In this issue

Hey, it’s Friday! It’s Timo here with your weekly padel tips and news.

📺 What we’re watching The FIP European championships on YouTube.

Today’s newsletter is 465 words— a 3.5 minute read.

1.  Level up 🚀: 3 ways to improve your serve

Three ways to improve your serve from Padel Drive.

Tip #1: Target the Glass

Beginners and intermediate players should focus on serving towards the glass. This strategy causes unpredictable rebounds, which causes problems for your opponents and increases the likelihood of a return error.

Tip #2: Serve to the Center (T)

Aiming for the T is a tactical move designed to limit the opponent's angle for a return shot. By aiming for the T, your opponent must decide quickly between a forehand and a backhand return, often leading to hesitation or a poorly executed response.

If you do this well, the ball will die upon touching the glass, reducing the opponent's options.

Tip #3: Aim at the Opponent's Body Line

Advanced players benefit from varying their serves, including targeting the opponent's body line. This technique applies pressure by reducing the opponent's reaction time and space to maneuver. A serve directed towards your opponent’s body complicates the return by forcing the opponent to make a quick decision: to step back for a more comfortable hit or to attempt a risky block.

2. Quick hits 🧨 : Is padel more fashionable than tennis?

The Athletic - Sean Dyche is spicing up Everton's pre-season with a side of padel. This isn’t just about fun and games—Dyche sees padel as the perfect way to boost team spirit while enhancing agility, coordination, and quick reflexes.

BBC - The old Toys R Us in Gloucester is getting a sporty makeover, transforming into nine indoor padel courts with a restaurant and bar. The Padel Club is spearheading the project, capitalizing on the sport’s growing popularity. CEO Kris Ball highlights the venue's ideal features: spacious layout, high ceilings, and prime location.

Telegraph - Padel is the new fashion frontier, with brands like Prada and Versace leading the charge with luxury rackets priced at £1,470 and £1,020. Adidas offers stylish and comfortable attire, while Pulco Studios blends functionality with the trendy "Gorp Core" aesthetic. Pulco’s gear, including their AirCon shirt and padel-specific backpack, caters to the active urban professional.

3. Gear we love 🤌: Our quest for the perfect padel shoe…

If you’re considering a new padel shoe, check out my in-depth reviews of the Asics Gel Padel Pro, Asics Gel Resolution 8 and Babolat Jet Premura 2.

4. Dream court 🏝️: Kuredu Resort, Maldives

Check out these stunning padel courts at Kuredu Resort & Spa in the Maldives. This place is a paradise for padel enthusiasts, surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views.

 Poll of the week 🗳️