Play. Improve. Belong.

Coach / Assistant Manager, Whitstable

General Manager & Coach, Bicester

I played padel  for the first time on holiday in Lanzarote and fell for it straight away. When we came home we found our local courts and started playing regularly with friends, which is what kickstarted my coaching. My favourite part of the job is getting to know players as individuals and working out what makes them tick, then helping them feel part of the Smash Padel community. Away from padel I'm hiking in the mountains, swimming in lakes or dragging myself around a hockey pitch

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), working towards LTA Padel Coach (Level 3).

Favourite shot

Backhand bajada – it's satisfying when it connects.

Coaching catchphrase

'Less is more.'

Assistant Manager, Bicester

I first played with my family on holiday in Majorca. What I enjoy most about coaching is watching people enjoy themselves and develop as they go. When I'm not on court I'm usually playing cricket.

Qualifications

LTA Introduction to Padel.

Favourite shot

Kick smash, because it’s just a fun shot.

Coaching catchphrase

'That was crap.'

Head Coach, Taunton

My first experience of padel was with family away from home, all of us competing like pretend seasoned professionals. What I enjoy about coaching is the connection with people and finding a way forward for their game, with support before challenge and fun along the way. Outside of padel I'm on the sidelines of my son's sport, walking our fox red labrador or out for a family round of golf.

Qualifications

LTA Introduction to Padel, working towards LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2).

Favourite shot

The one that keeps a rally going unexpectedly, or a little drop shot winner.

Coaching catchphrase

'Let's make the game easier.'

Coach, Cardiff

My first experience was an introduction to padel coaching session with Tennis Wales, and I was hooked after that one session. What I enjoy most about coaching is watching a community being built and how much people want to keep playing after a single session. They don't want to stop! Away from the court I'm out walking with friends or at a concert.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2) and LTA padel referee.

Favourite shot

Bandeja.

Coaching catchphrase

'Now is the time to practise!'

Coach, Whitstable

I first picked up a padel racket in 2006 while attending a tennis academy in Spain. At the time, I played only occasionally and purely for fun—without fully understanding the rules. Nearly two years ago, I reconnected with an old school friend at a yoga class. She mentioned that her brother was looking for more people to play with, so I joined them and soon began playing regularly in Cardiff.

As a coach, I believe every player is unique, just as every ball that comes off a racket is different. There is no single tip, technique or coaching method that works for everyone, so I enjoy finding the approach that helps each individual player progress. It is incredibly rewarding to watch someone gradually develop a new shot, see the moment it finally clicks, and witness the motivation that follows once they have added it to their game.

I’m always impressed when one of the Whitstable Academy players constructs a brilliant point or finds their flow on court. Even more rewarding, though, is seeing how they respond when things are not going their way—staying composed, digging in and finding a way to grind out a win through resilience and determination.

Away from the court, you’ll most likely find me trail running, relaxing in the sauna on Whitstable Beach or struggling with product-choice paralysis in the supermarket. My dream daytime setting for padel would be somewhere surrounded by mountains—ideally the Dolomites in Italy. At night, it would have to be Tokyo, playing amid its electric atmosphere, neon lights and towering skyscrapers.

Qualifications

Current FIP Padel Ranking - #2907

LTA Level 2 coaching Qualification in progress

LTA Qualified Padel Referee

Favourite shot

My favourite padel shot is the Chancletazo as it is a shot that when you time it well and connect with it at the right height it is almost impossible to return and if you blink you can miss it. (It sounds great too)

Coaching catchphrase

"Lock in"

Head Coach, Cardiff

I started playing on a golf trip in Spain and was addicted almost immediately. What I enjoy most about coaching is helping people improve, and I like running events and competitions for people to enjoy some competitive play. Outside of padel you'll most likely find me at home with the family.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2) and working towards LTA level 3.

Favourite shot

Backhand volley.

Coaching catchphrase

"Down the middle, solves the riddle."

General Manager, Whitstable

Coach & Activator, Oxford

Fell in love with padel: Playing with cousins in Estepona in Spain, seven years ago

Qualifications

Activator

Favourite shot

Backhand volley – it is satisfying when it comes off.

Coaching catchphrase

'Less is more.'

