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As the winter chill sets in, your padel game may face unique challenges like playing through a few extra layers of clothing or the odd day of damp back-glass. Nevertheless, with the right warm-up routine, you can not only mitigate the cold but also enhance your performance on the court. This week, we'll explore the importance of warm-ups during winter. Plus, we'll equip you with three quick warm-up ideas to ensure you step onto the padel court at your best.

The Importance of Warm-Ups in Winter

The winter months pose specific challenges to athletes, affecting muscle flexibility and increasing the risk of injuries. Studies show that cold weather can reduce blood flow to muscles, making them stiffer and more prone to strains and sprains. In padel, where agility and quick movements are crucial, a proper warm-up becomes even more critical during winter.

Effect of Cold on Muscles:

Research suggests that exposure to cold temperatures leads to vasoconstriction, limiting blood flow to muscles. This reduction in blood flow can result in decreased muscle elasticity and increased susceptibility to injuries.

Optimal Temperature for Performance:

Maintaining an optimal muscle temperature through warm-ups is essential for peak athletic performance. Research highlights that warm muscles contract and relax more efficiently, leading to improved overall function. 

3 Warm-Up Ideas for Winter Padel Sessions

Cardiovascular Warm-Up

Incorporate 5-10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging or skipping. This raises your heart rate, increasing blood flow to muscles and enhancing overall body warmth.

Dynamic Stretching

Perform dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists. These movements promote flexibility, improve circulation, and activate the muscles you'll use during padel.

Sport-Specific Movements

Mimic padel-specific movements during your warm-up. Include lateral shuffles, shadow shots, and controlled lunges to simulate the on-court actions. This mentally and physically prepares you for the game.

As the winter courts beckon, remember that a comprehensive warm-up is your key to staying injury free and unlocking your peak performance. Integrate these three quick warm-up exercises into your routine, and step onto the padel court with confidence, knowing that you've primed your body for success. And speaking of extra layers earlier, make sure to check out the UK PADEL Shop for your winter gear essentials such as beanies and waterproof layers. 

See you out on court, nothing but padel! 

Coach Jared

The echoes of exhilarating rallies and cheers from enthusiastic fans still resonate as the inaugural UK PADEL County Championships concluded yesterday. The event, the biggest ever to be hosted in the UK, brought together passionate players and counties in a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and the thriving padel community. As the curtain fell on a weekend filled with epic matches and a buzzing atmosphere, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable one.

A Shoutout to Players and Counties

First and foremost, a sincere thank you to the players and counties whose support elevated the championships. The quality of padel on display was nothing short of epic, showcasing the talent and skill of the participants. Your commitment to the sport and sportsmanship was truly commendable.

Hosts Extraordinaire: Rocket Padel Bristol

The tournament's success wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional hospitality of Rocket Padel Bristol. Their world-class facilities provided the perfect stage for the championships, and players had nothing but praise for the venue. A special acknowledgment to Rocket Padel Bristol for being outstanding hosts and contributing to the overall positive experience.

Cheers to the Fans!

The vibrant energy in Bristol was not just limited to the players; it extended to the passionate fans who either attended in person or caught the action on the livestream. Your support is the heartbeat of padel, and your enthusiasm only reinforces that padel is on an upward trajectory in the UK. Thank you for being an integral part of this thrilling event.

Mark Ayers: A Tournament Director Extraordinaire

A round of applause for Mark Ayers, the tournament director, whose skilful management ensured a smooth and seamless experience for players and teams. His experience in this crucial role was evident as he navigated the intricacies of the tournament, ironing out any challenges that arose. Kudos to Mark for a job well done.

Party Time: Shandy Shack and Paella CaLuciano

The festivities extended beyond the courts, with a lively players' party on Saturday night hosted by Shandy Shack and Paella CaLuciano. The generous portions and refreshing shandies added a perfect touch of fun to the evening, creating lasting memories off the court.

Winners and Future Prospects

Congratulations to the winning teams who emerged victorious in their respective categories: Yorkshire in the women's event, East Scotland in the men's event, and Sussex in the mixed event. Your achievements reflect not only skill but also the spirit of teamwork and determination.

Looking ahead, we anticipate an even more significant presence of women's and mixed teams in the upcoming editions. The success of this championship lays the foundation for the continued growth and popularity of padel in the UK.

What's Next?

The excitement doesn't end here. Stay tuned for our next big event scheduled for March, promising more thrilling matches, camaraderie, and the unmistakable padel spirit. Stay tuned here via the blog and on our social media channels.

In conclusion, the inaugural UK PADEL County Championships was a triumph on all fronts. As we reflect on a weekend that went by too quickly, we express our gratitude to everyone involved and eagerly anticipate the continued rise of padel in the UK. 

See you all next year for another unforgettable experience!

Jared Robinson

It’s finally here! We are thrilled to announce the kick off of the first-ever UK PADEL County Championships! It's time to witness the clash of counties as they vie for a coveted spot in Sunday's semi-finals and finals. The competition promises to be fierce, and we want you to be a part of the action!

