Gaby Reca, former world number 1 and current coach, reveals his unique approach totrainability and the problems encountered with professional players. Between striking anecdotes on Wall et Coello, and thoughts on the evolution of padel, the former champion delivers an interesting analysis on what distinguishes the number ones from other players. A unique look behind the scenes of the world padel elite.

“Padel is evolving a lot and I think it is the first generation that earns so much money. It is hard for them to get used to this new reality, and they see everything as easier. Whoever plays well earns money, as in all eras. That said, I think that the player must adapt to this new situation, what we call with the sports psychologist trainability.

It is sometimes very difficult for a player to accept being trained, because he thinks he knows what he needs. But if that were really the case, why wouldn't he be number one? That's wrong. Take Arturo Coello for example: I see him training during tournaments, with Pratto (editor's note: Gustavo Pratto) or others, and he doesn't flinch. He does exactly what he's told, just like Tapia.

I had Tapia at a World Cup, a very revealing anecdote. I proposed a tactic to him, explaining that with his touch on the ball, he could do whatever he wanted. He looked at me and said yes. I said to him: 'Don't just say yes, tell me what you think, you are number one after all.' He replied: 'No, don't worry, what you tell me suits me.' That was Tapia.

On the other hand, a player ranked 30th to whom you ask to play a side lob tells you: 'No, I don't play side lobs.' And that's frustrating. It makes you boil inside, because players like Tapia, Chingotto or Momo accept 100% to be drawn in, while others, much less talented, give you twice as much trouble. And that's where the difference lies: some win, others don't."

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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