"Adaptability is the cornerstone of effective coaching" - 10 Keys to Padel Coaching

Renowned padel coach and player Miguel Sciorilli highlights what he believes are the main elements to becoming a succesful padel coach

In the first of a series for Racket Business with Wilson, we find out how Sciorilli has left an indelible mark on padel, guiding players towards excellence. He has coached five world number ones and continues to coach Fernando Belasteguin, Wilson’s Padel Ambassador who has been world number one for 16 years. He also coached Carolina Navarro and Cecilia Reiter, who were number one for thirteen consecutive years, Juan Martin with Pablo Lima, who were number one for three consecutive years, and Ari Sanchez, who’s the actual world number one.

His approach has always been to seek excellence, and his impact is reflected in the ongoing success of the players he has trained.

Obstacles and Challenges

Obstacles in Sciorilli's career presented themselves as challenges to achieve lofty goals with players. Facing situations where things didn't go as planned demanded a meticulous approach. For him, the key lies in teamwork, a philosophy he has implemented throughout his career.

10 Keys to Successfully Coaching the World's Best Padel Players

1. Understanding the Player

"For me, understanding the player is pivotal. Everyone absorbs information differently – some visually, some through auditory cues, and others kinaesthetically. It's crucial to identify their primary learning channel and prioritize that in training. And let's not forget, wearing the player's 'jersey,' making them feel individually catered to."

2. Adaptability and Flexibility

"Adaptability is the cornerstone of effective coaching. Each player is a unique puzzle, and factors like rest, sleep, or personal issues can affect their performance. Being flexible, listening to their needs, and tailoring training accordingly is paramount. I've found that rigid coaching doesn't foster growth."

3. Identifying Appropriate Challenges

"Finding the right balance in challenges is an art. Too easy, and players get bored; too difficult, and they might feel defeated. It's about gauging their capabilities, pushing boundaries, and ensuring each challenge is a step towards improvement."

4. Intrinsic Motivation

"Motivation is a complex tapestry. It’s often said that we should motivate the players. I don’t agree with that. What I think is important is to not demotivate them but instead understand them. Each player has intrinsic motivations, and my role is to help them identify and embrace those. It's about igniting the fire within, not imposing external motivations."

5. Effective Communication

"Communication is critical. I’ve coached both male and female players, and the communication style varies significantly. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Think about Bela, he’s 44 years old and now he’s playing with Yanguas, who is 22 years old. It's about adapting to each individual, otherwise they may not get through what you are trying to convey them. The better the communication, the smoother the player-coach synergy."

6. Positive Focus

"Positivity is a game-changer. Our brain responds differently to positive and negative stimuli. By maintaining a positive focus in communication, even when addressing challenges, we create an environment where players can visualize success. Positivity begets better performance."

7. Team Dynamics

"I can't underscore the importance of the team enough. In my coaching career, having a cohesive team with a physio, a fitness coach, a doctor, a psychologist, and, in my case, a dedicated coach, has been pivotal. Everyone has a role, and the fluidity of leadership among team members is crucial. For example, if the player is injured, the doctor, physio and fitness coach become more important and I’m there as support”.

8. Coaching Through Games

"Padel is a sport, but it's also a game. Retaining the essence of play in training is vital. Using games and situational play as a primary training method helps maintain the fun element. It keeps players engaged, sharpens their skills, and ensures they don't lose sight of the joy in playing."

9. Minimizing Personal Spotlight

"As a coach, it's essential not to overshadow players' achievements. When we win tournaments or improve specific aspects of their game, it's not about me. It's about them. My job is to facilitate their success, not claim it. The spotlight belongs to the players, as it should."

10. Encouraging Positive Imagery

"The mind is a powerful tool. By encouraging positive imagery, we tap into the brain's capacity to visualize success. This extends beyond technical coaching; it's about creating mental images of triumph that players can draw upon during crucial moments. It's a psychological edge that often makes the difference."

Meanwhile, explore Wilson’s padel collection and shop the Wilson X Bela Gear.