Three weeks in Málaga

Hi everyone,

I've just wrapped up three weeks training out in Málaga and I'm still buzzing from it. It was my first proper block abroad like this, and it turned out to be everything I hoped for: good training, even better weather, and a good few lessons learned both on and off the court.

Let me start with the stuff that had nothing to do with padel.

Life in the sun

I was based near Fuengirola, a lovely spot right by the beach. There's a beautiful path that runs along the seafront, so most mornings started with a run there before it got too hot. The accommodation had a pool too, which doesn't sound like a big deal until you've trained twice in 30 degree heat and you can just fall into it. Best recovery tool going.

Most mornings started along the seafront near Fuengirola, before the heat kicked in.

The driving out there is, let's say, a little more chaotic than Ireland. But the public transport is brilliant, genuinely couldn't be easier to get around, so I leaned on that instead. One of my favourite non-padel days was exploring Málaga itself and wandering around the old fort. I say wandering, it was more of a climb, the incline up to it was absolutely massive. Worth it though. Everyone we met along the way was so friendly and welcoming, which made the whole trip feel that bit easier being away from home.

"Wandering" up to the old fort. More of a climb than a stroll, but worth it for this.

A big thank you has to go to Glenda and everyone at Padel54 for all the support in making this trip happen. I honestly couldn't have done it without them.

And the souvenir I came home with? A tan line you could set your watch to. Three weeks in the Spanish sun, never once training without the watch on, and my forearm has the receipts to prove it.

Proof every session got done.

The gym side

Most of my strength and conditioning was with Javi, who I trained with pretty much every session, plus one with Dani at the León Elite Centre. We kicked off with a full testing day, so we had proper numbers to work from, then built through three weeks of strength, power, and a lot of rotational and reactive work.

Testing day done, three weeks to build on it. With Javi at the León Elite Centre.

A few highlights, and a couple of humbling moments:

• First time ever on a ski erg. Let's just say I now have a lot of respect for the ski erg.
• Loads of landmine work, med ball slams and reactive drills that tie straight into how I move on court.
• I only managed to hold 63 km/h on the assault bike during one finisher, which is something I'll improve for next time.

On the numbers, my estimated bench went from around 47kg to 50kg and my squat nudged up 5%, to 105kg. Small gains, but it was a really skill-heavy block with a ton of brand new movements, so I'm happy with how it went. Kevin was keeping an eye on it all from home and tweaking things as we went.

The padel

The main event. Three weeks at Alameda, all indoors. You'd think that would be a blessing, and honestly, better than getting burnt. A mix of group sessions and individual lessons with Fran, Dani, Karlos and Tiago.

Being left-handed, a lot of it comes down to positioning and where I place myself on the court as part of a pair, so it was brilliant having coaches really drilling into the details. Each week had its own theme.

Week 1 was all about net play and volleys. The big message: stop being so soft on my volleys and hit them with more intent, add more slice, and hold a neutral ready position instead of guessing where the ball is going. Guilty as charged on that last one.

Week 2 was bajadas, defending the lob off the back glass and then recovering the net. Lots of reading the ball early, and learning when to hold the net as a pair versus when to drop back.

Week 3 was lobs, and more importantly, when NOT to lob. The rule that stuck with me: only lob when it actually helps you, otherwise keep it low and wait for a real chance. Sounds obvious, a lot harder in the middle of a rally.

I also had some individual defence lessons working on corner play, especially a habit I have of stepping in too much with my left leg and leaving myself no space. It's grand when I'm consciously thinking about it, then it sneaks back the second I stop. One to keep chipping away at.

What I'm taking home

Three weeks of full-time training, in a completely new environment, alongside and against players who push me. My level felt like it climbed week on week, and I came home with a long list of things to keep working on, which is exactly what you want.

Now it's back to Naas, back to the plan with Kevin, and on to the next block.

Thanks for following along.