The Padel School Podcast

Sandy Farquharson
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Padel School Podcast – hosted by brothers Tom and Sandy Farquharson, former tennis pros turned padel coaches. Our mission is simple: to give every padel player clear, world-class coaching so you can unlock your full potential on court. From technique to tactics, mindset to matchplay, we share the lessons we wish we’d had. Whether you're just starting out or chasing a competitive edge — this is your home for better padel. We’ve also created a library of resources for all padel players — from beginners to competitors — to help transform your game.  The Padel Player’s Guide Book: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide Online Training Platform (7-Day Free Trial) : https://thepadelschool.com/ The Drill Book: https://thepadelschool.com/drill-book Free Equipment Guide:  https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide

  1. 1d ago

    What Makes a Great Padel Coach?

    Does a good padel coach have to be a good padel player? It’s a question that comes up regularly as padel continues to grow and more coaches enter the sport from different backgrounds. In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss what actually makes a good padel coach — and where playing level fits into the equation. They explore the challenges of coaching in a rapidly growing sport, including the rise of coaches who may have only recently started playing padel, and the pressure on clubs to find coaches quickly. They discuss: 🎾 Whether a coach needs to be a high-level player 🎾 Why playing level is important for demonstrating what good looks like 🎾 The importance of communication, organisation and empathy 🎾 Why being a great player doesn't automatically make you a great coach 🎾 What tennis and squash coaches can bring when transitioning into padel 🎾 Why understanding padel tactics becomes increasingly important at higher levels 🎾 How the level you're coaching should influence the playing level you need 🎾 What clubs should consider when choosing the right coach 🎾 Why coach education needs to go beyond simply learning drills A good player and a good coach require different skills. The challenge is developing enough playing knowledge to understand and demonstrate the game, while also having the communication, organisation and teaching skills needed to help players improve. Whether you're a player choosing a coach, a club looking to build its coaching team, or someone thinking about becoming a padel coach, this episode explores what really matters. Interested in Coach Education? Let us know here: https://forms.gle/QAWsMjrvTEDgB4bk8 ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel SpinPro Discount code: TPS10 EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  2. Sep 24

    Why Is Your Bandeja So Bouncy?

    Why does your bandeja keep bouncing up and giving your opponents an easy ball to attack? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down one of the most frustrating problems for recreational players: the bouncy bandeja. After Sandy's latest trip with Red Bull TV to Paris, they start by looking at how the pros used the bandeja in outdoor conditions, how they adapted to the sun and high lobs, and why the bandeja is still an important shot even in the modern game. They then break down the technique behind a more effective bandeja and the common mistakes that cause the ball to bounce too high. They discuss: Why the pros still use the bandejaThe difference between a bandeja and a viboraWhy footwork is often the biggest problemHow to position yourself under a lobWhy your racket and elbow need to be above the ballWhy you should think of the bandeja as a high forehand volley, not a smashHow slowing the shot down can actually make it more effectiveWhy using the glass can help take speed off the ballWhere to aim your bandeja to make it harder to attackHow to build better technique through quality repetitions off the courtThe key is not simply hitting the bandeja harder. It’s about getting into the right position, creating the right contact and using the shot to neutralise the point so you can recover the net. If your bandeja keeps bouncing and getting attacked, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do to fix it. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  3. Sep 11

    How to Stop Having Good Days and Bad Days on the Padel Court

    Why do some days on the padel court feel great, while other days everything seems to go wrong? In this episode, Sandy and Tom break down why recreational players can have such big fluctuations in their level and what you can do to build a more consistent base level. They discuss: 🎾 Why your foundations are more important than individual shots 🎾 How footwork affects preparation, positioning and consistency 🎾 Why pros can rely on their “base level” when they aren't playing their best 🎾 How training off the court can improve what happens on it 🎾 Why trying to think about your footwork during a match can actually make things worse 🎾 How fixing an earlier part of the movement can improve your contact and technique 🎾 Why “little and often” training can make a big difference The goal isn't to make sure you never have a bad day. It's to raise your minimum level so that even when you're not playing your best, you can still rely on your game. Build the foundations, make them automatic, and give yourself a more consistent level to work from. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  4. Sep 3

    Why Your Padel Game Starts With Your Feet

    In this episode, Sandy and Tom discuss the one skill that can have an immediate impact on almost every recreational player’s game: footwork. From feeling rushed and arriving late to the ball, to struggling with positioning, recovery and technique, so many common problems on court can be traced back to inefficient footwork. They discuss: 🎾 Why footwork is the foundation of almost every shot 🎾 Why your movement needs to become automatic 🎾 How the pros train their footwork off the court 🎾 The importance of the split step, small adjustment steps and positioning 🎾 Why better footwork can improve your anticipation and court position 🎾 How recreational players can train footwork without spending hours on court 🎾 Why building these foundations can make your on-court coaching much more effective If you want to improve your consistency, movement and overall level, this is a great place to start. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  5. Aug 27

    Can You Really Improve Your Padel Game Online?

