To enhance your padel experience, the right accessories can make a big difference. Here are some of the best products to consider based on the team’s experiences within Padel/Padel Tennis :
1. Self-development
Enthusiasm and court-time will only take you to a specific level of performance
Consider developing your physical and mental game by reading these books
- The Padel Player's Guide: How to improve your padel tennis with pro tips and padel drills (thepadelschool.com methodology)
There’s nothing better than a good book, although the likes of YouTube (videos) and Spotify (podcasts) can be incredibly helpful tools
If you are familiar with YouTube and the algorithm pushes a lot of padel content in your face, you will likely know The Padel School and Sandy Farquharson
As at June 2024, Sandy has written a book sharing his own padel journey, his work with the LTA shaping the next generation of padel coaches and lots of helpful hints and tips with useful visual aides
A highly recommended read for all levels of ability
You can buy the book here; https://amzn.to/3Te9uZV - Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
Padel can bring euphoric highs and terrible lows. It’s what makes the sport so incredibly fun but equally frustrating!
Focusing on your fitness or shot selection will only take you so far
Consider giving your mind a treat by reading this book
Who knows, you may learn a thing or two!
You can buy the book here; https://amzn.to/3Tb986e
2. Avoid Cramp!
It’s important that your fun is not dictated by your calf muscles
A warm-up helps considerably but go a step further by focusing on your nutrition too!
- Electrolytes
My personal favourite, I have used this product daily for approximately 15 years
Unlike most alternative products, elete only includes four minerals and no added vitamins
Simply add a few drops to water and the likelihood of cramp dramatically reduces
I recommend this all many padel and non-padel friends who have had great results
Also helpful if you suffer from muscle tension or other health ailments
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/4g6O1vN - Science In Sport Hydro Hydration Tablets
A traditional approach to hydration, this product is in the form of a small tablet
Simply add one tablet to water and it transforms into a berry tasting super drink
Perfect if you like the taste of berries, less perfect if not
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/3X9bowc
3.Smelly Shoes!
Court shoes have a tendency to smell BAD very quickly
It’s not you, it’s the shoe!
- Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodoriser
A strange concept that makes a lot more sense once you realise the shape of a banana nicely fits into a sports trainer
I have used this product since I started playing padel
I wasn’t sure whether it was my feet, my trainers or just pure bad luck
Turns out this is common with most court shoes
Put a banana in your shoe; the smell will not fully disappear but it does an incredible job at making them more socially acceptable!
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/4g1G0It - Shoe Ninja Shoe Deodoriser
This is a cheaper alternative to the Boot Bananas product and has comparable materials
Both products are recyclable (as much as they can be – I have yet to test this!) and use natural ingredients such as charcoal (Shoe Ninja) and salts, lavender and tea-tree oils (Boot Banana)
Somewhat oddly, it is also accompanied by a free pair of nail clippers
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/479Nntf
4. Grip
If you are fed up of frequently replacing your grip and/or struggle to get a good grasp of your racket, consider using alternative products that you can use during a match
- 4on TotalGrip Spray
This spray provides high-friction stickiness and is activated with moisture
A practical solution to a recurring problem, especially during hotter temperatures!Sweaty hands are no longer an issue, whilst the 200ml volume ensures that product can be used on multiple occassions
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/3T9tCwc - Gorilla gold grip enhancer
If spray is not an option or you want to try something different, this resin cloth is highly recommended
It contains environmentally friendly beeswax, which is water resistant and durable
Simply apply to your hands or racket grip during a match and be amazed!
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/4dIoffS or https://padelcorner.co.uk/products/gorilla-gold-grip-enhancer
5. Combat Sweat!
It can get really hot, really quickly
Even if your centre has an air con or if you are playing outside, it’s helpful to have something that can help!
- Sweatbands
These sweatbands are made of high quality, stretchy cotton material
Super absorbent and washing machine safe, without adding weight to your arm
A selection of colours and quantities are available to suit your needs
You can buy this product here; https://amzn.to/3AHDAyL - Towel
Sometimes a sweatband just isn’t enough
Consider trying a lightweight, compact, quick drying microfibre towel
Best used during breaks in addition to drinking water and/or having a snack
You can buy this product here;
Small - https://amzn.to/479nMkm
Large - https://amzn.to/4dIGKAS