After a padel session, record one repeated situation, what you actually observed and one thing to explore next time. Keep the score separately. A useful review describes an event you can recognise again, rather than turning a win into proof that everything worked or a loss into a list of faults.
This five-minute format is an original editorial suggestion, not a tested coaching programme. Use it to organise questions for a coach or partner. It does not diagnose technique from a written note.
Use a situation, observation and next-step log
| Session | Date, format and general playing context |
|---|---|
| Repeated situation | Where you were and what happened before your shot |
| Observation | Something you saw, without guessing the cause |
| Partner’s view | One observation, with agreement to discuss it |
| Next question | Something specific to ask or investigate |
| Next-session check | The event you will look for again |
Choose one situation. If you write about every shot, you may finish with a diary but no clear next step. A short record is easier to compare with the next session.
Separate what happened from why you think it happened
“Three returns went into the net” is an observation if you actually counted them. “My racket is wrong” is an explanation that the observation alone does not establish. You can record a possible explanation as a question, but keep it labelled as a possibility.
If you did not count, use honest wording such as “I remember several returns going into the net”. Do not invent percentages from memory. Conditions, opponents and the format also affect what you have an opportunity to observe.
A worked example after a social doubles session
Illustrative example: Sam remembers hesitating when a ball reached the back glass. Sam’s partner noticed that both players sometimes moved towards the same ball. They agree to discuss one situation before the next game rather than offering instructions after every point.
- Situation: a deep ball towards the middle after the glass.
- Observation: hesitation about who would play it.
- Partner’s view: both expected the other person to call.
- Question: what call can we agree before playing?
- Next check: notice whether an early call makes responsibility clear.
The note does not establish a technical cause or promise a better result. It creates a focused conversation. Use our partner communication guide for examples of calls to discuss and the back-glass guide for the separate rebound question.
Keep the review separate from your rating
The LTA rating guide describes standards of play. This session log is not an official assessment and supplies no formula for changing your rating after a win. Use the official descriptions and the organiser’s expectations when selecting a group.
Choose one next-session check
A useful check has a recognisable trigger: “when a return comes through the middle, notice our call”. An instruction such as “play better” gives you nothing specific to revisit. If the question concerns technique you cannot assess confidently, take it to an appropriately qualified coach.
Add the question to your first-month practice plan rather than building a new programme from every match. After the next session, write whether the situation occurred and what you noticed. If it did not occur, say so.
Do I need video?
No. This log works with notes. If you want to record a session, obtain the venue’s permission and agreement from the other people involved before filming or sharing footage.
What if my partner does not want to review?
Keep a personal observation and leave their field blank. Ask before giving feedback; a social session does not make somebody responsible for your analysis.
Try it: copy the six fields and fill only one situation after your next game.
Editorial context: Padel Handbook’s research-based worksheet; examples are illustrative, with no claimed player testing or coaching qualification. LTA source checked 23 October 2026. No affiliate links are included.