    Can you really improve your padel game without being on court with a coach? In this episode, Tom and Sandy challenge the common belief that the only way to improve is through in-person coaching and match play. They break down what effective online learning actually looks like, why simply watching hours of YouTube or social media tips isn't enough, and how players can turn knowledge into real improvement through structured training and quality repetition. They also explain:  Why playing more matches isn't always the answer The difference between watching content and actually training a skill How to identify the root cause of problems in your game  Why footwork, ball control and repetition matter so much  How to use online coaching without overwhelming yourself  Why having a structured roadmap can accelerate your progress  How skills like the bandeja can be broken down and trained away from the court Whether you're a beginner or an experienced club player, this episode will help you rethink how you learn padel and how you can make the most of the time you have both on and off the court. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  6. Aug 22

    Why Most Padel Players Get Tactics Wrong

    Most players go into a padel match with either no tactic at all—or a plan so complicated they forget it after the first point. So what should you actually be thinking about before, during and after a match? In this episode, Tom and Sandy break down padel tactics from beginner level all the way to the professional game. They explain why having a simple game plan is better than having no plan, how partners can create clarity through communication, and why your tactic should evolve as the match develops. They also explore one of the biggest differences between tennis and padel: in padel, you aren't just trying to execute your game plan—you need to constantly read what your opponents are doing and adapt. From choosing who to target and where to play your lobs, to recognising when you've given an opponent too much rhythm, Tom and Sandy explain how to know when to stick with a tactic, when to change it, and how to avoid changing tactics simply because you haven't executed the original plan. Plus, they discuss the importance of staying composed between points, communicating at changeovers, and using a training and match journal to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what to take into your next match. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every player should start a match with a simple tacticHow partners can create clarity before stepping on courtWhen you should stick with a tactic and when you should change itHow professional players constantly adapt their game plansWhy communication between points and at changeovers mattersHow emotions can affect tactical decision-makingHow journaling can help you improve from match to matchWhy the best tactic isn't always the most complicated oneIf you want to stop playing matches without a plan and start making better tactical decisions on court, this episode is for you. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  7. Aug 14

    Premier Padel London: Inside the Action

    What was it really like behind the scenes at the first-ever Premier Padel London? In this episode, Sandy and Tom recap an unforgettable week in London, from Sandy’s experience commentating for Red Bull TV and getting up close with the world’s best players, to clinics, coach events, player interviews and plenty of time around the practice courts. They discuss what stood out from watching the pros live, including the huge gap between the UK and the established padel nations, what British players need to do to close that gap, and why the accessibility and community feel of padel is something worth protecting as the sport grows. They also share their biggest coaching and playing takeaways from the tournament from patience and decision-making on a slow court to the importance of building strong technical foundations before worrying about the more advanced aspects of your game. Plus, they look back at the tournament itself, the atmosphere, the standout finals, the British wildcards, coach education and what Premier Padel London could look like in the future. In this episode, we cover:  Sandy’s experience commentating for Red Bull TV  The first Premier Padel event in London  What players can learn from watching the pros live  The gap between British players and the world’s best  Why padel’s coaching community needs to stay open and collaborative  The biggest tactical and mental takeaways from the pros  Why strong foundations create consistency  Our thoughts on the tournament, the finals and what comes next Did you attend Premier Padel London? Let us know what you thought of the event and what you took away from watching the world's best players live. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

  8. Jul 31

    Stop ‘Overthinking’ In Your Matches!

    Do you find yourself thinking about your technique during matches? Constantly second-guessing your decisions? Feeling like your mind is racing every time the ball comes your way? In this episode, Sandy and Tom explore one of the biggest challenges padel players face: overthinking on court. They explain why overthinking isn't actually the real problem—and why the solution isn't simply trying to "clear your mind." Instead, they reveal how building better foundations through quality repetition allows your technique to become automatic, so you can focus on what really matters during a match: tactics and decision-making. You'll learn:  Why thinking about technique during matches holds players back.  How footwork and preparation eliminate many common mistakes.  The power of shadow training and off-court practice.  Why quality repetition beats simply playing more matches.  How to build confidence so you can trust your game under pressure. If you've ever walked off court thinking, "I know what I should have done, but I just couldn't do it in the match," this episode will help you break that cycle and start playing with more confidence, clarity, and freedom. ‼️WHAT'S NEW IN THE PADEL SCHOOL‼️ Padel Training & Match Journal: Track Your Training, Matches, and On-Court Progress EXPLORE OUR OFFERS The Padel School Membership (with FREE Trial) Access 75+ Drills for Every Level: TPS Drill Book For Players Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide Get our Mental Toughness Course

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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Padel School Podcast – hosted by brothers Tom and Sandy Farquharson, former tennis pros turned padel coaches. Our mission is simple: to give every padel player clear, world-class coaching so you can unlock your full potential on court. From technique to tactics, mindset to matchplay, we share the lessons we wish we’d had. Whether you're just starting out or chasing a competitive edge — this is your home for better padel. We’ve also created a library of resources for all padel players — from beginners to competitors — to help transform your game.  The Padel Player’s Guide Book: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide Online Training Platform (7-Day Free Trial) : https://thepadelschool.com/ The Drill Book: https://thepadelschool.com/drill-book Free Equipment Guide:  https://improve.thepadelschool.com/equipment-guide

Information

  • Creator
    Sandy Farquharson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Padel School Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Padel School Podcast

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