The Padel School Podcast

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 complementa...

Bad coaching can hold your game back — sometimes more than no coaching at all. In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss the hidden problem many padel players face: receiving poor guidance that creates bad habits and slows progress. Drawing from their own tennis and padel experiences, they share how to spot good coaching, avoid common pitfalls, and why the best coach isn’t always the best player. The...

In this episode, we explore why padel isn’t as accessible as it could be—despite being one of the easiest sports to pick up and enjoy with friends. From court costs, indoor vs. outdoor play, and equipment, to coaching availability, we break down the barriers that make the game more challenging for newcomers. Tom and Sandy also share insights on how the sport could evolve in the next five years, ma...

Are you playing padel several times a week but still feel like you’re not improving? You’re not the only one. In this episode, we break down why more court time doesn’t automatically lead to progress — and what you should be doing instead. Sandy and Tom explore the hidden traps many players fall into: repeating the same habits, avoiding structured drills, relying only on matches, and never address...

Padel’s growth has been explosive — but is it ready for the Olympics? In this episode, Sandy and Tom dive deep into one of the sport’s biggest questions: when will padel become an Olympic sport? Drawing from their recent experiences at the FIP Euro Cup and years of involvement in international tournaments, they break down what still needs to happen for padel to make that leap. From governance and...

Knowing when (and how) to hit the bandeja or vibora can be the difference between holding the net or losing the point. In this episode, Tom and Sandy break down the key differences between the two shots, when to use each one, and how to adapt your overheads to conditions, opponents, and your own level. They also discuss why the bandeja is still essential in the modern game, how the vibora evolves...

Most players lose matches not because of their technique, but because of their tactics. In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down the most common tactical mistakes club players make, and the simple changes that can instantly raise your level. From poor court positioning and “no man’s land” errors to weak communication and rushed decision-making, they unpack the habits that hold players back and ho...

The lob might look simple, but it’s one of the hardest shots to master — and one of the most effective when you get it right. In this episode, we break down exactly how to hit a lob that gives you time, creates pressure, and completely changes the rhythm of the point. You’ll learn how to choose the right height and depth, when to play it, and how to avoid the classic mistake of giving your opponen...

In this episode, Sandy and Tom tackle one of the biggest frustrations for players — putting in the hours but not seeing improvement. They unpack the real reasons why more court time doesn’t always mean more progress, from technical habits and tactical awareness to the importance of focused training. Whether you’re playing for fun or pushing to compete, this episode will help you understand what’s...

In this episode, Sandy and Tom dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of padel — the back glass. Everyone says you need to use it, but few players actually know when they should. They unpack how your level, playing style, and racket sport background all influence when (and when not) to play off the wall. From why ex-tennis players often get caught out to how to use the glass to build a smar...

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 thems...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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, the...

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 discu...

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, an...

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 t...

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 foc...

Tom and Sandy are back from Madrid , and in this episode, they share their experiences at the FIP Euro Padel Cup . For Tom, it was his first time competing for Team GB , while Sandy was there coaching the team through an intense and exciting week. They reflect on what it meant for both the men’s and women’s teams to qualify for the 2025 Euro Cup , the atmosphere of representing their country, and...

In this episode, Tom and Sandy dive into the power of routines both on and off the court , and why they’re such a crucial part of achieving peak performance. While many players think of routines only as warm-ups before a match, there’s so much more to it. They explore the importance of pre-match preparation, but also the routines within points and games —what you do between points, how you reset,...

In this episode, Sandy catches up with Tom to recap his recent tournament in Holland and look ahead to what’s next on the calendar. Fresh off a solid week training with the Dutch team and competing in the Utrecht FIP , Tom shares what made this experience stand out—especially the fact he trained before the tournament indoors, and then had to play his first match outdoors!  They also talk about the...

In this very special episode, Sandy is joined by Gonsa Ubenia , his co-commentator during the majors and a familiar voice as a Premier Padel commentator throughout the season . Together, they break down the latest tournament, sharing their thoughts on the overall atmosphere and event highlights. They discuss the surprise results that shook up the draws, key moments and standout performances from t...

Fresh off the mic in Rome , Sandy returns after another exciting week commentating Premier Padel for Red Bull TV . In this episode, he and Tom reflect on what stood out—from the contrast between indoor vs outdoor play , to the types of players who consistently come out on top. The biggest theme? Resilience . The players who win most often aren’t always the flashiest—they’re the ones who can stick...