We often talk about technique, tactics, and physicality. But on a padel court, what very often makes the difference isn't reflected in the statistics: communication. The kind that reassures, guides, and refocuses... or, conversely, the kind that sinks a pair. That's why, on the court, but also off it, knowing when and how to speak is an essential and crucial quality.

1. Padel, a sport for two… therefore, out loud.

Padel remains a team sport. Only two people, admittedly, but a team sport nonetheless. And this aspect implies one simple thing: To play without communicating is to play only halfway..

Communication isn't about filling a void. It's about avoiding unnecessary mistakes, guiding your partner when they lose sight of the game, and preventing problems rather than fixing them. How many unforced errors stem from a poor decision… that could have been avoided with a single word at the right time? What about a lob attempted when both opponents are at the back of the court, or a chip shot played against a player already hugging the net? The result: frustration on both sides, rising tension, and a crumbling partnership dynamic.

And yet, the excuses are well-known:
"It's pointless.", "It's too hard to talk while playing.", "But you could clearly see they were going uphill.".
No. Exactly. When your partner plays, You are his eyes.

2. When to speak… and especially when to remain silent

Not everything can be said at any time. And above all, not everything can be said in the same way.

First fundamental principle: No reproaches, no grimaces.A direct foul calls for encouragement, not a visual punishment. A dejected look or throwing your arms up in the air sends a very clear message. And a very negative one. Confidence, already fragile, takes an immediate hit.

Second golden rule: We don't talk about technique during the pointTrying to correct a stroke between rallies is often counterproductive. It creates doubt and confusion and offers no short-term benefit. Your partner isn't going to change their technique with a single ball.

However, there is a key moment when communication becomes essential: as soon as his partner no longer faces the gameHigh ball, back to the court, tricky ball exit from the glass… From that point on, it's up to you to analyze, observe, and call. And not at the last minute! Information given too late is useless information.

The role of the person not hitting the ball is just as important as the one playing it. Speaking early, speaking clearly, and speaking continuously allows the brain to process information without overload.

3. Speaking better: the right words, at the right pace

Communication is not about shouting randomly. It's about agreeing beforehand, understanding each other during, and adjusting afterwards.

Before even playing together, a discussion is necessary: ​​what words do we use? Right-left? First names? Diagonals? Yours / mine There is no universal truth. The only good communication is the kind that works. for your pair.

In practice, the ideal is fluid and continuous communication:
bottom, bottom… half… fillet
ou
bottom… yours… watch out for the net

At the highest level, players talk constantly. Not to reassure themselves, but to announce the opponent's micro-movements in real time. And there's nothing stopping amateurs from taking inspiration from that.

Another point that is often misunderstood: Placements are not limited to three zones.Base, middle, and net. Thus, a distinction must be made between the net player and the player glueSticking close means you're practically touching the net. And tactically, that changes everything. A lob is mandatory, or you need a very powerful shot. Chiquita and croquette become gifts if the information isn't clear.

Finally, to simplify things, it's worth mentioning the 16-second rule between two points:
– a few seconds to reconnect and encourage each other,
– a few seconds to analyze,
– a few seconds to decide,
– then we get back into position.
Simple, effective, and above all, structuring for the pair.

Communication in padel is anything but natural. It takes practice. It requires effort at the beginning and, above all, a real willingness to step out of your comfort zone and let your guard down. Because playing as a team also means sharing information.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 at Domaine De Clairis in Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his antoushiasme and his " Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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