How Harry’s padel journey started

Harry McKenna first discovered padel around 18 months ago while on holiday in Dubai, after coming across a padel court at his hotel. With a background in racket sports including tennis, table tennis, racquetball, and squash — played mainly for fitness and enjoyment — he already had strong hand-eye coordination, which immediately sparked his interest in the sport.

After organising his first game with friends, Harry quickly became hooked, like so many of us. The combination of tactics, movement, and creativity made padel instantly addictive for him, and it wasn’t long before it became a central part of his life.

Coaching advice for beginners

One of Harry’s key pieces of advice for beginners is simple: trust the glass.

Players transitioning from tennis or other racket sports often feel uncomfortable letting the ball pass them, instinctively opting for half-volleys at their feet. In padel, however, the glass is a major advantage. Learning to use the glass effectively is essential for strong defence, allowing players to reset points, play controlled lobs, and recover the all-important net position.

Harry highlights that both beginner and intermediate players will win the majority of their points at the net, making defensive patience and smart transitions forward absolutely crucial.

Coaching content & tools

Harry creates his coaching content using either a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or his iPhone, recommending a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the court as possible.

For editing, he uses CapCut, which allows him to produce clear, engaging padel content efficiently. Players and coaches interested in creating their own content are encouraged to reach out to him on Instagram @PadelWithHarry, where he’s happy to share a detailed editing guide along with practical tips.

Building community through padel

Over the past 18 months, Harry has played at numerous padel clubs, allowing him to connect with a wide range of players — from beginners to highly competitive athletes.

He sees social platforms like Instagram and padel WhatsApp groups as powerful tools for community building, with players often reaching out directly to arrange lessons, training sessions, or competitive matches.

Looking ahead

Harry’s long-term ambition is to open his own padel club.

After finding his true calling through coaching and competitive play, stepping into the padel club industry feels like a natural progression. He is currently in the process of securing an indoor facility, with the aim of offering coaching for all levels and creating a welcoming hub for padel enthusiasts to train, compete, and connect.