Do not miss the first part of our interview with one of the most prestigious coaches in the world of paddle tennis. Our colleague Daniel Gamarra had the opportunity to chat with him during the dispute of the Valladolid Open, to learn more about his work method, his philosophy and his day to day with the current 1 number in the world.
Padel World Press .- He accompanied Juan and Bela during the years in which they were the 'Kings' of the Professional Circuit and now he is part of the work team that has led Fernando Belasteguín-Pablo Lima to impose his dominance in the World Pádel Tour.
Do you know how your beginnings were as a technician or what are the fundamental pillars of your work philosophy? How do you manage talent? What challenges has been marked next to Bela and Lima facing this season? All those questions and many more will have their answer just below.
When did you decide to be a paddle coach?
My beginnings as a paddle tennis coach began in 1991. In a tennis school my contract ended and another club that had paddle tennis courts hired me. My previous tennis students came with me to the new club, where I started teaching paddle tennis classes. In just 2 or 3 months he already had about 60 students.
What is your philosophy as a coach?
The most important thing is the player. You have to focus on it and not on your working method. It is very important to me to help him 'LEARN', which is completely different from 'TEACH' him. This greatly increases his self-confidence, since you make him think and realize everything he knows.
In your opinion, what is the most important quality that a padel coach should have?
A coach must have an integral knowledge of the sport. He must continue training every day, he must have a lot of motivation and always think about helping the players he trains. You must be committed to taking your trainees to the highest level possible.
What is the most important quality that a professional paddle player should have?
The qualities are innumerable, there is no unique quality. In short, he has to be a complete player, who is fairly even in all situations, who is very well physically, who has a strong head and, super important, that apart from knowing how to perform himself, also make his teammate perform.
How do you manage the talent of the players you train?
Many times the talent is confused with the good technique of a certain player. Players can have different talents: some tactically, others mentally or in other items. The idea is to let them know that this is the case and to see the talent of their colleagues. After this, each one must improve in what he lacks.
You are one of the coaches who uses the most technology in their work… What do these new technologies bring you in your work? What do you usually use them for?
Technology gives me the maximum possible information on the games my players play, in addition to organizing my day to day, but I don't have a preference either. In Valladolid, for example, I am using a notebook because with the sun in your face the notebook can be seen better than the tablet.
How are Bela and Lima in training?
They give their best in every training session. They are obedient, they listen, they accept suggestions from the whole team ... They want to be the best and they always want to win.
What characteristic would you highlight of each of them?
The two are super complete but in Bela I would highlight his tactical head and, in Pablo, I would highlight what clings to the track and how competitive it is.
What goals have you proposed with them this season?
The only objective is that they perform their best. If that is achieved, they will win championships and, as a result, they may finish as high as possible.
How can they improve?
I can't tell you that, hahaha… But I will tell you that they have a lot of things to improve. They still have a lot of travel.
What are your training sessions with Carol and Ceci based on? What objectives have you proposed?
They now have the same number 1 head that they had…. They are recovering sensations and are super motivated to play their best.
Stay very attentive to the pages of Padel World Press, because in the next few days we will publish the second part of this interview. In it, we will talk about the constant changes in the couple, the changes suffered by the paddle in recent years and, of course, his book 'Without Secrets'.
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