We have always defended that the padel is a gentleman's sport, where fair play must be present in all matches. The padel, like any human confrontation, is too often an ego clash in which everyone will do their utmost to win, either by using the regulations or by overtaking them with greater or lesser impunity.

What is the dark side of padel ?

  1. Putting in the "fridge". This is an increasingly common tactic in our sport today. The goal is to play only the opponent much weaker, and not to play the other is much stronger. This two-way play allows you to earn points more easily because the weaker player is the most likely to make mistakes. And the stronger player will not get into the match, so he will not be able to help his partner.
  1. Take into account the climate. We play a sport that is played indoors and outdoors. It is therefore necessary to know how to accommodate the sun in the eyes and / or gusts of wind. Some players who are used to these conditions you can help the weather to come to an end. For example, lobs with a certain height, and other subterfuge.
  1. Target the opponent directly. There are many players with reflexes who always know how to put the racket in the right place at the right time, regardless of the speed of the ball. When you shoot to aim the opponent in the face, it's part of the game if you avoid touching certain parts: genitals, and face. This is one of the more cheeky tactics, no matter how you apologize afterwards.
  1. Psychology. THE padel is not only a clash between technical and physical, it is also a mental duel. This tactic can start with hints, and veiled threats during the warm-up. This can continue by celebrating certain balls only for the purpose of destabilizing the opponent. The mind is one of the fundamental pillars of padel, it is at the same level as the technique and the physique.
  1. Arbitration at padel. During the competitions of padel, referees are conspicuous by their absence, which is an inexhaustible source of conflict. To avoid this, there is a convention, where each pair referees its side, and must count the points (not just one player in the four). Knowing the rules is therefore essential to avoid getting trapped. And if you have any doubts, replay the point! (We play a sport where fair play is the watchword.)
  1. Concentration. Sport in general requires a minimum of concentration to win a game. Some players will try to disrupt your concentration by shouting after each point (encouragement or annoyance). These players will try to destabilize you so that you lose your means, and you lose the match. You will have to learn how to deal with these outside nuisances to stay in your game.
Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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