The Padel School Podcast

Why Your First 10 Minutes Decide Your Match

Sandy Farquharson

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0:00 | 13:33

In this episode, we break down why most players lose their matches in the first 10 minutes—and how to make sure you’re not one of them.

From rushing straight from work onto court, skipping warm-ups, lacking tactical clarity, or simply starting too slowly, many recreational players unknowingly sabotage their performance before the match has even properly begun. We explore how elite players, national competitors, and top-performing club players use pre-match routines to create consistency, confidence, and stronger starts.

We cover:

  •  Why the 10 minutes before stepping on court may be even more important than the first few games 
  •  How physical warm-ups improve performance, reduce injury risk, and sharpen focus 
  •  The power of pre-match clarity, journaling, and tactical planning 
  •  How to create a simple, realistic pre-match routine—even with a busy schedule 
  •  Why warming up with your partner can dramatically improve teamwork and results 
  •  The importance of intentional on-court warm-ups instead of mindless hitting 

Whether you’re a club player, competitive amateur, or serious tournament player, this episode gives you a practical blueprint to improve consistency, reduce unforced errors, and start matches with a major advantage.

If you’ve ever wondered why your performances feel inconsistent or why you often start matches poorly, this conversation could completely change how you approach your game.

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