Padel is a fast-paced, dynamic racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court, padel features solid racquets and uses the surrounding walls as part of the game.
Originating in Mexico in the 1960s, padel has exploded in popularity across Europe and South America. It's now one of the fastest-growing sports globally, appealing to players of all ages and skill levels.
What makes padel unique is its emphasis on strategy and teamwork. The enclosed court and ability to play off the walls create exciting rallies and opportunities for creative shot-making. With a lower learning curve than traditional tennis, padel is accessible to beginners while offering depth for advanced players.
Whether you're looking for a fun social activity or a competitive challenge, padel delivers an unforgettable experience.
With nearly 40 years of experience in competitive sports, I've dedicated my life to athletic excellence. I have played competitive tennis for 40 years and short tennis for two decades, the latter being a high-impact sport played on a smaller court. While I no longer participate in those sports, my passion has evolved to focus exclusively on Padel. I am continually learning and growing in this sport, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and experiences with my clients.
Alongside my coaching, I emphasise the importance of fitness, conditioning, yoga, and nutrition in enhancing performance. As a dedicated Padel coach, I strive for high standards in my training and coaching.
My Background
I come from a corporate background, primarily in the world of property, spanning over 30 years. Sport, however, has always been my number one passion. I have played competitive tennis for almost 40 years, ran several marathons and participated in and captained a variety of football teams.
Discovery
I first discovered Padel tennis in 2017 on a fitness holiday in Lanzarote. Initially I saw it as a novel and fun sport to participate in after a hard day's training but I quickly became fascinated by the game and the number of people playing.Â
Fast Forward
Fast forward to five years later and finally, in 2022, Derbyshire had its first outdoor court in Church Broughton followed by a fantastic indoor facility in Pride Park, Derby with 11 indoor courts. Padel has finally arrived in the UK and is here to stay.
Qualification
During the spring of 2022, at the ripe old age of 48, I decided to depart from tennis completely and place my sole focus on improving as a Padel player and later in the same year completed several coaching qualifications in the UK and Spain.
Improvement
I continue to see a variety of coaches in the UK and Spain (where Padel has been popular since 1974) to improve my skills. I continue to be a student myself and thrive on sharing my expanding knowledge to my clients. Lets go on this Padel journey together!
