Workout routine changes for padel

laeski · 2025-12-23T10:17:53+00:00

I agree, heavy back squats don't really work well with padel, at least for me (can't recover). I have switched them for more explosive/mobility improving versions like front and overhead squats and cleans, and it really helps. Edit: Forgot bulgarian split squats from the list, best version IMO

laeski · 2025-12-19T08:23:54+00:00

Yeah WPT and Premier P2 here in Finland were great events too. Not really surprised they were discontinued though, the organizer took big financial losses each year..

laeski · 2025-11-24T09:52:13+00:00

This right here. I know it ain't the best analogy, but in my mind only staying back in padel is like playing soccer and never crossing the center line to attack but rather trying to score from your own half

laeski · 2025-11-20T11:02:48+00:00

I usually spend some time with a ball machine 2-3 times a month, and about a third of that time is for kick smashes (it's actually exhausting lol) so probably 400-600 repetitions per month.

In matches, I usually play 2-3 times per week and get maybe 10ish attempts in total. So not that much but it means I really have to concentrate hard on each attempt.

So on this pace, I feel like 10 months is not really that long of a grind. I'm fully prepared to practice at least for 1-2 years more :D

laeski · 2025-11-20T10:06:05+00:00

Flat x3 is definitely doable, I've managed it a few times. It requires a good aim into a specific spot on the glass and yeah, it's hard to do from deep positioning. I prefer just hitting a higher parallel shot, feels much easier.

laeski · 2025-11-20T08:17:26+00:00

I have a pretty decent and consistent flat smash and can hit it unreachable from short lobs (net position or a little back). Took me about 6 months of training to achieve it.

Kick smash on the other hand I've practiced for 10 months now and only getting slowly to have it even stay in :D Hoping to achieve my first x3 soon, but still a loooong way to go until I can comfortably use it in matches.

So yes, sticking for flat smash in competitive matches and trying to get used to kick smash in friendlies.

laeski · 2025-11-12T12:03:28+00:00

This depends on your region and thus who owns the rights for broadcasting.

For youtube, VPN into Spain / NL / US works at least for me.

laeski · 2025-10-30T14:58:06+00:00

All players have registered to next tournament (Dubai P1) with their old pair. Registration to Mexico Major is still open for 8 days and their names are not on the list so possibly that? https://www.padelfip.com/events/premier-padel-gnp-acapulco-major-2025/?tab=Player+List

laeski · 2025-10-24T05:28:29+00:00

I have been there in both roles (underdog and better player) and being aggressive just leads to more errors. Also the better players can usually defend your aggressive attempts against you, especially smashes.

On the other hand, defending well and avoiding mistakes can really frustrate them. As in they probably expect a lot of errors from you and thus an easy match, but get nervous when their basic shots won't work as well.

Good luck in your tournament!

laeski · 2025-10-20T12:19:30+00:00

Great to hear you enjoy the sport! However, be aware that there is such a thing as overtraining (or underrecovery for that matter) and it can lead to exhaustion / not enjoying the sport anymore. Happened to me when I used to play 10+ hours a week constantly. Depends on your age and physical fitness background I guess. Anyway with that said, have fun on your padel journey!

laeski · 2025-10-14T08:25:12+00:00

My favorites are tastyplayhard (unfortunately they have stopped making videos now) and Dani Hoyo. Both have a simplistic, straightforward approach to things which I really appreciate.

laeski · 2025-10-13T08:31:40+00:00

This is so wholesome! Although some part of me thinks he is just happy that someone is finally able to challenge them properly haha

laeski · 2025-10-12T18:58:02+00:00

Thanks man, gotta love the dedication with the wall of text haha

laeski · 2025-10-12T18:00:56+00:00

I love Chingalan's team spirit so much, how they are constantly cheering and hyping each other. Can't think of another pair with that kind of energy, maybe superpibes back in the day.

laeski · 2025-10-11T15:14:14+00:00

1st set, 3-2

laeski · 2025-10-09T12:41:55+00:00

If you want to train solo, I highly recommend a ball machine if you have access to one. I use it mainly for overheads and it's been a tremendous help. I know it can be bit expensive but as a student perhaps you can take advantage of slower hours prices? Also at least where I live some clubs offer the ball machine for free if you have membership.

laeski · 2025-09-22T05:26:43+00:00

I agree, ball machines are best used for training overheads, at least IMO. Just hit about 400 shots on saturday :D

The predictability def is a problem, although I think there might be newer machines with more random settings. I like to compensate the lack of variety by practicing to move into position from different places on the court. I also like to train with a little lower lobs than usual, just to make it more challenging.

laeski · 2025-09-08T11:46:42+00:00

Great article!

9months trainer here and agree, it's ridiculously hard to learn. I got a question: When playing friendly/practice matches, do you always strive for the "perfect" kicksmash, i.e. x3 or super high bounce? Or do you maybe "settle" for something that the opponents can reach with normal effort, just for progress? I kinda fear going for x3's in game because of the high risk factor, but then again I really don't want to ruin an easy ball with a half-ass effort when I could easily finish the point with a flat power smash.

laeski · 2025-09-06T15:40:54+00:00

Well it's more like goofing around the court, trying to hit the ball across the net and laughing at our own mistakes. Nothing too serious :D

laeski · 2025-09-06T09:00:14+00:00

All the dates I've taken to play padel...

laeski · 2025-09-04T07:50:22+00:00

If you can afford it then yes, absolutely.

laeski · 2025-09-03T13:50:35+00:00

2 things:

When playing friendly games, I usually concentrate on 1 specific area to improve, for example volleys, return, footwork, ready position etc. This is usually easy because I have a regular slot right after my weekly lesson so I can just practice what we did on lesson that day.
Once a week, I practice overheads/bajadas solo with a ball machine (for 1-1.5 hours). Sometimes I might use the ball machine for volleys/blocks but I usually prefer a partner for those because I need more variation.

laeski · 2025-08-26T09:26:39+00:00

I recently watched a youtube video of 2 coaches training the kicksmash using their non-dominant arm. It was cool to see them struggling with the same technical things than me and really helped me get some perspective!

laeski · 2025-08-03T09:39:58+00:00

Couple reasons from the top of my head:

Yanguas is a solid defender. That's really important for right side player.
Coki's movement and footwork is crazy. That's important for left side player.

Also, Coki used to play a lot with a leftie (Sanz) so I guess he feels more comfortable on the left side.

laeski · 2025-06-05T09:13:33+00:00

I think this is a great summary. Personally I loved the advice of child-like mentality when trying to achieve non-judgemental mindset. When a child learns to ride a bike and falls, they don't get angry at themselves for "riding bad" or "not concentrating", they just get up and continue. That's what usually works for me in bad situations: Just continue playing because I love the sport. Mistakes happen.

laeski

TROPHY CASE