Smash Padel Cardiff.

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!'

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."

Centre Manager, Cardiff

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

How did you get into padel?
I first discovered padel in 2020 while training in Sweden for tennis. The sport was really taking off there, so I started playing a few evenings a week and soon caught the bug.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?
The smiles! Seeing people enjoying themselves on court is the best part of the job.

What are your coaching qualifications?
I’m currently completing my LTA Level 2 qualification—almost there!

What’s your favourite shot?
The backhand volley, because I get to give the ball a good slap!

If you could play padel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Smash Padel Cardiff, of course. It’s the best club around!

Is there life beyond playing, coaching and thinking about padel?
You’ll usually find me in the gym, grinding away.

My friends and colleagues would describe me in three words…
Wam, bam and tam!

The phrase you’ll hear me repeat most often during a coaching session is…
“Down the middle solves the riddle.”

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."

Coach, 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.

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."