Founder of the Big Padel Jet Academy , Jean-Thomas Peyrou is today one of the major figures in French padel. In addition to his work as a coach at Bordeaux He also holds the positions of Sporting director / co-founder of Bordeaux P2 and FIP Promises Paris by WME .
In this interview, he discusses the importance of team competitions , the training philosophy of Big padel , the evolution of interclub but also on his projects around the international tournaments .
Team spirit at the heart of the Big project Padel
For Jean-Thomas Peyrou, the team matches occupy a central place in the construction of the club.
« Team matches are very important to me. I strongly believe in the club's DNA and the team's DNA. »
According to him, the development of Big padel involves creating a sense of belonging strong relationship between players, staff and management.
The majority of players involved in these competitions come directly from the Big Padel Jet Academy , the training structure he put in place within the Bordeaux club.
« All the players I coach at the Big Padel The Jet Academy team is made up of players. They train together every morning. »
Among them are several well-known figures from the French circuit such as Simon Wagner , Elio Sarrat , Paul Lefevre , Lucas Pillon or, Baptiste Fabre .
(Team 2: Dorian de Meyer, Baptiste Fabre, Paul Lefèvre, Julen fabas, Elio Sarrat, Simon Wagner, Lucas Pillon, Steed Malbranque)
Some former academy players have also taken on new responsibilities. Dorian DeMeyer has now become coach at the Jet Academy , While Simon Wagner is preparing to take up the duties of sporting director of the Big Padel Bergerac .
A title that rewards years of work
If the victory in French Team Championship While not necessarily the club's main objective, it represents an important reward for Jean-Thomas Peyrou.
« It wasn't necessarily the club's priority, but for me it was important. It's a very formative competition. »
For him, seeing the players he coaches on a daily basis lift a trophy is a great satisfaction.
« These boys train together every morning. Seeing them win and being able to support them all weekend is fantastic. »
A success that also symbolizes several years of investment for the Big padel .
The Jet Academy, a rapidly growing training center
La Jet Academy was born thanks to the support of the club's management, Antoine and Louis Couvercelle , whom Jean-Thomas Peyrou wishes to thank.
« Without their will and support, I would not have been able to create the academy. »
Since its creation in 2020 The structure has experienced significant growth. In its early days, the team consisted of three people , around Dorian DeMeyer et Thomas Vanbeauce Today, more than one thirty players They train there daily.
They all have different goals, but share the same desire to progress.
« I try to instill a team spirit in all these players. Padel is a team sport. »
For him, the success of a club depends on a balance between several elements: players, staff, management, partners and club members .
Developing players without losing the club spirit
While training plays an important role in his project, Jean-Thomas Peyrou points out that the priority of Big padel The overall experience offered to members remains.
« The club's priority is for everyone to feel comfortable, in a family atmosphere. »
But he also believes that the training and high level must retain an important place in the structure.
« Competition and training must not be neglected. »
The objective: to play a leading role in National 1
From a sporting perspective, the Big padel now aims for a clear objective: to establish itself permanently among the best French teams.
« The goal will be to play in National 1 and to fight for the top roles every year. »
The club has already experienced several memorable campaigns, including a season where the teams male and female almost achieved a double French champion .
From 2022 The club has regularly reached the later stages of the competition, notably with a final .
« Each year, the competition grows and the level gets higher and higher. »
Increasingly international interclub competitions
Jean-Thomas Peyrou is delighted to see top international players participate in French interclub competitions.
He cites, in particular, the example of Sanyo Gutiérrez , Teo Zapata , Bastien Blanqué or, Thomas Leygue under the colors of Casa Padel .
« When I see them wearing the club's jersey, it looks like they've been playing there for ten years. »
For him, this international openness should not be seen as a problem.
« We can very well integrate these players into the club's ecosystem while preserving our identity. »
He also cites the example of the club la All In Padel 69 who managed to associate academy players et foreign players , notably the Swedes, with success.
