Rodri Ovide’s journey from player to elite padel coach
The channel’s conversation with Rodri Ovide reveals how his early exposure to padel shaped his career. Ovide’s introduction to the sport was almost accidental—his friends invited him to play, and soon after, his father opened a padel club near their home. This environment allowed Ovide to immerse himself in the game, forming close friendships and developing his skills alongside peers who would also go on to play professionally. He credits these formative years, spent constantly on court, as foundational to his understanding of both the sport and its culture.
Ovide’s transition from player to coach was influenced by his passion for competition and his desire to remain involved in the sport after his playing days. He emphasizes that a good padel coach must possess not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of human psychology and emotion. According to Ovide, guiding a player’s mindset and confidence is as critical as teaching tactics or technique.
The importance of confidence and mental strength in elite padel
Throughout the discussion, Ovide repeatedly highlights the fragile yet crucial nature of confidence in padel. He explains that while it can take years to build, confidence can be lost in a single point. This mental aspect, he argues, often separates the very best players from the rest, especially when technical skills are similar across the top ranks.
For example, Ovide points to players like Paquito Navarro, who, despite not having textbook technique or the most athletic physique, excels due to his unique style and unwavering self-belief. Ovide’s coaching philosophy is to avoid changing what works for a player, even if it deviates from orthodoxy, as long as it delivers results and sustains confidence.
Developing technical skills and adapting coaching to the individual
Ovide shares insights into how technical improvements are approached at the highest level. He recounts working with Gemma Triay, currently world number one, who wanted to add a new shot—the “bajada de pared”—to her game. The process took over a year, demonstrating the patience and persistence required to integrate new skills into a professional’s repertoire. Ovide stresses that even for elite players, mastering a new shot is a gradual process, moving from isolated drills to consistent execution under match pressure.
He also describes how he learned to respect each player’s individual style. Early in his coaching career, he tried to correct Sancho’s defensive technique but realized that adapting to the player’s natural movements often yields better results than imposing a standard model. This player-centric approach has become a hallmark of Ovide’s coaching.
Pair dynamics and the pursuit of number one: Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea
The channel explores Ovide’s work with the partnership of Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea. He praises their complementary skills and, above all, their shared hunger to reach the top. Both players are described as highly driven and resilient, able to process setbacks quickly and refocus on improvement. Ovide notes that their willingness to analyze losses and immediately seek solutions is a key factor in their ongoing pursuit of the number one ranking.
He also emphasizes the importance of daily intensity and consistency, especially in Gemma’s case. According to Ovide, her ability to train with the same focus and determination every day, regardless of recent results, sets her apart from most professionals.
Tactical evolution and the role of the coach during matches
Padel’s tactical landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, with partnerships changing frequently and new playing styles emerging. Ovide discusses how he balances being a strategist and a psychologist, adapting his approach depending on the needs of the player and the moment. He believes that during tournaments, the psychological and emotional support a coach provides can be as important as tactical advice.
Ovide also addresses his work with Javi Garrido, who has struggled with a dip in form after changing partners. The focus, he says, is on rebuilding confidence and helping the new pair find their playing identity, especially given their naturally aggressive, vertical style. Ovide acknowledges that this process can be slow and requires patience, as well as a willingness to learn from both victories and defeats.
What separates the world’s best padel players from the rest
When asked about the difference between the top pairs and the rest of the field, Ovide insists it’s rarely about technical skill alone. Instead, the distinction lies in mental strength, tactical intelligence, and the ability to interpret and adapt to the flow of the match. He uses the example of Paquito Navarro and Martín Di Nenno, whose defensive solidity and exceptional use of the lob created a formidable partnership capable of challenging even the most aggressive opponents like Lebrón and Galán.
Ovide also highlights the importance of consistency and quality in the “middle” 85% of points—the rallies that don’t end in winners or unforced errors. He argues that maintaining high standards in these exchanges is essential for beating top players, as most points are won through sustained pressure rather than spectacular shots.
Emerging talents and future stars in padel
The channel prompts Ovide to identify promising young players. He singles out Rama Valenzuela for his potential and unique qualities, while also mentioning Marina Calvo among the women. Ovide notes that many young players possess the technical skills required but need to make a mental “click” to reach the next level.
Key qualitative evaluations from Rodri Ovide’s coaching approach
- Technical expertise: Essential, but must be adapted to each player’s natural style.
- Mental strength: Confidence is fragile and often the decisive factor at the top level.
- Consistency: Daily intensity in training and match play distinguishes elite players.
- Player-coach relationship: Success depends on mutual trust and communication.
- Tactical intelligence: Understanding and adapting to the flow of the game is crucial.
- Patience in development: Integrating new skills takes time, even for world-class athletes.
Final thoughts on the evolving world of professional padel
Ovide’s reflections, as shared on the channel, offer a nuanced perspective on what it takes to succeed in modern padel. The blend of technical mastery, psychological resilience, and tactical adaptability—both for players and coaches—defines the sport at its highest level. As padel continues to grow and evolve, these insights remain invaluable for anyone aspiring to reach the top or understand the game’s inner workings.
