A1 Padel is characterized by a style of play focused on construction of the point, which Lijo describes as a game " conservative " This means that players are looking more for ensure the point, sometimes taking fewer risks and playing in a more calculated manner. This style emphasizes the patience and construction of the point, often using moves such as the lob to slow strips to recover the net. The pace is also slower, with long exchanges, where the main objective is to not to make mistakes.

In this style of play, we find players such as Maximilian Maple ou Adrian Allemandi. Despite everything, we also see exceptional points, with genius players present on the circuit, like Gonzalo Alfonso ou Tolito Aguirre, capable of crazy actions.

Gonzalo Alfonso Tolito Aguirre No1 A1 2024

This more thoughtful style does not mean that it is less competitive. In fact, the circuit A1 Padel also brings together very high-level players, capable of mastering these long phases of strategic play. Fans of this circuit appreciate the technicality and subtlety of points, often marked by reversals of fortune after prolonged exchanges.

We could compare this style of play to padel. vintage ", which was also based on point construction and where risk taking was lower. Fernando Belasteguin is the perfect illustration of this, just like Adrian Allemandi, former player of World Padel Tour, which has been able to adapt perfectly to theA1 Padel.

Premier Padel : a more aggressive and fast game

On the contrary, the circuit Premier Padel is distinguished by a much more play aggressive et rhythm. Players on this circuit tend to take more risks, going faster to the shock and seeking to finish the points in a more decisiveThe game is more direct, with powerful strikes and many smashes. As soon as there is an opportunity to conclude the point, players do not hesitate to try risky shots to achieve it. The world number 1s, Tapia/Coello, are the perfect illustration of this, adopting a very offensive style of play and quickly projecting themselves forward.

The circuit Premier Padel therefore highlights a style more offensive, where players do not only seek to keep the ball in play, but to take the upper hand from the first shots. This gives rise to explosive matches, where the level of play is simply enormous, because the players have very little waste for a very aggressive game, which is why they are the best players in the world.

That said, the so-called " travailleurs » still have their place on this circuit. Indeed, players like Coki Nieto ou Maxi Sanchez are among the best in the world thanks to their consistency and ability to build points well. However, it is legitimate to wonder if padel is not definitely moving towards a more explosive style of play. Indeed, the young rising stars of padel, such as Leo Augsburger, Alex Chozas, or paul cardona, are all players with a playing style aggressive, with a huge smash, leaving little room for more strategic players to reach the top of the world rankings.

GPM 2024 - Chozas/Augsburger eliminated in the round of XNUMX
Credit Premier Padel

Do not compare the two circuits

It is important to note that, according to Pablo Lijó, these two styles should not be compared to determine which is better than the other. "This does not mean that Premier is better than A1", he says. They are simply two different approaches to padel, each with its own particularities and followers.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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