Nothing to do with a caribbean cruise, we are talking about padel ! Know the rhythm of junior cruise course can help you understand many of tactical phases. So all on deck.

Le padel is a game very tactical where you have to understand and visualize many elements. This is why some players with a technique that is not necessarily extraordinary are sometimes able to do better than others who nevertheless have a superior background.

My cruising speed

When we play padel, we all have a rhythm of play that allows us to make very few mistakes. This rhythm is not the same for all players and it is up to us, sometimes with the help of our coach, to find it. Here the technique does not matter, we are talking about rhythm of play. To make this clearer, let's take an example: in the world top 100, and even beyond, all the players have a very good technique, they are examples for us, amateur players. But there is a difference between these players and the number 1: a cruising speed which is higher for the latter.

It is therefore necessary to take the time while playing, especially in training or during friendly matches, to discover this speed with which you are comfortable and even very comfortable. You can even speak in km/h if you prefer. Today, you feel comfortable playing at 30 km/h, that's your cruising speed. You are able to play your opponents, to deposit the ball more or less where you want and able to defend after the windows; and at net the same thing, you give yourself time to recover after each shot.

This rhythm that you are going to play today will perhaps always be the same, but it can also evolve. Your experience, your playing time, your training, your physical condition, your age will allow you to increase your cruising speed by a few km/h or even decrease it. From there, you therefore understand that if your opponents impose a higher pace on you than yours, and you try to overplay, to play at their pace, the match should not last long because you will make the mistake too quickly. The idea will therefore be to try to impose your rhythm on your opponents to start the fight, or to dictate your rhythm if that of your opponents is lower than yours.

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The pace of my opponents

Once you know your own cruising speed, what happens in a match? Let's assume that your partner has the same rhythm as you, so you form a balanced pair. In front of you is a pair you don't know. How can you know its cruising speed after just a few games? 

At the bottom of the track, the signal will be sent through the windows. If they don't let balls pass, you're playing too fast, above their base pace. So be careful, because the reflexes at the back of the track are often lucky and you risk being countered. As soon as you have found the game speed with which the players let the ball pass, you will be able to fight and set up your tactics.

At the net it's different, the signal of the limit of cruising speed would be uncontrolled volleys or insane risk-taking. Here, from your defensive position, you can quickly dislodge them from the net and go on the offensive.

The importance of this cruising speed

As you can see, knowing each other well, analyzing the rhythm of the opponents at the back and at the net is very important. Do not hesitate to discuss with your partner to find together the speed which will allow you to impose your rhythm. It's not easy, but as soon as you gain confidence, the padel will be even more exciting for you. Let's go!

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.

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