What does it mean for you to have been crowned runner-up of Spain in Tier 1?

It’s a very important step in a process that will be complete once I achieve my goals. One of these goals is to be part of the Spanish Croquet Team, as a player for Villa Padierna.

Another objective is to continue improving my handicap and Dgrade score, which will allow me to compete internationally.

The competition I recently played brought together the top 24 players in Spain, so reaching the final was a recognition of me as a player and the club I belong to, which is Villa Padierna.

Who do you dedicate this title to?

Without a doubt, I am eternally grateful to Ricardo Arranz for being a visionary in this sport and building the first two regulation croquet courts in Málaga province.

Secondly, I am grateful to Santiago Moreno for giving me this opportunity and supporting me throughout my training and competitions.

To my colleague, May Conde, for her professionalism and for complementing my work.

Fourth, to my wife, Victoria Jimeno, for accompanying me on this journey, and to my daughters, Natalia and Patricia, for their unconditional support.

Fifth, to the players I regularly train with who help me improve: Teté Molares, Salvador Riestra, Jesús Torres, Teresa Ladrón de Guevara, Rafael Alonso, Capilla Milla, Pepe Azpiroz, Rosario Méndez de Vigo, Alberto González-Pumariega, Luz Prado, Miriam Barrena, and Mar del Camino. And to the last three, a special thanks for their support and for enduring the stress of my competitions.

I also dedicate it to the player who has influenced me the most through his skill and passion for this sport, Manuel Marcos Fal.

And finally, last but not least, Emilio Marín, a benchmark in this sport from whom I continue to learn to this day.

How long have you been playing croquet, and how did you start?

I’ve been playing since 2019. It all started when I began working at Villa Padierna. Ricardo Arranz had just opened the two croquet lawns that we now have at the Racquet, and they needed someone to promote this sport. So, they offered me the role, which required me to obtain certifications as a referee, coach, and handicaper. I didn’t hesitate for a second, as the challenge seemed interesting, especially since croquet was a completely new sport to me.

Besides the time you spend on the courts giving classes as a coach, how many hours do you train per week?

When I don’t have a competition coming up, I usually practice various shots to maintain sensitivity and feeling. When I’m about a month away from a competition, I train about an hour a day on technique and another hour on mental preparation.

I also like to be available to subscribers who request to play or complete their match.

What would you highlight about croquet as a sport?

As an athlete who practices various sports, including croquet, I would highlight its objective: making the best decisions over an extended period during a match to successfully pass through the hoop.

Croquet allows you to get to know yourself better, both personally and athletically. It’s a very fun, social, and strategic sport.

In high-level competition, I’d emphasize that the best competitors do what’s needed at every moment.

You have a degree in Sports Psychology. From this perspective, what do you think is important for a croquet player’s growth once they have mastered the technique?

Once you have mastered the technique and want to advance as a player in high-level competition, it’s essential to develop and enhance the following psychological skills:

• High motivation
• Optimal activation level
• High competitiveness
• Security and confidence in one’s abilities
• Control over internal thoughts
• Self-knowledge
• Ability to concentrate and control attention
• Use of imagination and mental rehearsal

What would you say to those who haven’t yet tried croquet to encourage them to do so?

Firstly, I would highlight its social component. You can play with people of different skill levels, have a great time, and always learn something.

The fun aspect—it’s very engaging and enjoyable.

Its competitive side. Trying to perform at your best by making the best decisions to win.

Plus, you can start playing very quickly with just a few lessons since it doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge or skill to join others in a game.

Lastly, there’s no discrimination based on age or gender.

Why would you recommend that people come to Villa Padierna?

Firstly, for the location of Villa Padierna’s courts, right by the sea, in the municipality of Estepona.

Secondly, because we have a small number of members, it’s easy to find a time to play whenever you like and to find playing partners since it’s a very friendly environment. Summer gets a bit busier, of course.

I would also highlight an activity unique to Villa Padierna, excellently managed by my colleague May Conde, the mix-ins, which encourage interaction with other players and give you the chance to play at the same time.

Additionally, lessons in this sport are available at all levels.

And lastly, and I don’t just say this because I work here, the facilities at Villa Padierna Racquet Club are excellent. We have 15 padel courts, 2 tennis courts, and 2 croquet lawns, promoting both family and social sports. Plus, there is a pleasant dining area to relax after playing and enjoy good company, thanks to a wonderful team of people.