Here are some questions that tend to run through the minds of gamers. padel : should I speak, do not speak, when et how to ? before knowing quoi say, you have to know when say it, right?

It's really not easy to give the correct information to your partner. It's something that needs to be worked on over time, when the time comes, to inform with clarity and precision. Before dwelling on “what” to say, a subject that we will cover in a future article, we will think about “when” to speak?

Before the meeting

It may sound silly, but talking with your partner a few minutes before the game allows you to know the state of mind of the one who accompanies you. Fatigue, stress, aggressiveness, want to laugh, all these possible moods that you must take into account so that the first games go as well as possible. Conversely, if you talk to your partner, you can let go of this pressure created by the game, or simply cross the line between work day and relaxing evening.

During the meeting

There are three times when you can talk during the match: during the point, between the points and at the change of ends. Depending on the moment, the information will not be the same.

During the point, we will tend to inform about positions.

Between the dots, we will inform about a very short term tactic. We will focus on the following point with a tactical aspect: for example a service to the side window, a return slow low to immediately put under pressure etc. We will also inform ourselves of the score and we will adapt accordingly: at 0-40 we do not play the same way as at 40-0 for example.

When changing sides. Take the time to analyze what happened and try to implement a two-player tactic. Often we change sides without even exchanging a word with our partner. During matches between friends it is not very important, but during tournaments, these moments are essential for cohesion.

Bela Coello discussion bench WPT menorca 2021

After the meeting

This can be right after the meeting over a drink or several days after. Talking to your partner, even your opponents or the people who attended the meeting, can bring you solutions or enlighten you on a future tactic.

Play at padel it's talking

Le padel, everyone knows, it's conviviality. For it to be friendly, you have to talk, exchange, share. To do this, we must adapt our language and our words according to the moments. If you cannot detect these moments, speak only when you are comfortable: when changing sides and after the match.

Watch out for pre-match exchanges that can upset your partner. And finally, think that encouraging your partner between the points by clapping them in the hand is sometimes more effective than any speech in transmitting confidence to them. 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.