This month, for the 2nd article of my column, I will deal with a thorny subject: coaching at padel during matches.

In France, we sometimes see coaches providing advice to their players. In Spain, the same, and even more on the circuit of World Padel Tour, where the coaches are part of the team. At each change of side, the coaches try to help their pair.

Coaching at padel, what's this ?

This is most often a coach and sometimes a coach who coaches during a match. He remains on the bench throughout the match and each change of side, the coach intervenes to help his pair play better.

When coaching during matches is permitted (as on the World Padel Tour), a coach or any accredited person, is appointed upstream to talk to the players about the side changes.

To deal with this subject, it is necessary to differentiate what is done in tennis and padel, nationally and internationally. And you will see the differences.

Differences between tennis and padel

In France, coaching is forbidden during individual competitions.

Regarding team competitions, a coach (or player) may be present on the bench throughout the match, and discuss with the players (s) changes side.

At the international level (ATP and WTA circuits, Grand Slams, Davis Cup, Fed Cup), same system, with one exception: WTA tournaments (excluding grand slams). These tournaments, reserved for women, allow players to call on their coach once per set, during a change of ends. The coach must then go back to sit in the stands, he cannot stay on the pitch.

Au padel, in France, nothing is said! Indeed, in the federal regulation dealing with padel (source FFT and Padel Magazine), coaching does not appear anywhere. Neither the possibility of being coached, nor the ban. It seems that what is not forbidden, is allowed, isn't it ?!

It happened to me several times, during my matches, that my opponents were coached, sometimes even in secret, which is funny. Especially since I consider that it should be possible and normal to be coached by a person present that we have designated upstream. You understood it, I am for!

Have a coach during the championships of France?

At the international level, the regulations of the IFP (International Federation of Padel) is very clear. In the chapter of the rules on the conduct, it is written: Players and teams can receive advice during a game with an accredited coach, during team competitions and in doubles ("normal" tournament), as soon as this happens. during the time dedicated to side changes.

What will happen if, during a future tournament or during the French Championships, a team receives the help of a coach to change ends?

I think the French Tennis Federation should look into the subject as soon as possible. It would be good to discuss it with the players, by creating a debate, a vote (referendum among the ranked (s)?) In order to be able to decide then with full knowledge of the facts.

And you, what is your opinion? For or against coaching?

Line Meites

Line Meites is one of the best French players in padel. It's the voice of your live on Padel Magazine. But not only, she also hosts the column “Investigations of the Swiss Army Knife”. Every month, she will come back to a controversy or a theme that is close to her heart.

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