It's Friday and the end to one of my little padel adventures. Before moving onto the next one - "just" a SPT Masters and a visit from Lamperti - here's a recap of my trip to Gandia Beach with Camp Padel.
First, a little background info about the camp. A genius named David Strand started running a beach volleyball camp in 2008 and by this year, the camp managed to bring in 250 volleyball players of all levels and install its first edition of padel camp. This concept appeals to me since I'm a former beach volleyball wannabe. #iwishiwasalittlebittaller #iwishiwasballer #skee-lo. Plus, I start picturing the possibility of hundreds of fun-loving padel players all together at once by the beach sometime in the future and the volleyball camp also provided our little group of 20 a well established social atmosphere.
I did have ambitions of writing a daily journal during my week, but there was just too much going on and too much too take in. To make it simple, I've sum up the week in three lists.
MY EARNINGS
✔ 5 days of warm sunny weather with my husband and youngest daughter
✔ 15 new padel friends from all parts of Sweden, Holland and Spain
✔ 7.5 hours on court with eager padel students
✔ 7 private sessions with very experienced and professional coach
✔ 5 tough practice matches
✔ 1 windy but fun beach volleyball match
✔ 1 cm around waistline #cheese #ibericoham #aioli #paella
✔ 3 evenings of happy hour on the beach along with the padel and volleyball gangs
MY LEARNINGS
One area I worked on with the Head Coach was my overhead shots. I've struggled with the bandeja as many do and felt a relief when he told me that the bandeja is a little old-fashioned. This was a refreshing idea since I do believe mine does quite suck at times. Ok, I probably will not be able to get rid of it totally but this week, we brought back remnants of my tennis serve in hopes to hit more of a viborra shot. I have to admit it was not easy reprogramming my right shoulder to not open up too much, but I will continue working on getting back that serve twist again.
Another major area I had requested to work on was my volleys. I need heavier volleys that can do more damage. And by saying more damage that doesn't necessarily mean harder and deeper. I need to get the right slice by stepping into the shot more and using a shorter swing. The sound of the shot should be more of a brushing sound instead of a thud. Then there's the depth issue - give more depth in the corners to push opponent back forcing them to eventually use the walls, but when aiming in the middle don't use too much depth because it can cause an easy bounce that comes straight out.
We also worked on defense in the corner especially using my left foot to step into the corner when the ball passes my right foot. I'd heard about this almighty step that makes all the difference but had actually never really worked on it.
TOP PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK
Hero of the Week
Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Richard Brooks, head coach at the camp. Not only did he impress me with his good taste in coffee #bonbonconhielo, contagiously positive energy and mean break dancing skills, he also proved to be an extremely fun and down-to-earth person, as well as amazing teacher and coach #R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Richard Brooks.
Party Fixer of the Week
The camp was run smoothly and with lots of heart by friend and fellow Nox player Paul Robinson. From renting a mini bus and driving a group of shopping-crazed padel addicts back and forth to Decathlon, taking my 8-year old to the bathroom, setting up training and practice matches for all students and coaches, to carrying baskets of balls here and there. Every detail was covered with ease - at least so it seemed. #hatsoff
Addict of the Week
This title goes to my husband Dan Andersson. This guy without a doubt had the best mileage on the padel court, making sure not to miss one second of play. #hypercity
Entertainer of the Week
...goes to Andreas Sjöberg. From his seriously sarcastic tone and the definition of his t-shirt tan line to the many very life-like animal sounds he could create with his mouth and nose, no one could be in the vicinity of him without laughing. #nicknameelguapo
Trooper of the Week
She will never end up reading this but my 8-year old daughter Zoe deserves a huge pat on the back. She showed great stamina and patience waiting court-side for mom and dad everyday and also keeping up with the early mornings and late nights all for our silly padel addiction. Have to thank all of my padel friends on site who took the time to give her attention both on and off court #love
Zoe courtside with Ola Brodén.
There's so much more to say about the week but now it's time to catch up with my big girls at home and do some laundry in time to get sweaty again. Tomorrow is the SPT Nox Open in Gothenburg — my home turf. Men's classes and Lamperti show will take place on Saturday. Men's semis and finals and all Women's matches on Sunday. Hope to see you there!
Antonette
