In the latest video of “Padel Stuff / At the heart of padel”, a key question is asked by Fred Theulé: can you really progress in padel after 50, or even after 60 years old?  It is around this question that a stimulating dialogue begins with Andoni Bardasco, founder of Padel Stuff and former professional player (former WPT top 25). Andoni explains how tangible progress is possible at any age. This is provided you adopt an appropriate method, a strategic vision of the game, and a genuine desire to learn.

 The challenges of good progress 

At first glance, padel seems like a sport accessible to everyone. However, it requires very specific physical qualities: liveliness, explosiveness, coordination, quick reflexes... all skills that can diminish with age. Joints are put under a lot of strain (especially the knees, hips, back, and elbows), and the hard surfaces of the courts can accentuate chronic pain beyond the age of 50, or even 60. In addition, recovery is slower with age, making regular exercise more demanding.

Despite all this, as Andoni Bardasco explains, what helps you progress in padel isn't just explosiveness or speed. It's primarily about understanding the game, adopting good positions on the court, and developing technical and tactical reflexes. And this is something any player can acquire, regardless of their age.

Can you improve your padel skills after 50? padel stuff
Can you improve your padel skills after 50? padel stuff

 Progressing after 50: the examples of Fred and Philippe 

Fred's example perfectly illustrates this dynamic. When he arrived at the training camp a few months ago, he said to Andoni: "You know, I'm old, I'm over 55: can I still improve my padel?" The answer was immediate: of course yes. Fred, a former tennis player, has a good touch and a good reading of the game. By working methodically (positioning, movement, hitting), he manages to make significant progress.

The case of Philippe, seen in action in the video, is even more revealing. This intern, aged over 60, recently participated in an intensive 5-day training course at Padel Stuff, with two sessions per day. With Andoni and his team, Philippe worked on fundamental elements: the forehand, movement, positioning on the court, the volley. Result? Progress visible to the naked eye. Philippe was moving significantly better at the end of the week than at the beginning. He was hitting better, better understanding the tactical issues, and above all, enjoying the game because he realized he had been able to take a step forward.

 A padel culture to acquire to progress at any age 

The key to this progression? A structured teaching approach, a clear method, and above all, a desire to understand padel in its entirety. As Andoni reminds us in his latest video, learning "padel culture"—this culture that has been deeply rooted in Spain for over 25 years—is what allows for lasting progress. It is therefore not age that limits progress, but a lack of method and understanding of the game. And at Padel Stuff, each trainee leaves with concrete tools to improve, regardless of their age.

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Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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