Mental focus: shot naming and rhythm drills
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I improve my concentration and shot preparation during a match?
Say the name of your shot before you hit it to force a quick decision. Use the one-two rhythm by saying one during your backswing and two at the moment of contact to keep your focus on your own technique.
What this lesson covers
Mental training on court centers on shifting attention from the ball and the score to the player's own actions. By vocalizing the name of the upcoming shot, such as forehand, backhand, or lob, the player forces a decision before the ball arrives. This process improves preparation time and ensures the player remains present in the current point rather than worrying about external factors or past mistakes.
A second drill uses a rhythmic count to synchronize movement with contact. The player says one during the racket preparation and two at the moment of contact. Extending the sound of the word two encourages a longer follow-through and a cleaner, more controlled stroke. These exercises aim to keep 80 percent of the player's focus on their own mechanics and only 20 percent on the ball. This approach suits players who struggle with shot selection or who find their concentration drifting during a match.
Keep learning in the app
Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.
Get the Padelguru app
Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
The TECHNIQUE to Stay FOCUSED in PADEL
Description
Today, we have a special guest: Jorge Jiménez, a professional mental coach who has worked with top players, including World Padel Tour competitors and national teams at the Padel World Championship. Jorge specializes in integrating mental training into on-court performance, and he shares two key exercises to improve your focus and shot preparation. 🧠 Exercise 1: Naming Your Shots By saying the name of the shot before hitting the ball (e.g., "forehand," "backhand," "lob"), you train your mind to make faster decisions and be more present in the game. This method helps you react quicker and improves shot accuracy. 🎯 Exercise 2: The "One-Two" Technique In this drill, you say "one" during preparation and "two" at the moment of contact. This keeps your mind engaged in the shot mechanics rather than external distractions, leading to cleaner strokes and better consistency. Mental training is just as important as physical practice! These techniques will help you stay calm under pressure, react faster, and improve your overall performance in padel. A huge thanks to Jorge Jiménez for sharing his expertise with us! You can follow him on Instagram: @jorgejimeneztennis. 00:00 INTRODUCTION 01:03 NAME THE SHOT 06:16 ONE - TWO 12:41 GOLDEN POINT 13:11 THANKS JORGE! You guys can ask us whatever you want in the comments! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danihoyo_padelcoach/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced, Professional
Keywords
Support Dani Hoyo Padel Coach
Every lesson on this page is Dani Hoyo Padel Coach's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.
Subscribe on YouTube