THIS IS WHY YOU SUCK AT PADEL

Summary

In this instructional video, Gonzalo, the coach of Rocket Paddle Bristol, addresses common struggles in paddle play and offers advanced tips for improvement. He emphasizes the importance of playing from the back, volley, and overheads, providing specific techniques such as using the back glass as a reference and maintaining a compact position for volleys. Gonzalo also stresses the significance of early preparation, proper footwork, and body positioning. He encourages players to embrace their current skill level, seek coaching, and stay motivated for continuous improvement, highlighting the sport's inherent challenges and the potential for personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🏓 The coach, Gonzalo, emphasizes the importance of improving three key areas in paddle play to become a better player.
• 🎯 The first area of focus is playing from the back of the court, specifically using the intersection of the glass as a reference point to decide when to play with the glass and when to play in front.
• 👟 Gonzalo suggests that players should be patient at the back and aim to win the net rather than trying to win the point directly.
• 🤔 The coach highlights the importance of early preparation and having enough space to swing the racket properly when playing off the glass.
• 👀 Gonzalo advises players to ensure the racket tip is pointing to the side glass when hitting, indicating proper spacing and not hitting too close to the body.
• 🔄 An advanced tip for playing off the back is to wait for the ball to be in front before pushing or playing fast, to maintain control and power.
• 🌟 The second area discussed is volleying, where Gonzalo stresses the importance of a good ready position with the racket pointing up and knees slightly bent.
• 🏆 At the net, the focus shifts from winning the net to looking for opportunities to win the point, especially when an easy ball is spotted.
• 💪 Gonzalo recommends playing with elbows close to the body for a compact position, which improves control and power in volleys.
• 👋 The coach advises on the importance of adjusting the point of impact depending on the direction of the shot to avoid wrist adjustments that can compromise control.
• 🚀 The third area of improvement is overheads, which requires good coordination and technical skill that comes with practice.
• 👣 For overheads, Gonzalo emphasizes the importance of quick footwork and facing sideways to allow for body rotation and proper hitting.
• 🧠 Lastly, the coach offers a personal opinion on the importance of humility and self-improvement in paddle sports, suggesting that admitting one's weaknesses can be a powerful motivator for getting better.

Q & A

What is the name of the coach featured in the video?

The coach's name is Gonzalo, who is the coach of Rocket Paddle Bristol.

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on three main areas where most people struggle in paddle, and it aims to provide tips to improve those areas.

What is the significance of Post Number Four in Gonzalo's coaching?

Post Number Four is the intersection of both glasses on the court, and Gonzalo uses it as a reference point to teach when to play with the glass and when to play in front of it.

Why is it important to be patient when playing from the back of the court?

Being patient is crucial because the goal is to win the net, not the point, which requires waiting for the right moment to play the ball effectively.

What is the correct early preparation technique when playing off the glass?

The correct technique involves bringing the racket back from the very beginning, ensuring readiness to hit the ball and saving time.

How should a player ensure they have enough space to swing properly when playing off the glass?

A player should ensure the tip of their racket is pointing to the side glass, which indicates they are giving themselves enough space to swing properly.

What is the recommended ready position for volleying in paddle?

The recommended ready position for volleying is standing between post number one and post number two, with the racket pointing up in an 'H' shape.

Why is it advised to play with elbows close to the body when volleying?

Playing with elbows close to the body helps maintain a compact position, which improves control and power when hitting the ball.

How can adjusting the point of impact help in volleying?

Adjusting the point of impact allows a player to change the direction of the ball effectively, preventing the need to adjust with the wrist, which can reduce control and power.

What are the key concepts for improving overhead shots in paddle?

Key concepts include starting the motion from a ready position, quickly moving into the correct footwork, facing sideways, and ensuring the point of impact is at the height of the eyes with enough space to rotate the body.

What is Gonzalo's personal opinion on the importance of being good in paddle?

Gonzalo believes that being good in paddle is important, but he emphasizes that admitting one's weaknesses and having a growth mindset is crucial for improvement, rather than focusing solely on ego and ranking.

How can viewers improve their paddle skills according to Gonzalo?

Viewers can improve their paddle skills by attending coaching sessions, like the ones offered by Gonzalo at Rocket Paddle Bristol, where they can work on the areas discussed in the video.