In a match of paddle, it's not all about hitting or physical condition. The mental dimension, often neglected, can make all the difference at the decisive moment.
This is what recalls Jean-Michel Péquery, former professional tennis player (world top 180, french top 25) and former French number 11 in padel, now specialized in mental preparation of players.

Through his series of coaching themes, it addresses the psychological factors that directly influence performance in competition.
In this episode, he focuses on a phenomenon that all players know, sometimes without even realizing it: the inner critic, that little voice that comes before important matches.

The day before a match: when the little voice asserts itself

Jean-Michel Péquery describes a common situation:
“The day before an important match, a player calls me: “Jean-Michel, I feel like I’m not going to be up to it. I’m tired, I hit badly in training…” »

This observation was not reality, but rather the expression of his inner critic.

This little voice often manifests itself before a crucial deadline, with phrases like:

  • "You're too tired."
  • "You won't measure up."
  • "You're not trained enough."

The Inner Critic: Enemy or Ally?

For Péquery, this inner critic is not an enemy. It is a unconscious protection mechanismWhen a match matters a lot, this voice appears to signal “danger” and urge the player to prepare.

But if poorly managed, this mechanism becomes a real obstacle, blocking and preventing the player from fully expressing himself on the field.

A practical tool for managing your inner critic

Jean-Michel Péquery proposes a three-step method:

  1. Identify when the inner critic manifests (often before a match).
  2. Thank him, recognizing that he is trying to protect you.
  3. Crop it by opposing it with a clear and positive objective.

Examples given by Péquery:

  • “Yes, I am tired, but I can be focused point by point.”
  • "Yes, I hit badly yesterday, but today I can put some intensity into my legs."

The key: mental training

Le inner critic will always be present. The difference between a player who suffers from it and a player who masters it lies in the ability to transform this negative voice into constructive energyLike any aspect of acting, it takes practice: the more you practice, the more this voice becomes an ally in your performance.

To go further and discover other tools mental preparation, Jean-Michel Péquery offers exclusive content and free webinars accessible via its website: Pequery Coaching – Your mental coach (Home tab).

Léa Deutsch

Passionate about Padel since 2018 with numerous experiences in communication and content creation, I want to share my passion with you through my writings.

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