Angela Burgess: My Journey Into Coaching at the British Padel Academy
- Angela Burgess
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
I’ve always been drawn to racket sports. Tennis, badminton, table tennis — if it involved a racket, I was there. Everything changed in the summer of 2019 when my son started playing padel at our local club in Maldon. I decided to give it a try… and from the very first session, I was hooked. The energy, the rallies, the social side of the game — it all clicked instantly.
For a while I played socially, but the more I played, the more I realised padel wasn’t just a hobby. It was something I wanted to build my life around. In September 2024, I took the leap and began coaching — a decision that has genuinely transformed my career and my confidence.
Coaching at BPA: What I Love Most
I mainly coach group sessions — 8-player club-led sessions and 4-player small group sessions for private coaching. Whether it’s early mornings, cold evenings, or anything in between, I love being on court. Creating a fun, safe, and encouraging learning environment is at the heart of everything I do.
Most of my players are beginners to high intermediates, and I absolutely love guiding them through those early stages of discovery. Watching someone hit their first clean wall shot, understand a new tactic, or stay calm under pressure — those moments are magic.
There’s nothing better than seeing a player suddenly “get it”:
Running back confidently to take a lob off the glass
Choosing control over power
Building points with patience
Communicating with their partner
Extending rallies because they’re finally playing padel, not just hitting balls
These small improvements, week after week, bring me so much joy.
Building a Community I’m Proud Of
One of my biggest achievements so far has been creating a vibrant beginner and intermediate community. Every weekend, my private group sessions are fully booked — not because of me, but because the players genuinely love learning, improving, and supporting each other.
It’s been amazing to watch friendships form, confidence grow, and players start booking courts together outside of coaching. That sense of community is what makes padel so special.
Why I Love Being Part of the British Padel Academy
Working as a BPA coach has been a huge part of my development. The support we receive is truly unmatched.
We meet once a month for a three-hour coach development session with Dan, where we dive into drills, techniques, and coaching strategies.
Our WhatsApp group is always active — questions, ideas, shared experiences, and plenty of encouragement.
We also have a monthly online call where we can discuss anything we need support with.
Being surrounded by coaches who genuinely want each other to succeed has helped me grow in confidence and refine the way I deliver sessions. It’s a team I’m proud to be part of.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, I’m excited not only to continue developing as a coach, but also as a player. The more I learn on court, the more I can give back to the players I work with — especially those beginning to push into performance-level training.
One area I’m particularly passionate about is mental performance. Padel isn’t just about technique or tactics; it’s about decision-making, emotional control, confidence, and resilience. I’d love to deepen my knowledge in this area so I can better support the academy’s performance players — helping them stay composed under pressure, manage momentum shifts, and build the mindset needed to compete at a higher level.
At the same time, my heart will always be with the wider padel community. I want to keep growing the sport from the ground up — welcoming new players, supporting improvers, and creating an environment where everyone feels part of something bigger. Seeing people fall in love with padel, make new friends, and feel proud of their progress is what motivates me every day.
Closing Thoughts
Coaching at the British Padel Academy has allowed me to turn my passion into my career. Every session, every breakthrough moment, and every new player stepping onto the court reminds me why I love what I do. I’m really excited for the future — for more learning, more growth, and seeing our padel community continue to thrive.
Want to start your padel coaching journey or take your skills to the next level?
Join the British Padel Academy and be part of a community where coaches grow, share, and develop together.
For aspiring coaches: Take your first step with our Introduction to Coaching Course and join a network of like-minded coaches.
Contact us: Get in touch to register your interest or ask any questions about our programmes.
Your journey in padel coaching starts here.
Comments