The Padel School Podcast

Building a successful padel club isn't just about having great facilities—it's about building a great coaching team. In this episode, Sandy and Tom explore what separates thriving coaching teams from those that struggle to deliver consistent player experiences. Drawing on their work with clubs and coaches around the world, they discuss why hiring good coaches is only the beginning, the importance of creating a shared coaching philosophy, and how mentoring, communication, and continuous development help coaches grow together. They also explain why coaching systems matter more than individual personalities, how consistency improves player retention, and what club owners can do to create an environment where coaches—and players—continue to improve. Whether you're a club owner, head coach, or part of a coaching team, this episode provides practical insights into building a coaching culture that benefits everyone. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

Premier Padel has arrived in London—and if you're attending, this episode will help you get the most out of the experience. Sandy and Tom discuss what makes watching professional padel live so special, which players and pairs you should keep an eye on, and why this tournament is such a significant moment for the growth of padel in the UK. They also explain how the conditions could influence the tournament after the players arrive from South Africa, what fans should watch for beyond the spectacular smashes, and how studying the world's best players can help improve your own game. Whether you're watching the men's or women's draw, you'll come away with a better understanding of the tactics, movement, communication, and decision-making that separate the very best from everyone else. If you're heading to London—or watching from home—this episode is your guide to making the most of one of the biggest events in the padel calendar. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

A great coaching programme is never built around just one coach. It's built around a team that shares the same vision, values, and approach to player development. In this episode, Tom and Sandy discuss what separates great coaching teams from average ones. Drawing on their experience working with coaches and clubs around the world, they explore how consistency, communication, and shared standards create a better experience for players and a stronger future for clubs. Whether you're a club owner, head coach, or part of a growing coaching team, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a coaching environment where both players and coaches can thrive. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why great coaching teams outperform great individual coaches   How shared coaching principles improve player development   The importance of communication and consistency across a coaching team   Common mistakes clubs make when building their coaching programmes   How strong coaching cultures lead to happier players and better retention   Why investing in your coaches is one of the best investments you can make for your club  If you want to build a coaching programme that delivers consistent results and creates long-term success, this episode is for you. 

London is hosting Premier Padel for the very first time—and it's set to be one of the biggest events in British padel history. In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down everything you need to know before the tournament begins, with a special focus on Team GB's wildcard entries and what it really means to compete against the world's best players. They explain how the wildcard system works, why underdogs can be dangerous, which British players to watch, and how playing at home could give them an edge. They also discuss what fans can expect from the atmosphere, the qualification rounds, and why the opening days of the tournament often produce the biggest surprises. Whether you're heading to London to watch live or following from home, this episode is your complete guide to the stories, players, and moments you won't want to miss. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Watching professional padel is entertaining, but are you actually learning from it? In this solo episode, Sandy shares how to watch pro padel like a student, not just a fan. Drawing on his experience commentating on Premier Padel for Red Bull and coaching players from complete beginners to national team level, he explains what club players should really be paying attention to. Instead of focusing on the spectacular smashes and highlight-reel winners, you'll discover how the best players build points, make better decisions, move as a pair, and stay incredibly consistent under pressure. In this episode, you'll learn: Why watching live padel gives you a completely different perspective. The biggest mistakes recreational players make when watching the pros. How to study decision-making instead of copying flashy shots. What to look for in footwork, positioning, and partner movement. Why the women's game can be one of the best learning resources for club players. How to apply what you see in professional matches to improve your own game. If you want to get more from every Premier Padel match you watch, this episode will completely change the way you see the game. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Everyone wants a better smash, a sharper vibora, or a more aggressive game. But after watching and coaching players at every level—from beginners to professional tournaments—Sandy and Tom keep coming back to one shot that has the biggest impact on winning matches: the lob. In this episode, they break down why the quality of your lob dictates who controls the net, why better players consistently hit deeper lobs, and how small improvements in depth and decision-making can transform your results. You'll also learn why many players hit lobs too short under pressure, how the pros find their range early in matches, and why training the lob should be a core part of every player's practice. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why the lob is the most important shot in padel   The difference between a good lob and a match-winning lob   How professional players use the lob to control points   Why players often hit short lobs under pressure   When to use a high lob versus a fast lob   How better decision-making improves your lob success rate   Practical ways to train your lob, even without a coach   How footwork and ball control directly affect lob quality  If you want to win more matches, spend less time defending, and take control of the court more often, this episode will change the way you think about the lob. 🎾 !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Have you reached a point where your padel game feels stuck? In this episode, we uncover the three biggest reasons players stop improving—and, more importantly, what they can do about it. Drawing on years of experience coaching everyone from complete beginners to national-level athletes, we break down the three essential pillars of long-term improvement: footwork, ball control, and consistent confidence. You'll learn why these often-overlooked foundations have a bigger impact on your performance than flashy shots, and discover practical ways to develop them both on and off the court. Whether you're new to padel or looking to take your game to the next level, this episode will give you actionable strategies to train smarter, improve faster, and get past the plateau. In this episode:  Why footwork is the foundation of every shot   The role of grip and ball control in consistent play   How to build confidence and focus through intentional practice   Simple off-court habits that accelerate improvement   The importance of strong foundations for long-term success  Tune in and start building the skills that truly move your game forward. 🎾 !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Instant Advantage Bundle Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Padel is addictive… but that’s also part of the problem. 🎾 Players go from never playing to spending hours on court every week, often without preparing their body properly. Add poor warm-ups, the wrong shoes, wet conditions, bad technique, or unsafe habits on court, and injuries quickly become common. In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down: ✅ Why so many padel players get injured ✅ The importance of proper warm-ups and routines ✅ How technique and equipment affect your body ✅ When conditions become unsafe to play ✅ Common on-court safety mistakes players ignore ✅ Why shoes, balls, and rackets matter more than you think If you want to stay healthy, play consistently, and enjoy padel long-term, this episode is essential listening. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Why do some players always seem impossible to beat — even when they don’t look technically superior? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down what truly separates stronger players from the rest, and more importantly, how you can close that gap faster than you think. From consistency, tactical discipline, and shot selection to mental resilience and avoiding the trap of overplaying, this conversation reveals why most club players lose to better opponents before they even realize what’s happening. You’ll learn:  What actually makes a “better” player   Why consistency beats power at almost every level   How poor decision-making costs players more matches than technique   The biggest tactical mistakes recreational players make   Why trying too hard often makes you lose faster   How to train smarter to compete with stronger opponents   The key mental strategies for staying competitive under pressure  If you’ve ever walked off court frustrated, wondering why you keep losing to stronger players, this episode gives you the roadmap to start changing that. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

