Our Story
Absolute Padel was created to bring a different approach to the game, one that reflects how padel is actually played and continues to evolve.
Traditional coaching often focuses on isolated technique. We believe the game should be taught differently, built around decision-making, match situations and real gameplay.
The result is a clearer, more practical way to learn, helping players build awareness, confidence and understanding, not just execution.
Built for Passionate Padel Players
Padel is growing rapidly across the UK, attracting players at every level through its accessibility, social nature and competitive edge. But while participation is accelerating, coaching has not always evolved at the same pace.
Absolute Padel sits in that gap, building a training programme that evolves with the game rather than against it.
Our approach is continuously refined through real match play, player development and ongoing learning, so that it reflects how padel is actually played today.
Whether someone is picking up a racket for the first time or already competing, our focus is on helping players develop, enjoy the game and progress with confidence, while building a stronger, more connected padel community.
Years of elite coaching
Coaching experience
Academy, every level
Built and based
Ant Hardman
Ant Hardman leads the Absolute Padel Academy, bringing more than 25 years of experience in elite player development and high-performance doubles coaching.
Across his career, he has worked with players from junior pathways through to Grand Slam level, including coaching Wimbledon champion and former world number one Neal Skupski during a key period of his development.
His reputation was built on understanding how matches are truly won, through positioning, decision-making, patterns of play and emotional control under pressure, rather than technique alone.
That same perspective now underpins his work in padel.
Through coaching, competing and immersing himself in the sport, Ant is developing a methodology built around what consistently decides points in real match situations, reflecting how padel is actually played and where the game is heading as it continues to evolve.
Through Absolute Padel, his ambition is to build a coaching environment that helps players at every level improve with clarity, confidence and a deeper understanding of the game.
Coaching Principles
The Functional Padel Method
The academy is built around how padel is actually played, not around isolated technique.
Its focus is simple: decision-making, match situations and emotional control under pressure.
The five pillars work together as one connected system, helping players see the game more clearly, recognise patterns earlier and make better decisions in competition.
Game Understanding & Emotional Control
Padel is shaped by pressure, momentum and mistakes, not just winners.
This pillar helps players stay composed, understand net control and make clearer decisions when points become uncomfortable.
Padel-Specific Functions
Players are not taught shots first, but what each ball needs to achieve.
From creating height under pressure to controlling the middle, the focus is always on solving problems, not just executing technique.
Transferable Skills
Most players bring useful skills from other sports.
This pillar builds on what already exists, making learning more natural, reducing overload and accelerating improvement.
Level-Layered Technique
Technique supports performance, it does not lead it.
Players work toward the same tactical goals at every level, with execution adapting as they improve.
Prehab & Rehab
Long-term progress depends on staying available to play.
Simple routines help protect the body, maintain consistency and support ongoing development.
Meet the Team
Ant Hardman
Co-Founder & Head of Coaching
Decades of elite player development and high-performance doubles coaching have shaped Ant's approach to padel and the philosophy behind the academy.
Georgia Jones
Head of Operations & Development
Oversees the day-to-day running and growth of Absolute Padel, shaping the brand and turning the wider vision into something tangible and scalable.
Lewis Clark
Creative & Digital Lead
Shapes how the academy, content and wider brand are brought to life, translating the strategic vision into a strong and engaging digital experience.
Shaping the Future of Padel
We envision a world where padel drives connection, growth and confidence. As the sport continues to grow, Absolute Padel aims to play a leading role in its future by bridging competition with camaraderie and inspiring individuals to achieve their best on the court.
This vision pushes us to continuously innovate, delivering a brand synonymous with performance, community and lasting impact.
Empowering Every Player
Our mission is to help more people discover, play and improve at padel through high-quality coaching and structured academy programmes, while building a stronger, more connected player community. Through innovation, expert teaching and a different approach to the game, Absolute Padel helps players develop with confidence and stay in the sport long term.
Our Values
Expertise
Built on real coaching experience at the highest level, grounded in what works in competition, not just in theory.
Innovation
Challenging traditional coaching with a different, evolving approach that reflects how the game is actually played.
Community
Creating an environment where players can connect, learn and grow together, both on and off the court.
Performance Mindset
Encouraging players to think, adapt and perform under pressure, not just execute technique.