As the sport of Padel continues its rapid expansion across the United States, one of the biggest challenges clubs face is finding and developing qualified coaches. In this episode of Coffee Talk, Cesc and Julian break down everything club owners and coaches need to know about the business of coaching, including hiring practices, responsibilities, and the future of coaching certification.
Why Coaches Are the Key to a Successful Padel Club
When opening a Padel club, one of the most important factors for success is the quality of your coaches. A club might have the most beautiful courts, the best equipment, and top-notch facilities—but without great coaches, it will struggle to build a community and retain members.
The Growing Demand for Padel Coaches in the USA
With over 1,000 new Padel courts expected to enter the U.S. market in 2025—and possibly doubling by the end of the year—the demand for qualified coaches is skyrocketing. The problem? Right now, there are only about 30 experienced coaches in the entire country, and only a handful are truly equipped to teach Padel at a high level. Many current “Padel coaches” are former tennis or racket sports coaches who transitioned into the sport without formal training. This creates a bottleneck for the growth of Padel in the U.S.
The Responsibilities of a Padel Coach
A Padel coach is much more than someone who just teaches lessons. Many club owners expect coaches to take on multiple roles, including:
✅ Building a community – Engaging with players and making them feel part of the club.
✅ Creating programs & leagues – Organizing social events, beginner clinics, and advanced training sessions.
✅ Marketing and outreach – Promoting the sport via social media, WhatsApp groups, and local networking.
✅ Working with all skill levels – Coaching kids, beginners, seniors, and advanced players effectively.
One of the biggest mistakes clubs make is hiring top-ranked players who may be great at Padel but lack the personality and coaching skills to connect with and develop players at all levels.
1099 vs. W2: The Business Side of Hiring Coaches
One major decision club owners face is whether to hire coaches as independent contractors (1099) or as full-time employees (W2). Each option has pros and cons:
1099 Independent Contractor:
✔ No obligation to provide benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.)
✔ More flexibility for the club and the coach
❌ Coach is not exclusive to your club (can work elsewhere)
❌ May not be as committed to building your club’s community
W2 Employee:
✔ Full control over scheduling and exclusivity
✔ Greater commitment from the coach
✔ Can build a long-term, structured coaching program
❌ Requires offering benefits if working 32+ hours/week
❌ Higher financial commitment for the club
Understanding these hiring models is crucial to structuring a sustainable coaching program for your club.
The Future of Padel Coaching: Certification & Education
To solve the shortage of quality coaches, Padel Smash Academy is launching a Padel Coaching Certification Program! This program will offer both in-person and online certification to help train the next generation of coaches.
What Will the Certification Cover?
✅ All Padel techniques – Covering 40+ different shots, strategy, and gameplay. ✅ How to structure lessons – Teaching methodology for beginners to advanced players. ✅ Building community & leagues – How to engage players and grow the sport locally. ✅ Marketing & Business skills – Understanding the business side of coaching. ✅ Ongoing education – Weekly updates with new drills, training tips, and industry insights.
This initiative is critical to ensuring that the sport of Padel continues to grow sustainably across the U.S. and that clubs have access to skilled and knowledgeable coaches.
Final Thoughts: Building the Future of Padel in the U.S.
The demand for Padel is exploding, and the coaching industry needs to keep up. Clubs must be strategic in hiring the right coaches—not just great players but great teachers, community leaders, and business-minded professionals.
If you’re looking to become a certified Padel coach or you’re a club owner trying to develop your coaching staff, stay tuned for the launch of Padel Smash Academy’s Coaching Certification Program. Together, we can continue to grow Padel across the U.S. and make it a truly thriving sport nationwide!