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Can creativity be trained, or is it something you're simply born with? In padel, being unpredictable can make you incredibly difficult to play against. From backhand tap-outs to trick shots that catch your opponents off guard, creativity can help you win points that a standard shot might not. But there's a balance. Try the difficult shot without the right foundations, and you could end up frustrating your partner rather than troubling your opponents. In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss how creativity fits into padel, why it's different from tennis, and how players can develop the skills to use it effectively. They also hear from top player Paquito Navarro on how he trains his creativity. They discuss: - Why creativity is more than just hitting trick shots - How to balance consistency with being unpredictable - Why ball control is the foundation of creative play - How the pros practise trick shots and develop new skills - Why repetition helps you execute creative shots under pressure - How to stay relaxed and overcome the fear of making mistakes - When to use a trick shot — and when to play the percentage shot - Why you should be unpredictable to your opponents but predictable to your partner The key takeaway? Creativity can be trained. Build your foundations first, practise the shots you want to add to your game, and learn when to use them. You don't need to try a trick shot every point, but having it in your toolkit can make you a much harder opponent to read. Want to improve your ball control? Explore The Padel School platform with a 7-day free trial. Find the link in the show notes. 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 Padel Training & Match Journal

Want to hit a vibora that bites? The vibora is one of the most satisfying shots in padel, but it can also be one of the hardest to master. The key isn't just hitting harder. It's learning the right technique, generating spin, finding the right contact point, and having the confidence to let your arm go. In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down how to hit a more effective vibora, from recognising the right lob to using the shot tactically and building confidence through repetition. They discuss: When and where to use the vibora in a matchWhy spin and precision matter more than simply hitting harderThe footwork and racket preparation needed for a clean contactHow to generate that whipping action without tensionWhy the vibora becomes a setup shot as you face better defendersHow to build confidence through shadow swings, solo drills and on-court practiceWhy trying to learn the shot during social matches can reinforce bad habitsHow to recover your confidence after missing a viboraThe biggest takeaway? You can't expect to hit a confident vibora under pressure without putting in the repetitions first. Build the technique away from match play, develop consistency, and give yourself the confidence to commit when the opportunity comes. Want to build your vibora from scratch? Join The Padel School platform with a 7-day free trial and follow our Vibora Challenge, with step-by-step exercises to help you develop the shot. 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 Padel Training & Match Journal

Does a good padel coach have to be a good padel player? It’s a question that comes up regularly as padel continues to grow and more coaches enter the sport from different backgrounds. In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss what actually makes a good padel coach — and where playing level fits into the equation. They explore the challenges of coaching in a rapidly growing sport, including the rise of coaches who may have only recently started playing padel, and the pressure on clubs to find coaches quickly. They discuss: 🎾 Whether a coach needs to be a high-level player 🎾 Why playing level is important for demonstrating what good looks like 🎾 The importance of communication, organisation and empathy 🎾 Why being a great player doesn't automatically make you a great coach 🎾 What tennis and squash coaches can bring when transitioning into padel 🎾 Why understanding padel tactics becomes increasingly important at higher levels 🎾 How the level you're coaching should influence the playing level you need 🎾 What clubs should consider when choosing the right coach 🎾 Why coach education needs to go beyond simply learning drills A good player and a good coach require different skills. The challenge is developing enough playing knowledge to understand and demonstrate the game, while also having the communication, organisation and teaching skills needed to help players improve. Whether you're a player choosing a coach, a club looking to build its coaching team, or someone thinking about becoming a padel coach, this episode explores what really matters. Interested in Coach Education? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/QAWsMjrvTEDgB4bk8 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

Why does your bandeja keep bouncing up and giving your opponents an easy ball to attack? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down one of the most frustrating problems for recreational players: the bouncy bandeja. After Sandy's latest trip with Red Bull TV to Paris, they start by looking at how the pros used the bandeja in outdoor conditions, how they adapted to the sun and high lobs, and why the bandeja is still an important shot even in the modern game. They then break down the technique behind a more effective bandeja and the common mistakes that cause the ball to bounce too high. They discuss: Why the pros still use the bandejaThe difference between a bandeja and a viboraWhy footwork is often the biggest problemHow to position yourself under a lobWhy your racket and elbow need to be above the ballWhy you should think of the bandeja as a high forehand volley, not a smashHow slowing the shot down can actually make it more effectiveWhy using the glass can help take speed off the ballWhere to aim your bandeja to make it harder to attackHow to build better technique through quality repetitions off the courtThe key is not simply hitting the bandeja harder. It’s about getting into the right position, creating the right contact and using the shot to neutralise the point so you can recover the net. If your bandeja keeps bouncing and getting attacked, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do to fix it. ‼️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

Why do some days on the padel court feel great, while other days everything seems to go wrong? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down why recreational players can have such big fluctuations in their level and what you can do to build a more consistent base level. They discuss: 🎾 Why your foundations are more important than individual shots 🎾 How footwork affects preparation, positioning and consistency 🎾 Why pros can rely on their “base level” when they aren't playing their best 🎾 How training off the court can improve what happens on it 🎾 Why trying to think about your footwork during a match can actually make things worse 🎾 How fixing an earlier part of the movement can improve your contact and technique 🎾 Why “little and often” training can make a big difference The goal isn't to make sure you never have a bad day. It's to raise your minimum level so that even when you're not playing your best, you can still rely on your game. Build the foundations, make them automatic, and give yourself a more consistent level to work from. ‼️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

