Paddle tennis and sport psychology

Paddle tennis is a sport that is played in pairs, and it is gaining considerable popularity all over the world. Originating in Mexico in the early 1970s with the desire to create a sport that was more accessible and easier to learn than traditional tennis, it quickly conquered Europe and spread to other parts of the globe, particularly in Spain and Argentina, where it is now considered one of the most popular sports. In fact, these two countries have long held the lead in the world rankings as the most successful countries, both for men and women.

Paddle tennis did not arrive in Italy until the 1990s, but only gained popularity among the public in the recent past, following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when courts were built all over Italy. At the last World Padel Tour held in Dubai in 2022, a competition held every two years, the Italian men’s national team placed ninth, while the women’s national team won the bronze medal, confirming their placing obtained at the previous tournament.

This game combines elements of tennis and squash and is characterised by the fact that it is played on a court surrounded by walls (usually made of plexiglass) and wire mesh, which can be used to make strategic shots. The dimensions of the court are about a quarter smaller than those of a tennis court. Just as in tennis, a net divides the court in two. The game is played with a racket and a tennis ball but with a slightly lower internal pressure. The scoring is also similar to tennis. It is played in sets, with the score ranging from 15 to 40. To count each point, the terms ‘fifteen,’ ‘thirty,’ ‘forty,’ and ‘advantage’ are used (the ‘punto de oro’ — golden point — is used as an alternative to the advantage system). The first team to win two sets with a lead of at least two games wins the match.

But what does paddle tennis have to do with sports psychology? Actually, much more than you might think. As with many other sports, paddle tennis requires adequate mental preparation to achieve high performance.

Firstly, being a fast and dynamic game, it is necessary to adapt quickly to the different situations that may arise during a match. Being able to read game situations in advance and identify the strengths and weaknesses of opponents can provide an important advantage in the match. Understandably, mastering soft skills, including critical thinking (the ability to analyse and evaluate situations), creative thinking (the ability to deal flexibly and innovatively with all kinds of situations) and self-awareness (defined as knowing oneself, one’s character, one’s way of thinking and acting, one’s strengths and weaknesses) is crucial in a sport like paddle tennis.

Being a sport played in pairs, the ability to communicate effectively with one’s partner is essential for good results. During a match, it is good practice to talk to call the opponents’ position in the wall outlet (i.e. the shot that is played after the ball has hit the back or side glass) and consequently understand what ‘shot’ to take, or simply to call the ball (‘mine’ or ‘yours’). Verbal and non-verbal communication, the ability to listen to the other partner, to motivate and support him/her, are aspects that can help create a positive atmosphere within the pair during the game.

In professional paddle tennis, communication becomes a three-way process, as the coach assumes an important role. In addition to coaching the pair, he attends matches by sitting on the bench, a few metres from the court. The coach is allowed to communicate with the players at each change of court (i.e. the time-out between sets), giving technical-tactical suggestions and acting as a binder and intermediary between the two partners. Being able to give and receive feedback, both positive and negative, makes it possible to identify areas for improvement and to grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals, increase motivation, and improve the relationship with the partner and the coach.

A further level of communication is self-talk. Although paddle tennis is a sport played in pairs, it should not be forgotten that the pair consists of two individuals. The athlete’s inner monologue influences the way he/she perceives himself/herself, manages emotions and faces challenges.

Another fundamentally important element is the ability to handle pressure and stress during a match. Knowing how to make decisions under pressure and having anxiety levels that are functional to performance often determine a victory or defeat in a match. Of equal importance is maintaining high levels of concentration. The audience, for example, can become an uncomfortable external distractor. In major tournaments, speakers often ask the audience not to disturb athletes by talking or cheering them while they are playing.

In conclusion, paddle tennis is an exciting sport that has conquered the world. Its simple rules make it accessible to all, but its tactical complexity offers challenges for players of all levels. Sport psychology can be a valuable ally for players, helping them to manage stress, and improve concentration, communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills, thus contributing to their success on the field. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, sports psychology can help you bring your game to the next level.

Written by Veronica Mattarozzi — the Italian version of the article can be found here: https://www.psicologidellosport.it/padel_e_psicologia_dello_sport/

References

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Hatzigeorgiadis, A., Zourbanos, N., Galanis, E., & Theodorakis, Y. (2011). Self-talk and sports performance: A meta-analysis. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(4), 348–356.

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