The Padel School Podcast

By Sandy FarquharsonSports

The Padel School Podcast episodes

October 03, 2025 How Adaptable Are YOU? Make People Want To Play With You!
We’re back with a new video podcast – this time, no couch and no fluff. In this episode, we catch you up on our recent trips with the Red Bull TV team, from Premier Padel at Roland Garros to the Reserve Cup in Marbella. Sandy reflects on how these events have evolved and what they reveal about the sport’s growth. But the big focus of today’s conversation is a question every player should ask themselves: how do you become the partner everyone wants to play with?
From the pros at the very top to players just starting out, adaptability on court is what makes the difference. Talent and power alone aren’t enough – if you can’t adjust, you’ll eventually get left behind.

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/
18 min
October 01, 2025 What We Wish We Knew at the Start of Our Padel Careers
In this episode, Sandy and Tom rewind the clock to the very start of their padel journeys and share the biggest regrets they carry to this day. From not competing seriously enough in the early years, to overlooking key areas of development, to simply not knowing the pathways that now seem so obvious—they break down the choices that shaped (and sometimes slowed) their progress.
It’s an honest look at the lessons they wish they had learned earlier, with plenty of stories, reflections, and practical takeaways for players at every stage of the game. Whether you’re just picking up a racket or already deep into your padel journey, this conversation is packed with insights to help you sidestep common pitfalls, speed up your progress, and enjoy the game to its fullest.

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/

18 min
September 24, 2025 Why You’re Not Improving at Padel (And How to Fix It)
It’s the golden question players ask us all the time — in clinics, on our platform, and even after matches: “Why have I stopped improving?”
The truth is, most players experience 6–9 months of steady progress before they hit the dreaded plateau. It’s frustrating, but it’s also avoidable.
In this episode, we break down the 3 T’s that hold players back:
✅ Technique – why good coaching (and the right kind) matters to break bad habits
✅ Tactics – how to truly understand positioning, patterns, and working with your partner
✅ Training – why only playing matches won’t get you better, and how to make practice count
We also share simple tools — like video analysis and mini-drills before matches — that make a huge difference to consistency and confidence.
Whether you’re just starting or already competing, this episode will give you clarity on what’s stopping your progress and the steps you need to keep climbing.

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/

18 min
September 17, 2025 The SECRET Pros Know About Training
Think you have to book lessons to improve your padel? Think again. In this episode, we break down why recreational players don’t need a coach to train like a pro—and how you can take control of your own improvement.
From ball machines to simple drills with friends, we’ll share practical ways to build confidence, consistency, and long-term progress—even if you don’t have regular access to a coach. We’ll also talk about the importance of self-analysis, training more than you play, and how small tweaks in your practice routine can stop you from plateauing.
Whether you’re training solo, with a partner, or in a group that just wants to play matches, this episode will give you tools to make every court session count.

EXPLORE OUR OFFERS:
The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial)
Get Our Slinger Ball Machine Course
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/

11 min
September 10, 2025 How To NEVER Let Your Partner Down
In this episode, Tom and Sandy dive into one of the toughest parts of padel: how to truly support your partner and bring the best out of each other on court. Whether you’re new to the game and worried about letting someone down, or you’ve been competing with the same partner for years, this conversation hits home for every level of player.
They introduce the Three P’s—Prepare, Push, and Practice—as the framework to become a reliable, competitive, and confident teammate. From showing up early and setting clear goals, to competing with full commitment, to putting in quality practice together, the discussion is packed with insights you can apply in your next match.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure of not wanting to let your partner down—or if you want to be the kind of teammate everyone wants on their side—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

YouTube – / thepadelschool
Instagram - / thepadelschool
Facebook: / thepadelschool

Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events
Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/
13 min
September 03, 2025 Crack the Americano Code: Secrets to Finishing on the Top Court
How do you win your next Americano? Whether it’s a social rotation at your club or a competitive mix-in, everyone’s chasing that elusive goal — finishing on the top court.
In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down exactly how to give yourself the best chance. From building instant rapport with new partners (think “speed dating on a padel court”) to navigating side choices without awkwardness, they share simple ways to start strong. They also dive into the tactical side: how to stay patient under timed pressure, avoid the frantic rush when points feel scarce, and use smart, low-risk padel to keep climbing courts.
👉 Perfect listening before your next Americano, social tournament, or even a friendly club match — these tips will help you perform better, enjoy the night more, and maybe even celebrate on that top 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

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/

15 min
August 28, 2025 REVEALED: Which Racket Sports Transition Best to Padel?
In this episode, Sandy and Tom are back together after busy weeks of training and travel — including Sandy’s three-week road trip across the US to explore padel in Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. They dive into how the sport is developing in America, the challenges clubs face when they’re the only ones in their region, and what that means for the game’s growth.
From there, the discussion shifts to a big question: which racket sports give players the best foundation for padel? Drawing on examples from tennis, squash, pickleball, platform tennis, and even badminton, they break down how different skills transfer, the habits that help (or hurt), and which backgrounds allow players to adapt the fastest.
Whether you’re a tennis player curious about trying padel, a squash player wondering if your patience will pay off, or simply a fan of how racket sports connect, this conversation is full of insights, stories, and takeaways that apply to club players as much as aspiring pros.

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

Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/
18 min
August 13, 2025 Finishing with Composure: Mastering the Art of Closing Points
In this episode, Sandy and Tom dive into one of their favourite topics from advanced and tactical sessions—how to finish points effectively. While it’s tempting to go for the spectacular winner, they explain why the smartest way to close out a rally is often with a cool, composed head.
They discuss how composure under pressure influences your shot selection, positioning, and decision-making, and why rushing to finish can so easily hand the point back to your opponents. You’ll hear practical tips on recognising the right moment to strike, creating high-percentage opportunities, and staying in control when the pressure is on.
Whether you’re competing at a high level or playing club matches, this episode is all about bringing patience and precision together to make your finishes count.
🎾 Tune in to learn how staying calm at the crucial moment can turn you into a more clinical, consistent finisher on court.

YouTube – https://youtube.com/thepadelschool
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool

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

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

19 min
August 06, 2025 What We Can (and Can’t) Copy from the Pros
In this episode, Tom and Sandy dive into a topic that sparks a lot of questions from recreational players—grip changes and technique variation in padel.
From how top players handle low balls with wristy flicks to those who stick with a more traditional continental grip, there’s a huge range of styles even at the highest level. So what does that mean for players learning the game?
They explore the importance of understanding why techniques vary, how to make smart choices in your own development, and why copying the pros isn’t always the best path—especially if you're still building your foundation.
🎾 Tune in for a thoughtful look at grips, technique, and making the game work 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

YouTube – / thepadelschool
Instagram - / thepadelschool
Facebook: / thepadelschool

Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events
Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/
15 min
July 30, 2025 Holding Serve: How to Win More of Your Service Games
We’re back with another episode, and this time we’re diving into a question that’s come up a lot in recent conversations with our players: how can I win more of my service games?
It’s simple—if you hold serve more often, you give yourself and your team a much better chance of winning the set. Whether you’re a beginner or competing internationally, this episode breaks down a clear and practical focus that every player can apply to start winning more service games.
🎾 Tune in to learn how to take control of your serve and turn it into a consistent advantage 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

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/
11 min