Coach, Taunton

I first played padel on holiday in Spain five years ago. Having played tennis regularly, I thought I might be half decent if I gave it a go, and I've loved it ever since. What I enjoy most about coaching is helping someone learn a new shot, like a double glass, and watching them look surprised at themselves because they didn't know it was possible. When I'm not playing you'll find me around the Quantock hills taking photos, or down by the sea in Cornwall on my paddle board.

Qualifications

PadelMBA coach certification, working towards LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2).

Favourite shot

Drop shot out the door – this was also my favourite tennis shot, although I don’t recommend going for it all that often!

Coaching catchphrase

'VAMOSSS.'

Centre Manager, Cardiff

General Manager, Oxford

I couldn't quite get my tennis serve going, so a tennis coach suggested I try padel instead. I booked an intro session at Smash Bicester and that was that. What I enjoy most about coaching is the growth you see in players, and being part of something that brings people so much joy. Outside of padel I'd ideally be on a safari game reserve in South Africa, though in the UK you'll most likely still find me on a padel court.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), qualified LTA padel referee and tournament operator.

Favourite shot

Down the line off the serve – a risk, but hard to resist when there’s a gap.

Coaching catchphrase

'Ohh that's lovely.'

Head Coach, Bicester

I found padel through my son, Andrew, who discovered the sport at a national tennis competition in Edinburgh. My own background is an unusual mix of tennis and music. Before coaching, I performed extensively across Europe as a recitalist and chamber musician, played guitar with the Royal Shakespeare Company and was a finalist in Young Guitarist of the Year. That life taught me a great deal about discipline, creativity and the psychological demands of performing at a high level, and it shapes everything about how I coach. Away from the courts, you'll most likely find me working in my music studio. 

I'm passionate about education and lifelong learning, and I bring insights from performance psychology, philosophy, sports science and artistic practice into my sessions, with a particular emphasis on mental resilience. For me, coaching is about building confidence and self-awareness so that development is meaningful and lasts. I specialise in junior performance and coach the Smash junior academy, and I've coached players to FIP Promises titles in Europe. I've also supported Andrew on his own journey: he represented Great Britain at the FIP Junior World Cup in Reus, Spain and the FIP Euro Cup in Porto, Portugal, and reached a world ranking of 11 in the 14U category in 2025.

Qualifications

Currently working towards LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2).

Favourite shot

I’ve always been obsessed with backhands.

Coaching Catchphrase

"Great intention"

General Manager & Activator, Taunton

I first played padel when a friend invited me to play at Torquay Tennis Club. She's been addicted to padel for a while and I can see why. What I enjoy most about coaching is seeing someone push past what they thought they were capable of and seeing them enjoy themselves. Outside of padel you'll find me on the Quantock hills, at Croyde beach or on my dad's farm.

Qualifications

Activator, qualified PE teacher, working towards padel coaching qualifications.

Favourite shot

I love a winning serve! Straight to the corner of the service box.

Coaching catchphrase

'The real winners enjoyed the race.'

Coach / Assistant Manager, Cardiff

My dad and I created our own padel club, running sessions for the community. What I enjoy most about coaching is the fun, feel good environment you share with everyone who comes along. Outside of padel you'll find me at a football club or up a mountain.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2).

Favourite shot

The slow pop-out. You’ve done all the hard work priort to the shot, so you are rewarded with an easy shot to enjoy.

Coaching catchphrase

'Let's have fun and learn something new today.'

Coach / Assistant Manager, Cardiff

Centre Manager & Activator, Mid Sussex

I got into padel by going along to some of Mid Sussex Head Coach Michelle's brilliant lessons. What I enjoy most is seeing how much fun people get out of playing, socialising and improving. Outside of padel I'm usually doing some other sport, or still playing yet more padel!

Qualifications

Activator & LTA Introduction to Padel.

Favourite shot

The volley – there’s nothing better.

Coaching catchphrase

'It's ok to get it wrong'

Centre Support & Activator, Whitstable

I first got into padel two years ago, playing with my family. I quickly fell in love with the sport and began playing more regularly with friends. Before I knew it, I was coaching—helping others develop their skills, build their confidence and discover how enjoyable the game can be.

