Our Story
Absolute Padel was created to bring a different approach to the game, one that evolves with the sport and reflects how padel is actually played.
Traditional coaching often focuses on isolated technique. We believe padel should be coached differently, built around decision-making, match situations and real gameplay.
Players develop awareness, confidence and understanding, not just execution.
Built for Passionate Padel Players
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, driven by its accessibility, social nature and competitive edge. But while participation is accelerating, coaching has not always evolved at the same pace.
That gap is where Absolute Padel sits.
Padel is still evolving as a sport, shaped by new players, new ideas and different approaches to the game.
At Absolute Padel, we do not follow a fixed coaching model. Our approach is continuously refined through real match play, player development and ongoing learning, ensuring it reflects how the game is actually played at every level.
Our goal is simple. Give every player the tools to improve, from complete beginners through to experienced competitors, while building a stronger, more connected padel community.
Years of elite coaching
Coaching experience
Academy, every level
Built and based
Coaching Principles
Ant Hardman
The Absolute Padel Academy is led by Ant Hardman, whose background is rooted in elite player development and high-performance doubles coaching at the highest levels of racket sport.
With over 25 years of coaching experience, Ant has worked with players across every stage of development, 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 progression.
His coaching reputation was built on understanding how matches are actually won, not just through technique, but through positioning, decision-making, patterns of play and emotional control under pressure.
That same thinking now underpins his work in padel.
Rather than following traditional shot-led coaching models, Ant's approach is built around what consistently decides points in real match situations, helping players improve within those realities, not outside of them.
His move into padel has been fully immersive, combining coaching, competing and continuous study of the sport to develop a methodology that reflects where padel is today and where it is heading.
As both a coach and active player, he sees padel as a sport still early in its development, creating a rare opportunity to build better coaching systems before habits become fixed.
For Ant, improvement comes from helping players understand the game more clearly, make better decisions under pressure and develop skills that hold up when it matters most.
His ambition through Absolute Padel is to build a coaching environment that develops players at every level while contributing to the long-term growth of the sport and its community in the UK.
The Functional Padel Method
Unlike traditional coaching models built around isolated technique, the academy is based on how the game is actually played.
The focus is on decision-making, match situations and emotional control under pressure.
The five pillars work together as one connected system, helping players understand 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.
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.
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.