Smash Padel Mid Sussex.

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'

Coach, Mid Sussex

I first played padel at Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club in 2022. Having played tennis since I was five, some aspects came naturally, but it was the social side, close partnership and longer rallies that got me hooked. My competitive nature soon took over: I’ve since represented Sussex, become Sussex County Champion and County Captain, and previously reached Sussex No.1.

What I enjoy most about coaching is helping players improve and experience that same addictive feeling of progression. I focus on both technique and tactics while creating a supportive environment that builds confidence and self-belief. Away from padel, you’ll usually find me with family and friends or on the golf course, where I play off scratch.

Qualifications

Working towards LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2). LTA Level 4 Senior Performance tennis coach with more than ten years’ coaching experience. Previously ranked inside the UK Top 30 Open padel players and UK Top 5 Over-35s.

Favourite shot

Forehand volley – I like using it aggressively to put opponents under pressure and create opportunities to finish the point.

Coaching catchphrase

“Nice intention” or “Nice decision.” Padel is physical chess, so making the right decision is always something positive to build on—even when the execution doesn’t quite go to plan.

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.

Centre Support, Mid Sussex