How to choose your partner?

In this column, we will offer you 8 points that will allow you to find your best possible partner, to increase performance on the track.

Be a good player of padel is one thing, but if the level between the two partners is different, unbalanced, you will have little chance of getting through. We offer 8 points on which you can focus to find the partner who will best suit you and your game.

1- The type of individual game

It’s the first thing to focus on. You know your game and you know your strengths and weaknesses. By looking at the other players, you will find as a strong point what for you is your weak point. So the game will be balanced.

2- The game for 2

Feel comfortable with a person on complicated balls like the balls played in the center, know if the partner follows you when you leave the track, or even if when you go up to the net, he goes up with you, etc. Even if setting up the game for 2 takes time, you will quickly notice if you have the same vision of the game.

3- Change partners frequently

If you get into the habit of playing with different people, the day you find the right person, you will quickly notice. It’s like choosing your pala. If you only try one, you won't know if the others are better or worse. If you haven't found the perfect partner yet, feel free to play by changing each time.

4- Be flexible

When you enter the track with a new partner, do not stand still, be flexible. Talk, set up game phases, find solutions to problems. This is how you will progress personally and your team will take shape.

5- Speed of adaptation

If you have an open mind, are used to changing partners, and know how to listen to the other, you will quickly adapt to your new partner and will be more likely to quickly find someone who completes you.

6- Be motivated

Motivation, the desire to have a good time and fight alongside your partner. Know that you are not the only one looking for a partner. If you show that you want to do well, that you encourage with positive phrases and above all that you “bring” to the team, you will be the most requested player of your club.

7- Set goals

This part is more for pairs who would play tournaments. In order for a pair to be strong, it needs to set goals. There are individual goals, and team goals. Winning a tournament, accessing the final table, taking places in the standings, all kinds of “achievable” objectives to be set at 2, will strengthen the pair.

8- Know the partner's game

This is what will tip the scales for one player rather than another. If you know in advance which move your partner will play, and conversely if your partner makes a move before you hit the ball, there is an osmosis between you.

Source: AS

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.