The Padel School Podcast

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/ 

What does patience really mean in padel?

In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down why the mindset that works in tennis often fails in padel — especially in tight moments. From rally length and risk vs reward, to active vs passive patience, they explain how top players build points, manage pressure, and make better decisions under stress.

You’ll learn why patience isn’t about pushing the ball in, how the lob becomes an anchor shot at every level, and how patience applies not just within points — but across matches and your entire padel journey.

If you want to win more points without forcing, this episode is for you.

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/ 

When club players think about the off-season, they often picture hard fitness blocks, more power, and pushing their bodies to the limit. But is that really what recreational padel players need?

In this episode, we break down what the off-season actually looks like at the professional level — and how club players can apply the same principles in a smarter, more realistic way. We explore why injury prevention should be the number one priority for recreational players, how pros use short off-season windows to build strength and sharpen technique, and how concepts like periodization can work even if you only play once or twice a week.

We also share practical ideas on building mini training blocks, identifying your physical weak points, using video analysis to improve technique, and making small, consistent changes that lead to long-term progress. If you want to stay injury-free, train smarter, and set yourself up for a better year on court, this episode is for you.

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/ 

In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest gaps between amateur and professional padel: how players actually train.

Fresh from Barcelona and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the highest-level finals ever played, Sandy shares what stood out most—not just the level in matches, but the detail and intention in how the pros prepare. From practicing individual shots to adapting to slow courts, we explore why training (not just matches) is where real improvement happens.

We also reflect on coaching trips to South Africa, the rise of new padel communities, and why so many club players plateau despite playing multiple times a week. The takeaway is simple but powerful: small, consistent training blocks can completely change your game.

If you want to improve in 2026 without spending more hours on court, this episode is your starting point.

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 

FREE Padel Assessment for YOUR game 

Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events 

Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/ 

Losing matches is part of padel—but knowing how to respond to those losses is what really defines your level. In this episode, we break down how to bounce back after a tough defeat, a match you feel you should’ve won, or even a frustrating losing streak.

We talk about why margins in padel are so small, how expectations and emotions can spiral after a loss, and why focusing on the process—not the outcome—is the key to long-term improvement. You’ll learn practical ways to reset mentally, reflect objectively, and step back on court with confidence for your next match.

If you’ve ever walked off court frustrated and wondered how to move forward, this episode is for you.

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/ 

Tom and Sandy discuss lessons from Premier Padel, including Tom's recent training session with Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger in Madrid!   

In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down key lessons from Premier Padel tournaments and Tom's recent training sessions in Madrid with Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger! They explore why pros make fewer unforced errors, how they “find their range” early in matches, and why choosing the right shot matters more than perfect technique.

You’ll hear why drills beat match play for long-term improvement, why the lob is a true marker of level, and how elite players train by experimenting — not chasing perfection. Packed with real takeaways for club and competitive players alike, this episode shows what watching (and training with) the pros can really teach you about improving your own game.

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/ 

In this episode, Sandy and Tom tackle one of the biggest questions tennis players ask when they discover padel: should you play both… or is it time to go all in?

Drawing from their own journeys — from Sandy switching overnight to Tom juggling pro tennis with Friday-night “pizza, beers and padel” sessions — they break down why dabbling only takes you so far, why the two sports aren’t as complementary as people think, and the common pitfalls tennis players hit when transitioning to padel.

They also dive into why match-only players plateau, why drills matter more than you realise, and how to avoid the early mistakes both of them made. Whether you're a tennis lover just trying padel, a club player chasing improvement, or someone thinking about competing seriously, this episode gives you the roadmap to commit with confidence.

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/