In this episode, we break down why most players lose their matches in the first 10 minutes—and how to make sure you’re not one of them. From rushing straight from work onto court, skipping warm-ups, lacking tactical clarity, or simply starting too slowly, many recreational players unknowingly sabotage their performance before the match has even properly begun. We explore how elite players, national competitors, and top-performing club players use pre-match routines to create consistency, confidence, and stronger starts. We cover:  Why the 10 minutes before stepping on court may be even more important than the first few games   How physical warm-ups improve performance, reduce injury risk, and sharpen focus   The power of pre-match clarity, journaling, and tactical planning   How to create a simple, realistic pre-match routine—even with a busy schedule   Why warming up with your partner can dramatically improve teamwork and results   The importance of intentional on-court warm-ups instead of mindless hitting  Whether you’re a club player, competitive amateur, or serious tournament player, this episode gives you a practical blueprint to improve consistency, reduce unforced errors, and start matches with a major advantage. If you’ve ever wondered why your performances feel inconsistent or why you often start matches poorly, this conversation could completely change how you approach your game. !!NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL!! Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked ways to accelerate your padel improvement: what you do off the court. Many recreational players believe that simply playing more matches is the fastest path to getting better. While matches are important, they often only take players so far before bad habits, technical flaws, and performance plateaus begin to appear. We break down why relying solely on match play can actually slow long-term progress—and what players should be doing instead. From footwork drills and ball control exercises to grip development, shadow movements, strength work, and structured routines, we discuss the practical off-court methods that can dramatically improve your on-court performance without constantly paying for additional court time. We also explain how players can build smarter weekly routines, create better habits early in their journey, and use focused repetition to improve specific weaknesses more efficiently. Whether your goal is to increase your rating, compete more seriously, or simply become a more confident player, this episode gives you a blueprint for faster improvement. If you feel stuck, frustrated, or like your progress has slowed, this conversation will show you why off-court training may be the missing piece in your development. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course  NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL: Padel School Training & Match Journal

In this episode, we break down one of the most common mistakes players make when trying to improve: trying to fix too many things at once. Instead of progressing, players often overload themselves with technical thoughts—especially on key shots like the bandeja—and end up executing none of them well. The real key? Simplifying your focus. We discuss why narrowing your attention to just one or two specific areas of a shot can accelerate your improvement and help you build real consistency. We also explore how to identify what actually needs work using tools like video analysis, and how to turn that clarity into a structured practice plan. Whether you’re training with a coach, in a group session, or even at home, having a clear and focused intention behind your practice is what drives results. Most importantly, we explain why just playing matches isn’t enough. If you want to truly improve your game, you need deliberate, focused practice—and this episode shows you exactly how to approach it.

