The Padel School Podcast

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 

Many players start their padel journey improving quickly, only to hit a frustrating plateau where progress seems to stop. In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down the three key areas they've identified after working with thousands of players worldwide that separate players who keep improving from those who get stuck.

They explore why footwork is the foundation of every shot, how ball control and grip influence consistency, and why having a clear focus every time you step on court can accelerate your learning. Whether you're a beginner looking to build strong fundamentals or an experienced player aiming to reach the next level, this episode provides practical steps you can apply immediately to your game.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why footwork is the most overlooked skill in padel 
•  How better ball control leads to better decision-making 
•  The role of grip in developing consistent technique 
•  Why many players plateau despite playing regularly 
•  How to create a simple learning routine that speeds up improvement 
•  The mental habits that help players improve faster and perform more consistently 

If you're serious about improving your game, this episode will help you focus on the foundations that make the biggest difference. 🎾

!!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