Stay Updated with Live Scores

To keep up with the real-time excitement, we've got you covered with live score updates throughout the day. Follow all the twists and turns as counties battle it out for the top spot. To stay in the loop, bookmark the following link: Live Scores Updates.

Witness the Padel Magic – Live Streaming on YouTube

Can't make it to the event in person? No worries! We've got an exciting solution for you. We'll be live streaming all the padel action on our YouTube channel. Grab your favourite snack, kick back, and enjoy the games from the comfort of your home. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and set a reminder for the event: UK Padel County Championships.

Event Details:

Date: 18-19 November

Location: Rocket Padel, Bristol

Live Scores: Live Scores Updates

YouTube Live Stream: UK Padel County Championships

Get Ready to Cheer!

We can't wait to share the excitement with all of you. Whether you're rooting for a specific county or just eager to soak in the energy of the game, this event is not to be missed.

Connect with Us

Stay connected with UK Padel on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for real-time updates and join the conversation using #UKPCC or #NothingButPadel

See you on the Courts!

The UK Padel Team

As the County Championship looms just a few days away, the anticipation and excitement among players are palpable. The months of training have laid the foundation, and now, with the finish line in sight, it's time to refine the details for peak performance. In this article, we'll be going through some of the final steps that teams should look to take in the lead up to an event/tournament. Though these can be tailored for your individual tournaments as well. By following these steps, you will ensure you're not just physically prepared but also mentally primed for success.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news with you - the draws for the upcoming UK PADEL County Championships are now officially live!

As a valued member of our UK PADEL community, you're among the first to gain exclusive access to see which teams will be battling it out for glory at Rocket Padel Bristol on 18 and 19 November. Get ready to witness some fierce competition and extraordinary talent on display!

We will be livestreaming the event across our social media channels including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Please give us a follow on any of those channles to be updated when the streams go live! If you aren't able to make it down to Bristol for the event, this will be a great way to catch the action!

We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for being a part of the UK PADEL community. Your enthusiasm and support are what make events like this possible. We're eagerly looking forward to welcoming you next weekend for what promises to be a weekend filled with high-quality padel action, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

We’ve covered some of the more generic padel smashes such as the bandeja and vibora (remember what they mean) in previous Coaches Corner posts. We have two more niche smashes to discuss. In the world of padel, mastering unique shots can set you apart on the court. One of these unique shots is the rulo. Translated from Spanish to mean “roll,” this tactical smash, championed by Argentinian sensation Franco Stupaczuk, is a game-changer designed to use the side fence and create opportunities for a follow-up shot.

The Rulo: Tactical Awareness

The rulo is a shot used in a specific situation: Picture yourself at the net, your opponent just lobbed the ball over your backhand side, and it is hovering tantalizingly over your outside shoulder – not enough time to move into position to hit a regular smash – THAT is the moment to hit the rulo. The angle from your opponent’s lob gives you an opportunity to angle the ball down into the side fence with a slow, topspin smash. (Emphasis on SLOW.) By hitting it into the side fence, you force your opponent into a whirlwind of defensive manoeuvres from anticipating the ball's unpredictable bounce to trying to not let it hit the fence in the first place – this shot redirects the play, leaving your opponent scrambling to catch up. 

Rulo: The Technical Elements

The rulo is technically similar to a kick serve in tennis. The ball is over the left shoulder (for right-handed players,) and contact is made on the left-hand side of the body. The ball needs to drop lower than a regular smash contact point so that the racquet face can “roll” over the ball to get it to dip down over the net and bounce before hitting the side fence. The rulo is hit with “kick” or topspin so that it can jump up into the cage and disarm your opponents – but don’t hit it too hard! This is one of the slowest smashes there is. The angle you hit the shot dictates how hard you should hit it. 

The Art of the "Roll"

Despite its deceptive gentleness, executing a rulo is a high-level skill that demands a blend of flexibility and strength. It requires you to reach back and make contact behind the head, akin to executing a light topspin smash. It's a testament to the finesse and control that characterizes this advanced shot.

Master the Rulo: Coaching Sessions Await!

If you're excited by the rulo and eager to add it to your toolbox, you're in luck! Jump on a Coaching Session and receive guidance and hands-on training. The UK PADEL app is where you will find mor information on these sessions, or reach out to Jared at jared@ukpadel.org.  Don't miss this chance to elevate your game and surprise your opponents with a move that could redefine your playing style.

CHALLENGES! Win 1 Years Supply of UK PADEL Kit

If you’re not following us on social media, you better start now! We have launched the CHALLENGE series in the build-up to the UK PADEL COUNTY CHAMPS. Each challenge will have its own individual prize and increase in difficulty. 

The first on is called: Serve it up!

Can you hit the side glass with a serve 3 times in a row? All you have to do is show us your skills for a chance to win a UK Padel NO.3 racket! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @uk_padel to enter. PS: If you enter all 3 challenges, you will be entered into the draw to win 1 year’s supply of UK PADEL kit!

Catch you on court soon!

Coach Jared

As players progress from the humble skill of using the back glass and move into the more nuanced areas of the sport such as the bandeja, a padel lesson often turns into a Spanish language lesson. Last week we had the Vibora, remember what that means? And this week in the Padel Smash Series is no different. 

