Richard Brattle
One hour on court with Coach Brice and Florent. What we saw, what we will work on, and how your week in Koh Samui is built around it.
A solid 2.5 with the shots of a better player
Your shots from the back of the court are already reliable. What holds your level back is not technique. It is where you stand, and knowing when to go forward and take the net.
Baseline
Strength- Consistent forehand, precise backhand. You can hold a rally.
- You stand a little too far forward at the back. The ball arrives at your feet, so you end up half-volleying or volleying low balls you should let come to you.
Glass defence
To refine- You know how to use the glass in defence.
- Coming out of the glass, you often finish with your back to the play. You lose precision, and you have fewer options for the next shot.
We used the three-ball system to help you decide faster after the glass:
Volleys
To refine- Forehand volley is good.
- Backhand volley lacks commitment: the racket waits for the ball instead of going to meet it.
Overhead
Solid base- We did little overhead work today, but the bandeja shape is there: good spin, low risk.
- A shot to develop, built on a sound base.
Serve
Big potential- Good serve. We worked on variation in direction, spin and pace.
- Used well, it becomes a way to start points on your terms.
Game intention
Priority- In the 1 v 1 match-situation drill, you did not yet know when to move up and put pressure on at the net.
- You build good points from the back but do not cash them in at the net. This is the main thing we will work on in Samui.
Start with why. Why this shot, and what is my next move?
Three themes will run through every session of your week. Each one comes straight from what we saw today.
Game situation
Every drill starts from a real match situation. Before each shot: why this ball, and where do I go next? The goal is to recognise the ball that lets you take the net, and take it.
Footwork and positioning
One step further back at the baseline, so the ball comes to your hitting zone. Lighter, quicker feet: split step, small adjustment steps, and leaving the glass facing the play.
Shot variation
Same position, different ball: height, pace, spin, direction. Create doubt in your opponent, starting with the serve and the bandeja.
How we will measure it: filmed on Day 1 and again on Day 7. How often you move up to the net after a good ball from the back, where you stand at the baseline, and how you come out of the glass.
Koh Samui, 14 to 20 December
Every day: two 2-hour sessions, 9:00 and 13:00, a mental preparation session, lunch at the club and a video debrief. Below, the group theme of each day and what it means for you.
Assessment and defensive base
Defensive structure, from defence to neutral to attack.
For youFilmed baseline of your position and your net approaches. We set your baseline spot one step back and lock in your three themes for the week.
Transition: defence to net
Lob precision, shot selection, gaining the net while defending.
For youYour key day. Clear rules on when to move up: the green ball, the deep lob, the weak return. Conditioned games where you only score at the net.
Net control
Volley control, closing angles, protecting the net.
For youBackhand volley with commitment: racket out in front, moving forward into the ball. Staying at the net under pressure instead of backing off.
The overhead game
Footwork under the ball, bandeja and vibora, smash, mid-week video review.
For youTurning your safe bandeja into a shot with a purpose: depth and direction that keep you at the net. First vibora as a variation.
The glass, at pace
Split step, reading back and side glass, low defence, long rallies.
For youComing out of the glass facing the play, and the green, orange, red decision at full speed.
Tactics and match simulation
Partner communication, pressure scenarios, full sets.
For youServe variation and the first move after the serve. Playing whole sets with the question in mind: why this shot, and what next?
Match play and closing debrief
Coached match play, Day 1 against Day 7 footage.
For youYour progress report and video highlights, plus a plan to keep building at home toward 3.5.
Three things to work on now
Bring these into your games before the week. Nothing to perfect, just habits to start.
One step back
At the start of each point, check your baseline spot. If the ball keeps landing at your feet, you are still too far forward.
Name the ball
After every glass, say green, orange or red in your head before you hit. On green, look for the net.
Follow the good ball
When your shot from the back puts your opponents in trouble, move forward. Count how many times per match you do it.
The Koh Samui experience
Included
- 28 hours of coached padel at Padel Tropical Club
- The coach plays as the 4th player in every drill
- Courts and balls
- Daily video analysis and mental preparation
- Lunch at the club every day
- Extra matches on the island, organised by Florent
Not included
- Accommodation and flights
- Breakfast and dinner
Payment in full by card, secured by Stripe. If your plans change, your place moves to the next Palaestra experience at no cost. Maximum 9 players, grouped by level.