Footwear is one of the most overlooked parts of padel—but it plays a huge role in both performance and injury prevention. In this episode, we break down what the pros do, from changing into court-specific shoes before stepping on court to choosing the right sole for modern surfaces. We dive into the common mistakes we see at clubs especially players wearing running shoes—and explain why they’re simply not designed for the lateral movement, stopping, and turning that padel demands. It’s not just about playing better, it’s about protecting your ankles, knees, and overall movement on court. We also cover what recreational players should actually look for in a shoe: stability, comfort, flexibility, and durability. Plus, simple habits that can make your shoes last longer and perform better over time. If you’re serious about improving your game or just want to stay injury-free, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Are individual padel lessons really the best way to improve? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down the role of private coaching vs group sessions. While one-on-one lessons can be powerful for fixing specific technical issues—especially with video analysis—they explore why they’ve become so popular, and whether that’s always justified. From the appeal of a “VIP” coaching experience to the realities of how clubs structure their sessions, they uncover how culture shapes what players believe they need. They also share why, in the right environment, high-quality group training can be just as effective—if not more so—for long-term improvement. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course

How much do rankings really mean in padel right now? In this episode, Sandy and Tom explore the reality of rankings in a fast-growing sport. Unlike tennis, where rankings are well-established and clearly reflect level, padel is still evolving — and that creates a very different landscape. They discuss why a top 50 ranking in the UK doesn’t always tell the full story, how players can climb quickly through tournaments and partnerships, and why this current phase presents a unique opportunity. As the sport continues to grow, rankings will become more competitive and more accurate — but for now, there’s a window for players to make their move. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

In this episode, Sandy and Tom explore one of the most overlooked aspects of padel: how conditions change the game. From fast, hot tournaments like Riyadh to cold indoor clubs in the UK, the environment can dramatically affect tactics, shot selection, and decision-making. The discussion breaks down how professional players adapt during tournaments, why conditions can create unexpected upsets, and what recreational players should adjust in their own matches. They cover the impact of temperature, wind, court type, and even ball condition, explaining why the same court can feel completely different from one day to the next. Whether you’re playing outdoors in the summer, indoors in winter, or on a damp court, understanding these changes can help you make smarter decisions and win more points. If you want to improve your awareness on court and adapt your game more effectively, this episode will help you see padel from a whole new perspective. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

Communication in padel isn’t optional — it’s tactical. In this episode, we break down one of the simplest but most misunderstood parts of partnership: talking when your partner gets lobbed. When the ball goes over them, they can’t see what’s happening in front of the court — and that’s where you come in. We explore how giving clear, calm information (“they’re both back,” “one’s closing,” “space crosscourt”) can completely change the quality of the next shot. This isn’t about shouting for the sake of it — it’s about providing useful information that helps your partner make better decisions under pressure. If you want to become a better partner — and win more points as a team — this episode will change how you think about communication on court. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS: The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course 

In this episode, we tackle a misconception that’s slowing down padel’s development in emerging countries: the belief that a great player automatically makes a great coach — or can build a successful academy. We explore why playing level and coaching ability are two very different skill sets, and why structure, long-term programming, and volume matter far more than individual talent. As the sport grows, especially in newer markets, relying on the “best current player” to lead development can create short-term success but long-term limitations. We break down what actually builds strong pathways, why emerging nations must think beyond their current top players, and how sustainable systems — not star names — create future champions. If you care about the growth of padel in your country, this conversation is essential listening. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS:  The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course    FREE Equipment Guide: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide  FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment    Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events  Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/ 

What happens when the call comes in? In professional padel, partnerships can change overnight. One phone call from a top player — maybe even someone like Juan Lebrón — and suddenly everything shifts. Loyalty, results, ambition… it all gets tested. In this episode, we unpack the reality behind “the call up.” How do players handle it when a bigger opportunity appears? What happens to the partner left behind? And how do you balance personal ambition with respect for the team that helped you succeed? Using examples like Martín Di Nenno and Leo Augsburger, we explore the difficult decisions, the unseen conversations, and the ruthless side of climbing to the top. Because in padel, one call can change everything. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS:  The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course    FREE Equipment Guide: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide  FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment    YouTube –    / thepadelschool  Instagram -   / thepadelschool   Facebook:   / thepadelschool    Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events  Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/ 

Defence wins matches — even if it doesn’t make the highlight reel. In this episode, we break down why becoming confident at the back of the court is one of the biggest game-changers in padel. From using the glass properly and slowing the ball down against fast hitters, to shifting your mindset from “win the point” to “earn the net,” we cover the practical and tactical steps that transform your defence. We also dive into partner alignment, avoiding no man’s land, and why reps on the glass are non-negotiable if you want to level up. If you want more time, more control, and more wins — start with your defence. EXPLORE OUR OFFERS:  The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)  Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players  Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide  Win Matches with a Stronger Mindset: Get our Mental Toughness Course    FREE Equipment Guide: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide  FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game: https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment    Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events  Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/