Julian Wortelboer
🎾 Julian’s Coaching Philosophy 🎾
“Develop the player. Empower the person. Grow the sport.”
1. Coaching with Purpose
Every session is more than just hitting balls — it’s an opportunity to build habits, decision-making, and self-belief. I coach to make players smarter, more efficient, and mentally sharper, not just better hitters.
2. Progress Over Perfection
I believe in a layered learning process:
Technical foundation → Tactical awareness → Mental resilience → Competitive confidence.
Improvement is never linear, but consistency in small wins leads to exponential growth.
3. Energy on Court is Contagious
A coach’s presence sets the tone. My sessions are structured, high-energy, and intentionally fun. I feed with purpose, correct with care, and push with empathy. I don’t just teach; I motivate, challenge, and inspire.
4. Coaching Is a Conversation
I listen as much as I instruct. Great coaching means adapting to the player’s learning style, personality, and goals. Feedback flows both ways — I’m a coach, but also a student of the game and the player.
5. Respect the Wall. Master the Mind.
Padel is unique — it rewards anticipation, patience, and control. My philosophy centers on helping players read the game, play with intention, and use the wall as an ally, not an obstacle.
6. Coach the Person, Not Just the Player
Character > Results. Whether they’re juniors, adults, or competitors, my goal is to help them grow on and off the court. I want every student to leave feeling more confident, more connected, and more curious.
Julian’s illustrious career began as a professional padel and tennis player before transitioning to become a trailblazer in racquet sports management. He combines the discipline and dedication of a world-class athlete with over 25 years of excellence in private club management, bringing unparalleled expertise to every engagement.
Central to Julian’s impact on the sport is Padel Smash Academy, which he co-founded with Cesc Caceres. As the largest and most influential padel content platform in the country, Padel Smash Academy has redefined how padel grows and is experienced. Guided by a “growth before profit” philosophy, it has built a thriving ecosystem through daily content creation, strategic partnerships, and support for padel entrepreneurs. Their YouTube channel, with over 80,000 subscribers and more than 2 million views, is a testament to its reach and influence. With its innovative approach, Padel Smash Academy stands at the forefront of padel education and club management, shaping the future of the sport in the United States.
Julian is also the only certified Padel Master Coach in the United States, with a methodology and instructional techniques that are second to none. His expertise sets the standard for elite educational programs and is the foundation for best-in-class padel club management practices.
As the former President of the Padel Coaches Association (PCA), Julian Wortelboer played a key role in elevating coaching standards and expanding the sport’s footprint worldwide. He was instrumental in developing the first-ever Padel Coaches Certification in the United States in partnership with the Padel Coaching Registry (PCR)—a landmark achievement in the professionalization of the sport. Today, that certification has been merged into Padel Smash Academy, the leading platform for padel coach education and development in the U.S., further advancing Julian’s mission to empower coaches and grow the game.
Julian’s professional achievements extend to becoming one of the first two Racquet Sports Directors in the U.S. to earn the prestigious Professional Sports Registry (PSR) “4-Star” rating. His numerous certifications include USPTA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, PCR, USPTA Padel Certification, Padel Coaching HAC Method Levels 1 & 2, and CRSE (Certified Racquet Sports Executive), as well as a Master’s degree in Racquet Sports Management from the University of Florida.
In 2023 and 2024, Julian’s contributions were recognized on an international level with his nomination to represent the USA National Padel Team at the Pan American Games, underscoring his leadership and lasting influence on the global growth of padel.
🎾 Julian’s Bio 🎾