Behind every great padel player is a great coach. We sat down with James, one of Cheshire's most respected padel coaches, to talk about the sport's growth, training philosophy and why ball machines are changing how players learn.
How It Started
James discovered padel five years ago while on holiday in Spain. Within months, he'd qualified as a coach and was teaching at clubs across Cheshire. Today, he coaches everyone from complete beginners to competitive tournament players.
"I'd played tennis for 20 years and thought I'd pick padel up easily. I was wrong. It's a different sport with different tactics. That's what hooked me — the learning never stops."
On the Growth of Padel in Cheshire
What's driving the padel boom in Cheshire?
The accessibility. Anyone can pick up a racket and have a rally within minutes. You don't need years of coaching to enjoy it. But the depth of the game — the tactics, the positioning, the shot variety — means there's always something new to learn. That keeps players coming back.
How has coaching changed?
When I started, most players were former tennis players crossing over. Now I'm coaching people who've never held any racket before. The skill range in a single session can be enormous, so I've had to adapt my methods.
The Role of Ball Machines in Coaching
How do ball machines fit into your coaching?
They're essential. In a coaching session, I can feed maybe 30 balls in a minute. A machine can feed 60 with perfect consistency. For building muscle memory — which is what padel is all about — repetition is king. The machine lets players get hundreds of quality reps while I focus on giving feedback.
What drills do you recommend?
For beginners, I use the machine to feed slow, consistent balls so they can focus on technique without worrying about the feed. For intermediates, I set it to oscillate so they practise movement and positioning. For advanced players, I combine the machine with tactical scenarios — approach, volley, smash sequences.
Advice for New Players
What's your top tip for someone just starting?
Don't rush to buy expensive equipment. Hire a ball machine, book a few sessions, and focus on the fundamentals: the wall, the serve, and basic volley technique. The smash comes later. Too many beginners try to smash everything on day one and develop bad habits.
How often should players train?
Twice a week minimum if you want to improve. One coaching session and one ball machine session is the ideal combo for rapid development. The machine session lets you practise what you learned in coaching — that's where it really sinks in.
Getting Started
Inspired by James's advice? Book a ball machine session and start building those fundamentals. Our hire packages are perfect for solo practice between coaching sessions.
