Taylor McGuire, a padel coach from Cumbria, has begun offering coaching at the Racquet Club 24 in Workington to foster a local community around the sport. Returning home after experience in London, he aims to make padel accessible to beginners and improvers alike. His new program emphasizes fun, tactical learning, and social engagement.
Taylor McGuire, who grew up in Cumbria and now resides near Cockermouth, describes coaching locally as a rewarding full-circle moment. After honing his skills at London's largest padel club, where he played alongside top players and learned advanced tactics, McGuire returned to introduce the sport in west Cumbria. The Racquet Club 24 Padel academy, which opened last year, serves as his base, providing a welcoming indoor facility ideal for building a community-focused environment.
McGuire first encountered padel in London and was immediately drawn to its tactical elements, emphasizing teamwork and smart positioning over raw power. He notes that the sport's smaller court, doubles format, and glass walls make it easier to pick up than other racket sports, allowing longer rallies and quicker engagement. His coaching style—positive, clear, and energetic—caters to everyone from complete novices to those seeking to refine matchplay. For beginners, sessions start relaxed, focusing on rules, basic shots, and encouragement to build confidence without pressure.
The new weekly program runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, blending structured group classes with private lessons. Recommended entry points include the "Intro to Padel" session, which covers essentials with provided rackets, followed by "Beginner Drills" for consistency. Improvers can advance to "Improver Drills" for control and "Coach & Compete" for tactical feedback in simulated matches. Specialist sessions on walls, defense, and lobs help players unlock breakthroughs in control and options. Bookings are handled via the Playtomic app for ease.
Beyond coaching, McGuire's background as an aspiring actor enhances his sessions, aiding in clear communication and teaching mental resets like breathing techniques to maintain focus. He highlights padel's social appeal as key to its UK boom, especially indoors in areas like Cumbria. McGuire has already observed boosts in participants' confidence, with many non-sporty individuals returning for more. Looking ahead, he plans to expand junior coaching to sustain local interest long-term.
"Padel is the most fun way to get fitter, meet people, and surprise yourself," McGuire summarizes, inviting newcomers to try without fear of inadequacy.