In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss the one skill that can have an immediate impact on almost every recreational player’s game: footwork. From feeling rushed and arriving late to the ball, to struggling with positioning, recovery and technique, so many common problems on court can be traced back to inefficient footwork. They discuss: 🎾 Why footwork is the foundation of almost every shot 🎾 Why your movement needs to become automatic 🎾 How the pros train their footwork off the court 🎾 The importance of the split step, small adjustment steps and positioning 🎾 Why better footwork can improve your anticipation and court position 🎾 How recreational players can train footwork without spending hours on court 🎾 Why building these foundations can make your on-court coaching much more effective If you want to improve your consistency, movement and overall level, this is a great place to start. ‼️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

Can you really improve your padel game without being on court with a coach? In this episode, Tom and Sandy challenge the common belief that the only way to improve is through in-person coaching and match play. They break down what effective online learning actually looks like, why simply watching hours of YouTube or social media tips isn't enough, and how players can turn knowledge into real improvement through structured training and quality repetition. They also explain:  Why playing more matches isn't always the answer The difference between watching content and actually training a skill How to identify the root cause of problems in your game  Why footwork, ball control and repetition matter so much  How to use online coaching without overwhelming yourself  Why having a structured roadmap can accelerate your progress  How skills like the bandeja can be broken down and trained away from the court Whether you're a beginner or an experienced club player, this episode will help you rethink how you learn padel and how you can make the most of the time you have both on and off the court. ‼️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

Most players go into a padel match with either no tactic at all—or a plan so complicated they forget it after the first point. So what should you actually be thinking about before, during and after a match? In this episode, Tom and Sandy break down padel tactics from beginner level all the way to the professional game. They explain why having a simple game plan is better than having no plan, how partners can create clarity through communication, and why your tactic should evolve as the match develops. They also explore one of the biggest differences between tennis and padel: in padel, you aren't just trying to execute your game plan—you need to constantly read what your opponents are doing and adapt. From choosing who to target and where to play your lobs, to recognising when you've given an opponent too much rhythm, Tom and Sandy explain how to know when to stick with a tactic, when to change it, and how to avoid changing tactics simply because you haven't executed the original plan. Plus, they discuss the importance of staying composed between points, communicating at changeovers, and using a training and match journal to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what to take into your next match. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every player should start a match with a simple tacticHow partners can create clarity before stepping on courtWhen you should stick with a tactic and when you should change itHow professional players constantly adapt their game plansWhy communication between points and at changeovers mattersHow emotions can affect tactical decision-makingHow journaling can help you improve from match to matchWhy the best tactic isn't always the most complicated oneIf you want to stop playing matches without a plan and start making better tactical decisions on court, this episode is for you. ‼️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

What was it really like behind the scenes at the first-ever Premier Padel London? In this episode, Sandy and Tom recap an unforgettable week in London, from Sandy’s experience commentating for Red Bull TV and getting up close with the world’s best players, to clinics, coach events, player interviews and plenty of time around the practice courts. They discuss what stood out from watching the pros live, including the huge gap between the UK and the established padel nations, what British players need to do to close that gap, and why the accessibility and community feel of padel is something worth protecting as the sport grows. They also share their biggest coaching and playing takeaways from the tournament from patience and decision-making on a slow court to the importance of building strong technical foundations before worrying about the more advanced aspects of your game. Plus, they look back at the tournament itself, the atmosphere, the standout finals, the British wildcards, coach education and what Premier Padel London could look like in the future. In this episode, we cover:  Sandy’s experience commentating for Red Bull TV  The first Premier Padel event in London  What players can learn from watching the pros live  The gap between British players and the world’s best  Why padel’s coaching community needs to stay open and collaborative  The biggest tactical and mental takeaways from the pros  Why strong foundations create consistency  Our thoughts on the tournament, the finals and what comes next Did you attend Premier Padel London? Let us know what you thought of the event and what you took away from watching the world's best players live. ‼️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

Do you find yourself thinking about your technique during matches? Constantly second-guessing your decisions? Feeling like your mind is racing every time the ball comes your way? In this episode, Sandy and Tom explore one of the biggest challenges padel players face: overthinking on court. They explain why overthinking isn't actually the real problem—and why the solution isn't simply trying to "clear your mind." Instead, they reveal how building better foundations through quality repetition allows your technique to become automatic, so you can focus on what really matters during a match: tactics and decision-making. You'll learn:  Why thinking about technique during matches holds players back.  How footwork and preparation eliminate many common mistakes.  The power of shadow training and off-court practice.  Why quality repetition beats simply playing more matches.  How to build confidence so you can trust your game under pressure. If you've ever walked off court thinking, "I know what I should have done, but I just couldn't do it in the match," this episode will help you break that cycle and start playing with more confidence, clarity, and freedom. ‼️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

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

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, Sandy sits down with Ayden Rhodes, club manager at Coalition Padel to discuss what separates great coaching teams from average ones. The Padel School Johannesburg Academy is based at Coalition and this was filmed during a recent coach education trip with the team. 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.

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