A competition that could become essential
Jean-Thomas Peyrou strongly believes in the development potential of French interclub .
« I am convinced that this competition can become essential in the years to come. »
He even imagines an even more spectacular future.
« I would like to see players like Tapia, Chingotto or Galán participate in different teams one day. »
A scenario that could transform interclub competitions into a real... major event of the world padel .
Possible improvements in the organization
Despite his enthusiasm, he believes that some aspects of the competition could be improved.
He specifically points to the Saturday's program density considered very physically demanding.
« We started at 8:15 am and finished the semi-final at 23:30 pm. It's very physically demanding for the players. »
He also mentions logistical adjustments, such as the presence of people to clean the windows when conditions become slippery.
According to him, the evolution of the level now necessitates a more professional organization .
A busy news cycle between Bordeaux and Paris
Alongside his work at Big padel Jean-Thomas Peyrou is involved in the organization of several international events.
He is notably preparing the third edition of the Bordeaux P2 , which will take place from June 28 to July 5 .
« The machine is up and running. The team is well structured and ticket sales are accelerating compared to last year. »
Its goal remains to attract the best players in the world in Bordeaux.
He also works on the FIP Promises Paris by WME , a tournament dedicated to young talents.
The previous edition had gathered 340 players from 13 nationalities .
« This is a tournament that is really close to my heart for the development of padel. »
Criticism of the FIP circuit's organization
Finally, Jean-Thomas Peyrou calls for better regulation of FIP circuit particularly concerning player withdrawals .
« We see too many lucky losers and truncated draws. Players shouldn't be able to withdraw at the last minute without a valid reason. »
He argues for the implementation of sanctions or fines , in order to guarantee the credibility of the tournaments.
« When a player registers for a tournament, they must show up. It's a matter of respect for the organizers and the other players. »
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.
The Brussels P2 qualifiers have begun, with many French players in contention.
P1000 TC Dionysien: an epic Sunday with quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on the program
FIP Promises Spirit Padel Lyon – The best young players are here, it's time for the semi-finals
FIP Tour – Collombon, Soubrié / Ligi and Boronad in the semi-finals in Seville and Cyprus
Soubrié/Majdoubi are the favorites in a very open women's P1500 tournament in Agen.
Lucas Potel, a rising young prospect from All In
Maxi Arce: from the A1 earthquake Padel to ambition Premier Padel
Lou Lambert Agosti: at 18, a young Frenchwoman who is already taking flight on the international circuit
Newgiza P2: González and Josemaría continue and win after 3 hours of play against Triay / Brea
Siux Augsburger locks in until 2040: an unprecedented contract in the history of padel
The Assizes of the Padel will be setting up camp in Marseille for the third edition
Sport and insurance: why protecting participants is becoming a major issue
Cédric Carité: 34 years of padel and still the same obsession: to better train coaches.
P1000 Friendly Padel Club: the Caribbean meeting place, training and specialist evening in Saint-Martin
Uprise Padel : an exceptional camp for entrepreneurs launched in Marbella with Amélie Détrivière
Coello/Tapia: a structured tactical response against left-handed smashers
Padel: the perfect blend of reflexes and strategy
Why knowing how to play on the right and left can make all the difference
Understanding the effects to play padel better
Air padel: why pros keep repeating "into thin air" (and how to use it without it becoming a gimmick)
The vibra broken down: transfer, striking plan and sensations
“Tenemos prisa”: the Galán / Chingotto signature
Coached tournaments: a speed-up for progress... or a downside of amateur padel?
10 situations that all padel players have already experienced
How many players in padel? All possible configurations
Padel and cycling: an effective complement for performance and health
Miami P1: the breakdown of Juan Lebrón that changes everything
Yanguas: immense qualities serving a still fragile mentality
Ale Galán: a wounded hand, but that doesn't stop him!
The Panse Academy is expanding with a presence at Béziers Indoor Padel