This past weekend, the UK Padel Men’s Team made the trip to Rocket Padel Bristol for the highly anticipated iPadel Summer League Finals. This event brought together the regionals winners from across the UK, vying for the coveted title of national club champion. With 16 formidable men's teams in contention, alongside women and mixed events, the weekend promised a showcase of top tier padel.

A special thanks goes out to Ian Colligon at iPadel for organising this impressive event. All went smoothly over the weekend and the buzz each day at the event was awesome. Thanks also to Rocket Padel Bristol for providing a fantastic venue - we're already counting down the days until UK PADEL are back in Bristol for the County Championships in six weeks' time - this event was a teaser of what’s to come!

Our tournament kicked off with an intense match against the always tough Chelsea Harbour Club in the first round. Trevor and James led the charge, battling through two closely contested sets. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, leaving us down 0-1 with one match remaining.

Nick and I took the court and got off to a fast start, clinching the first set in convincing fashion. The second set saw some high-level padel with both teams refusing to yield. At 5-5, the tension was high, but we ultimately fell short, losing the set 5-7. The third set brought us to a super tiebreaker, a nerve-wracking showdown to 10 points. With a 7-4 lead, victory seemed within grasp. Yet, despite a valiant effort, we narrowly missed the mark, concluding at 8-10. While disappointed with the result, the match was a testament to the exceptional standard of play and an absolute blast.

Undeterred, we moved into the plate stage, facing off against Limpsfield, Gloucestershire and culminating in a thrilling final with Surbiton. James and Trevor dominated with a 6-4 6-4 win, while Nick and I engaged in yet another heart-pounding three-setter which we narrowly lost.

The match came down to a decider, where one player from each pair formed a team, and a super tiebreaker would determine the match's outcome. James and I stepped up, delivering some of our finest padel of the day. The result was a resounding 10-1 victory, securing the Plate Trophy for UK PADEL. THE beers at the end of the day tasted that much sweeter!

Feeling inspired by our journey at the iPadel Summer League Finals? There's a place for you in the active world of UK Padel. Sharpen your skills with coaching sessions, forge lasting connections in club matches, and experience the thrill of competitive padel. We're already gearing up for the iPadel Winter League and are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the addition of a second men’s team. It's fantastic to see the UK Padel community so eager for more thrilling padel action. Ladies, next year we hope to see you in the finals as well and let’s not forget the Mixed Doubles event which tests players versatility and teamwork.

If you would like to get involved, please reach out to any one of us at UK Padel. The league not only offers a platform to test your skills against challenging opponents but also provides an opportunity to connect with fellow padel enthusiasts across different clubs.

Thank you all, and we'll see you out on the court! 

Coach Jared

In this first instalment of the Padel Smash Series I will be talking about a shot of particular intrigue—the "Vibora". An aggressive overhead smash named after the Spanish word for "snake", the Vibora offers players a potent weapon on the padel court. In this article, we will dissect the Vibora, examining its mechanics, strategies, and how it may be different to other padel smashes.

This past weekend UK Padel hosted the 2^nd round of the UK Padel Youth Padel Tour bringing together enthusiastic juniors with varying levels of padel experience. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and a healthy dose of competition. Again, we used the Americano format so that players could share the court with new peers and make lasting padel friendships all while trying to test their skills and figure their new opponents out. 

A warm thank you goes out to the parents, some for the second time, to bring their kids down to play. We got a sense that after watching their youngsters play, the adults were itching to get on court as well! Thank you to the new faces who entered, it’s so great to see the sport reach more people. Padel has a unique ability to capture the hearts of those who try it, and this event proved just that.

For those whose children have yet to set foot on a padel court, I extend a challenge. Padel is a sport that offers enjoyment to individuals of all skill levels and sporting backgrounds. I can almost guarantee that they will have a great time on the court. Let's get more kids involved in this wonderful sport, and who knows, we might discover the next padel sensation!

So, mark your calendars because the next round of UK Padel Youth Padel Tour is on October 29^th. It could be your first time playing in one of our tournaments or it could be your third, wither way we guarantee some high quality padel and new padel friends. Let’s keep the momentum going, gather your friends, and let's make each tournament an unforgettable experience on the padel court! You can find the tournament on the LTA website or reach out to us here at UK Padel and we will get you sorted. 

See you on court!

The scene is set. You have the net. Your opponent’s drop their racquet way below the ball. You know what’s coming next. You drop back and prepare the racquet high above your head. But now what to do? Where to hit? At the feet, the corner, the cage? What type of spin should I give the ball? Kick? Slice? Should I drop all the way back and let it bounce off the back glass? All valid points. And in this series of Coaches Corner, I will be going through each smash and try to make your decision making easier and make you more effective once you’ve prepared beneath the ball. 

Hello everybody, autumn has arrived!

That means the temperatures are starting to drop and we’ll be getting a few more raindrops! This week I want to give you some tips on the best ways to deal with rain on a padel court. But first, I wanted to briefly chat about the rain policy at the club until (fingers crossed) we get the court covers approved.