If I could play padel anywhere in the world, it would have to be Spain. The sport is hugely popular there, and I’d love to experience the padel culture, watch local players in action and see how the game differs from what we’re used to here.

Away from padel, you’ll most likely find me on the cricket pitch. Cricket is another sport I’m passionate about, and it keeps me busy for most of the week.

Qualifications

Padel activator. I am also about to start doing my level 2 padel coaching once I start at university.

Favourite shot

My favourite padel shot has to be the tap out, there is something amazing about this shot that makes you feel great when you hit one.

Coaching catchphrase

'Do boring things with excellence'

General Manager & Activator, Cardiff

I've been in padel for a few years now, first as general manager of a Bristol padel club and then building and opening Smash Cardiff. I'm not a coach myself, but I enjoy watching ours in their element. Outside of padel you'll find me at the beck and call of a tiny human who is the boss of my life.

Role

General Manager, Activator and safeguarding & wellness officer for the club.

Favourite shot

The lob. I think it's the easiest one and it can be so effective.

On court you'll hear me say

"I was meant to do that."

Assistant Manager & Activator, Taunton

I sort of stumbled into playing padel, in that I found the position at Smash Padel first and the sport second. What I enjoy most is seeing people develop their skills and keep striving to improve. Away from the club I'm on a cricket or football pitch.

Favourite shot

A winner at the net, the best place on court to be.

Coaching catchphrase

'You don’t have to hit it hard!'

Coach & padel pro, Bicester

I found padel in Spain during Covid, through a gym I'd joined to meet people. A few open matches in, I was hooked. What I enjoy most about coaching is seeing how pleased people are when something they have found difficult finally clicks. Outside of padel you'll find me anywhere in nature, in the mountains or in the sea.

Qualifications

Team GB junior coach, GB open women's team player, FIP career high of 120 in the world and No.2 in the UK.

Favourite shot

Bajada – well disguised, so opponents don’t have a clue where it’s going!

Coaching catchphrase

I don't know if I have one? The people I coach will probably say I do though. 

Coach / Centre Support, Whitstable

I started out as a tennis coach and fell into padel, headfirst. What I enjoy most about coaching is meeting people, helping them have fun on court and watching them progress. Outside of padel you'll find me in the sea.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), LTA Accredited+.

Favourite shot

Bandeja because it’s unique and difficult.

Coaching catchphrase

'Bat back.'

Head Coach, Mid Sussex

I first started playing back in 2016 in Madrid where my cousins live and they introduced me to the game. By 2018 we were playing in Sussex on the only court in the area. I saw the wave coming and jumped from a 40-year career in tennis coaching, working in various clubs to learn more about this great sport and playing as much as I could to stay ahead of the curve.

I love getting people active and building community. Padel has brought families together and drawn old friends back into sport. It's a great game to teach because it's relatively easy to pick up, and watching people improve so fast is enormously satisfying. At Mid Sussex we divide our lessons equally between technique and tactics, because padel is best understood in a match context.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), the Padel MBA Spanish qualification and an Adidas padel qualification, alongside a former Level 4 tennis coaching qualification and 40 years of experience coaching all levels.

Favourite shot

I have two. The lob, because it's the shot that sets up the point and creates an offensive position, and the drop shot, which is my personal trademark.

Coaching catchphrase

“You’ve got time!” This is a very important lesson when learning the glass and putting up lobs.

Head of Padel

I first discovered padel in 2015 in my hometown of Porto in Portugal, playing with friends, and it quickly became a passion. What I enjoy most about coaching is helping people grow whatever their level, and showing how much sport can bring people together. Outside of padel I'm with family and friends, or back home by the river and cheering on FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), working towards LTA Padel Coach (Level 3); Portuguese Padel Federation coaching licence (Level 1); Great Britain junior girls coach at the FIP World Championships (Spain, 2025) and the European Championships (Porto, 2026).

Favourite shot

Víbora – it took a long time to master, so a hitting a good one is always satisfying.

Coaching catchphrase

'Exactlyyyyyy!'

