On the circuit Premier Padel, players are getting taller and taller. A trend that is particularly visible among young talents like Pablo Cardona (1m88), Mike Yanguas (1m89) and Arturo Coello (1m90), who are shaking up the standards with their exceptional athletic qualities.

The advantages of large sizes

Being big offers real assets on a padel court, especially in offensive play:

  • Increased range : a taller player covers more ground without having to move as much.
  • Power on smash : with a higher impact zone, par 3s and par 4s become natural weapons.
  • Lob receptions : they need to move back less to play a high ball.

Tapia, Coello or Galan are excellent examples of tall players capable of turning a match around with their aerial power.

Physical disadvantages to manage

But not everything is so simple for the giants of the circuit:

  • Difficulties on low balls : more flexibility and precision are required to manage low volleys or spin balls.
  • Slower lateral movements : a large size can be a hindrance in very dynamic defensive phases.
  • More demanding positioning : Rough placement can be costly, as bigs have less room to maneuver on fastballs to the body.

Even a player like Coello, who excels in all areas, had to learn to manage these limitations.

What role does size play?

Traditionally, left players are taller, more powerful, and tasked with finishing points. On the right, the smaller profiles dominate the tempo, manage the lobs, and ensure the buildup. This logic persists, but it is evolving.

Today, players like Cardona, Yanguas ou Lebrón break this dynamic by imposing an explosive game even from the right. Conversely, Chingotto (1m70), Coki Nieto ou Bergamini show that size is not a condition for performance.

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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