Meeting with Carolina Prado

Meeting with Carolina Prado, coach of the Great Britain women's team of padel. Let's take advantage of this interview to know the padel in Great Britain. A team in the making in a rapidly growing country.

Le padel today in England?

Today England has around 70 padel. In recent months, we have noticed a big change. This change is also noticeable in most European countries, more slowly in England.

The positive point is that the federation of padel and tennis have come together, and that's very positive. Although we have the presence of Spanish players or of Spanish origin, the work of the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) promises a bright future for the padel English.

What are the problems encountered?

The current concern is not on the form but on the substance. That is to say the grounds and the teaching. England does not yet have enough pitches to meet demand, and does not “yet” offer enough qualified instructors who know and come from training. padel.

The turn that the LTA has therefore taken is to help clubs finance the construction of padel and train teachers padel.

What role do Hispanics have?

To come back to the presence of Spaniards or Hispanics in England, and in London in particular, what is positive with them is that they participate in tournaments, and that they talk a lot about padel at their workplace, with family and friends. This way of being and doing allows sport to make itself known more quickly. These Spaniards or top English players who are of Spanish origin are a source of motivation for young people. Learn to defend the window exits, take out a ball by 3 or learn the “bandeja”Are things still little known, that our players want to master to refine the English game.

What type of player is present in the majority? Competition or leisure?

Most of the players are casual and recreational players. No fixed figure but around 1000 players who regularly participate in federation tournaments. What we are seeing is that people traveling for work are interested in padel, and come to hit the ball in our clubs.

Women's teams?

Today there are about three women's teams that are above average level. Most of the players come from tennis and we need a transition time and adaptation.

We took third place at the European Championships, we are very proud of it. It was not easy against Germany and then Italy against whom we lost in the semifinals. Finally, the Netherlands, a great team that we are proud to have beaten for the third position.

The future of padel english?

First at the amateur level, more fields so that more people have access to this extraordinary sport. Then schools of padel because currently we have very few. The future of padel goes through the children, too few present in the clubs.

At the professional level, I think we have to follow the players with well-trained people to create a purely English product, a series of coaches that could help and guide the players.

The final word ?

Today only enthusiasts and professionals can dedicate themselves 100% to padel in England because the lack of land makes it difficult to train or give lessons. For my part, I am more often in my car than on the tracks. When you play a tournament and you have to drive an hour and a half to participate in a meeting, it really has to be a passion.

Thanks to the LTA, I think the love that the English have for tennis will be passed on to padel.

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.