At the amateur level, we are used to receiving sufficiently long lobs that do not allow us to achieve a smash (type bandeja ou vibora). It is then a question of letting the ball bounce, and of playing after the glass. This is what we call a return of window.

In this column, we will analyze how we should communicate when our partner performs this type of blow.

Why do we need to communicate with our partner?

The answer is simple: it helps your teammate. Your ad should tell your partner what the opponents are doing, and tell them what to do.

Indeed, when your teammate will have to make the move that we described previously, he will lose eyes for a few seconds the opponents, he does not know their position on the ground. You must then be his eyes, and pass on the information you see.

There are players who do not prefer to receive this type of information. Which is a problem, because the Padel is played by two, and communication is important, even essential. If there is no communication between the players, they will not be able to exploit the various strokes of the Padel.

For example, if the player who has to make the return of glass does not know that the player on the left is advanced to the net while the player on the right is at the bottom of the field, he could be mistaken zone and give an easy ball left-handed who could finish the point on his partner.

If your partner doesn't give you information, you can ask them (before the ball bounces) with a simple question: "  Where are they ?  ". This will allow your partner to remember that he must give you the position of the opponents.

The keys of communication

Before starting the match, the basis is to talk to your partner, especially if you are not used to playing together, to clarify two situations, and choose one of them:

  1. If the teammate who is to make the announcement must indicate to his partner the position of the opponents on the field (net, center, bottom). So that the player who makes the return of glass can decide the best move to make.

  1. Let the partner tell their teammate what to do. Here, the message will be of the type, "diagonal lob" or "low in front" etc.

Tips for good communication

The player who returns the window must quickly receive the opponents' situation or the instructions for the move to be made. In this short time, you need to:

  • Speak clearly: a short communication is much better than a discussion ...
  • Pre-match communication: you have to agree on how to communicate during the match. Indeed, during your announcement, your partner must immediately understand the message given. For example, you can refer to the names of your opponents, the color of the T-shirt, by the position, etc.
  • Decide if the player who strikes only wants to receive information or if he prefers to know which shot to make.
  • Be concrete: depending on the message you want to convey, you need to be concise, precise and quick. For example, the sentence: "the left-hander behind" your partner will know that the player on the left has stayed at the back of the field, and will know what to do.
Alexis Dutour

Alexis Dutour is passionate about padel. With his training in communication and marketing, he puts his skills at the service of padel to offer us articles that are always very interesting.

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