From Tennis Roots to Padel Passion

For Bernat Cárdenas Torras, the journey to padel began on the tennis courts – a familiar story. Picking up a racket at the age of 12, he went on to coach tennis during his teenage years and into his 20s. But as padel exploded in popularity across Spain, Bernat was drawn to its inclusive, social nature. Studying the sport at university deepened his knowledge of both the game and the industry behind it, and he soon became a certified padel coach, combining academic insight with on-court experience.

Global Coaching Experience

Bernat’s coaching career has taken him far beyond Spain, with stints in Kuwait, Malaysia, Cyprus, Croatia, and Sweden. A big takeaway from coaching padel internationally was that a club’s success depends on more than just the quality of its courts.

“You can pour money into making a club look expensive and impressive,” he says, “but surface-level effort isn’t enough. What truly matters is creating an environment where players feel they are part of something.”

For Bernat, great padel clubs are built on community – from hosting social events and fostering friendships to managing food and beverage options. When players feel part of something bigger than the sport itself, retention follows, and so does the atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

Coaching Advice for Beginners

Bernat’s guidance for new players is refreshingly simple:

“Don’t take the sport too seriously—set goals that reflect what you want from padel.”

Whether it’s enjoying a weekly match with mates or preparing for a tournament competition, understanding your motivations helps shape the right training approach. For those with competitive ambitions, Bernat stresses that consistent practice – beyond a few lessons – is key. He also recommends possibly taking one-on-one coaching sessions.

Building a Padel Community

At The Padel Row, of which Bernat is the CEO & Founder, they believe players should have opportunities to connect both on and off the court. He believes in running events tailored to specific playing levels so that everyone feels comfortable and confident. Dedicated staff play a crucial role in welcoming new members, matching players of similar abilities, and keeping the social calendar full.

“Padel becomes more than just a sport; it becomes a shared experience,” Bernat explains. “That’s when a true sense of community starts to take root.”

What’s Next for The Padel Row

Looking ahead, Bernat’s focus is on helping players grow – not just in their technical skills, but in their enjoyment of the sport and the benefits it brings to their overall well-being.

This September, The Padel Row will host a women’s-only padel retreat, designed to encourage more women to take up the game. Expanding female participation is a core priority for Bernat and The Padel Row.

Beyond that, The Padel Row aims to mentor other coaches and advise clubs on building strong, inclusive communities. As Bernat puts it:

“To create a truly great environment, you need to understand players beyond their performance on court.”