Why do we lose points in padel when we think we played well?  In a new video analysis,  Andoni Bardasco , former professional player, manager of  Padel Stuff  and expert in  tactical coaching , decrypts a key exchange where a simple error of  placement  and  choice of move  cost per point. Understanding the articulation between  technique and strategy  is essential to progress, and this case study perfectly illustrates the decisions that make a difference.

A technical and tactical approach to padel

In a new video in collaboration with  Padel Magazine , Andoni Bardasco returns to the analysis of a point played at a good level, highlighting the strategic choices made. Unlike his previous intervention, focused on theory and video analysis, he adopts here a more complete approach by combining  theory, technique and tactics .

In his last video, he analyzed a relatively slow men's rally, focusing on the decisions made by the players. This time, he focuses on a women's point from the same tournament, which has raised many questions, particularly about the  placement  and  Decision making  after a return of service.

The importance of second service and strategic choices

The analysis begins with a key element: the point is played after a  second service , which generally offers more possibilities to the  recipient , because less aggressive than the first. The main question lies in the choice of return made by the player.

The point in question only includes  five shots , but Andoni points out that it perfectly illustrates the interaction between  technical and tactical . Contrary to  tennis ,  paddle  relies more on game understanding and time management than pure hitting technique.

Poor management of space and placement

The player analyzed leaves her too quickly  defensive position  after his return, leaving a  free space  exploitable by his opponents. Andoni explains that this type of ball, although technically simple, becomes  trapper  because it requires a significant movement. If the blow is not perfectly executed, it exposes you to a counterattack.

In this specific case, he believes that the best option would have been a  lob , allowing the player to regain her position. He also recalls that she had succeeded in an effective lob on the  first service  – fault – and that she could have reproduced this choice on the  second service .

Essential time and rhythm management

Another fundamental point raised is the  management of time The player's return is neither fast enough to cause problems for her opponents, nor slow enough to give her time to reposition herself.  Two options  could have been considered to improve the situation:

  •  Play harder , in order to complicate the opponent's recovery.
  •  Slow down the ball , to allow him to  float  and thus give the player time to reposition herself.

Padel is therefore based on a  articulation between technique and tactics , where each move must be thought out in terms of the  available time  and the objective sought.

One last piece of advice for improving your padel skills

To conclude, Andoni Bardasco insists on a key point: frustration must not take over in this sport. If a player loses several points in the same situation, the  solution  does not necessarily lie in a stronger strike or a simple correction of the gesture. It is essential to look for  a tactical alternative  and adapt his game accordingly.

Padel is a sport  complex  et  strategic , where patience and analysis are essential to progress and achieve one's  best level .

 Next video to follow to further deepen the analysis of the game! 

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.