Coach, Bicester

How did you get into padel?
I organised an end of season social for my squash team to Smash Padel Oxford to see how our skills would translate and found the fun in the sport straight away, especially with it combining my tennis and squash skillsets. After that I started coming to the Up and Active sessions midweek to meet new players and try to get into the Padel community, I was hooked.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love helping people find confidence and fun in sport, throughout my life sports teams and environments have been where I have found my greatest sense of community, enabling people to thrive on court is such a privilege. Additionally, prior to coaching I worked for many years as an analyst, being a detail orientated people person makes coaching the perfect fit.

What padel qualifications and accreditations do you have?
I have completed two LTA CPD courses (Introduction to Padel Coaching & Coaching Kids Padel and am currently preparing to complete the LTA Level 2 accreditation. Outside of Padel I am a Level 2 Squash Coach.

What's your favourite padel shot, and why?
I play on both sides depending on who I am pairing with, but when I am on the right side, I love a flat backhand return up the middle. It can be exceptionally effective and equally low-risk, picking out that gap between the net players and taking the net and often winning the point outright.

Outside of padel, where would we most likely find you?
Either spending time with my partner and our young daughter exploring the world through her eyes or on a squash court.

If you could play padel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’d love to experience an academy in Spain to further on my coaching and learn from an array of expertise. On a more local note, a nice rural setting with a view is pretty special in my opinion.

How would your friends or colleagues describe you in three words?
Caring, active and social

What's your coaching catchphrase, or the thing you find yourself saying most often during a session?
Let’s go team!

Coach, Mid Sussex

I discovered padel three years ago at a local pop-up court in Brighton and immediately fell in love with the game. I was drawn to its sociable nature and its ability to get people of all ages and abilities moving, learning and having fun together.

What I enjoy most about coaching is helping people discover that same joy in padel and seeing their confidence and skills grow.

Is there life beyond playing, coaching and thinking about padel? When there is, you’ll find me spending time with my family, reading, walking the dog or playing with my grandson.

If I could play padel anywhere in the world, it would be Argentina. I’ve been fortunate enough to play and receive coaching in Spain, Portugal and Croatia, and I’d love to experience Argentina’s padel scene for myself.

Qualifications

Padel MBA and LTA Introduction to Coaching Padel

Favourite shot

The Lob - because it’s such a tactical shot which can be used to attack and defend; and create and break up patterns of play

Coaching catchphrase

Quite a few but here are my favourites.
Where were your feet?
What was your intention on that shot? Why?
On a padel court you both discover and reveal your personality.

Coach & Activator, Cardiff

How did you get into padel?
A friend in London was getting obsessed by padel so as soon as Cardiff had a court I just had to try it.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Seeing the instant enjoyment that people experience when they play.

What padel qualifications and accreditations do you have?
LTA Level 2

What's your favourite padel shot, and why?
The lob, it gets me out of trouble time after time!

Outside of padel, where would we most likely find you?
In the sea, up a mountain or in a bakery enjoying a coffee and pastry.

If you could play padel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Is there a padel court surrounded by sea views anywhere? I’m sure there must be. There!

How would your friends or colleagues describe you in three words?
Competitive, organised, funny

What's your coaching catchphrase, or the thing you find yourself saying most often during a session?
Keep the net! Take your time.

Centre Support, Mid Sussex

Coach, Whitstable

Coach / Assistant Manager, Cardiff

I played tennis from a young age and have coached it for 27 years, so padel was a natural progression. It started as social competition with friends and then turned into a career. What I enjoy most about coaching is meeting new people and helping them develop their game. Away from the courts I'm usually running my daughter around to all her sports and activities.

Qualifications

LTA Tennis Coach (Level 4), LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), working towards LTA Padel Coach (Level 3).

Favourite shot

Bandeja.

Coaching catchphrase

"Errors are catastrophic."

Assistant Manager, Oxford

I first played in Lanzarote around four years ago, where we played nearly every day for two weeks, and I was hooked. The first thing I did when I got home was look for padel courts. What I enjoy most about coaching is the long term progression of players, and that first session where someone's enjoyment reminds me of when I started. I'm from the Lake District, so outside of padel you'll usually find me up in the mountains.

Qualifications

LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2), completing the LTA Padel Coach (Level 3) pilot.

Favourite shot

The tap out – it’s a very satisfying shot that when done right, instantly wins you the point.

Coaching catchphrase

'Right, what happened there then?'