A child leaves their first padel session and asks when they can play again. For a junior coach, that question matters.
It means there is an opportunity to keep teaching. Another session to develop coordination, another chance to practise with a partner, another experience of trying something difficult and improving.
In my approach to junior coaching, enjoyment is a central part of development. We need children to want to stay involved long enough to discover what they can do.
Make the activity fit the child
An adult may be happy to discuss the purpose of a drill before starting. A young child may need to discover that purpose through a game.
With the youngest players, activities can involve foam balls, balloons, targets, hoops, and simple movement challenges. A child who cannot yet sustain a rally can still practise tracking, coordination, balance, and working with another person.
The coach needs a clear objective behind the activity. The child needs something engaging to do.
As players develop, sessions can introduce more stroke work, rules, tactical questions, and short matches. Watch the children in front of you and adjust the challenge to their readiness.
Look at how much each child participates
A drill can look organised while giving children very little opportunity to play.
Watch the waiting time. How long does each child stand in line? How often do they touch a ball? Are they involved, or watching someone else receive instruction?
Use short activities and simple instructions. Where the space and supervision allow, organise tasks so players have more opportunities to participate. If attention disappears, examine the activity before assuming the children are the problem.
Good session design makes it easier for them to stay engaged.
Make mistakes safe to learn from
A missed ball is already visible. The coach's response determines what happens next.
A child who feels embarrassed may become reluctant to try. A calm, specific adjustment gives them something useful to do. Recognising effort, persistence, or a better decision helps them see progress beyond the score.
Keep comparisons focused on the child's own development. Notice what they can do today that was difficult a few weeks ago. Give that progress a name.
Competition can belong in this environment. Short games and achievable challenges create excitement, provided children understand that an error is part of playing and learning.
Let the relationship develop too
As juniors grow older, their needs change. They may want more independence, more explanation, and a greater voice in their goals. School demands and changing motivation also become part of the coaching conversation.
Listen. Ask what they are finding difficult and what they want to improve. Keep expectations clear while recognising the person behind the performance.
For parents, a useful question after a session is: “What did you enjoy, and what did you learn?” It opens a wider conversation than the score alone.
For coaches, the challenge is to create a session worth returning to. Every return gives us another chance to help a young player grow.
Adapted from Chapter 10, “Junior Development & Youth Coaching,” and the enjoyment and empathy principles in Chapter 1 of Mastering the Art of Coaching Padel.
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