Here’s what it takes to be a Padel champion in the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport

WORDS: Rob Kemp

Padel tennis, a dynamic fusion of tennis and squash, is rapidly gaining traction in the UK. Even tennis legend Novak Djokovic has acknowledged its rise, stating, “Padel is growing and emerging – and on a club level, tennis is endangered,” following his seventh Wimbledon title in June 2024.

In the UK alone Padel has grown from barely a handful of courts and a few thousand players in 2020, to over 700 purpose-built courts and 200,000 regular players by January 2025. Football and rugby teams are playing it in their downtime and even Stormzy’s a fan. Its accessibility and social nature make it an appealing choice for fitness enthusiasts. If you’re looking to enhance your padel game, here are some expert tips to guide you.

1. Embrace teamwork

Padel is predominantly played in a doubles format, making teamwork essential. James Andreotti, an ex-LTA circuit player turned PadelStars coach, emphasizes, “The strongest position in padel is when both players are at the net, and the most defensive position is at the back. The game is a constant battle for positioning, and you need to work as a team to achieve that.”

2. Master the walls

Unlike tennis, padel incorporates the use of walls, adding a unique dimension to the game. “Tennis players are natural around the net and at the back of the court – but their instinct is to volley everything,” Andreotti says. “They don’t want to use the walls. Squash players are much more comfortable with letting the ball bounce off the walls.”

3. Go carbon friendly

Starting with padel is affordable, as many courts provide rackets for free, and a set of balls costs around £5. However, as players progress, investing in quality gear becomes beneficial. Top-tier rackets can cost over £300. Maximillian Holloway of mrhsport.com explains that racket prices vary based on structure and composition:

·         Fibreglass: Affordable and comfortable but less durable.

·         Carbon/Fibreglass: Combines comfort with added stiffness for improved performance.

·         Full Carbon: Offers maximum power and control, ideal for advanced players with stronger swings.

All rackets include a safety loop for the wrist, crucial to prevent injuries.

Padel expert serves for the win

4. Do in targeted workouts

To excel in padel, focus on specific fitness components:

·         Agility: The game’s fast-paced nature requires rapid, controlled movements. Incorporate agility ladders and shuttle runs into your routine to build quickness.

·         Core Strength: Stability is key. Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws improve core strength, balance, and control.

·         Explosive Power: Develop lower-body strength with jump squats, plyometric lunges, and box jumps for quick positioning on the court.

5. Hone your Padel reflexes

Quick reflexes are crucial, especially at the net. Engage in reaction drills such as wall volleys and rally exercises to boost hand-eye coordination. You can improve grip strength with resistance band pulls and grip squeezes to enhance racket control.

Stormzy is a big fan of padel

6. Understand court positioning

Choosing the right side of the court can influence your performance. In pairs where both players are right-handed or left-handed, it’s recommended that the player with a stronger aerial game and endurance plays on the backhand side, while the more defensive player with a solid backhand occupies the forehand position.

7. Be sociable

Padel’s social nature is one of its most appealing features. “Unlike tennis, where coaching is often one-on-one, our lessons are group-based to emphasize sociability,” insists Andy Knee, CEO of PadelStars. “It’s unique because British people don’t often do sports with strangers, but padel seems to break that norm. It’s sociable, uplifting, and fosters a sense of community.”

• Thanks to PadelStars