Are you preparing for the LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test?
Before starting your Level 2 coaching qualification, it’s important to develop the playing skills and technique needed to demonstrate the fundamental shots of padel confidently.
As an experienced LTA Coach Tutor and Assessor, I’ve helped many aspiring padel coaches improve their technique and prepare for their Readiness Test, particularly when demonstrating serves, volleys and shots played after the back glass.
In this guide, I’ll explain the key skills to practise, how to prepare your video submission and how additional on-court coaching can help you get ready for the test.
What Is the LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test?
The LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test is a practical, video-based test that candidates normally need to pass before booking onto the LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2) qualification.
The test is designed to establish whether you have the communication, demonstration, feeding and playing skills needed to begin your coaching qualification.
You don’t need previous coaching experience, but you do need to demonstrate sound padel technique and the ability to execute fundamental shots consistently.
The test includes a short personal introduction, a demonstration task, lob feeding and live-ball exercises covering serving, volleys and playing after the back glass.
You can record the tasks at your own venue and practise as many times as necessary before submitting your videos. The LTA assesses your completed submission.
For full requirements and eligibility exemptions, visit the official LTA Readiness Test page.
How to Prepare for the LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test
Before attending the LTA Padel Instructor (Level 2) course, one of the most important things you can do is develop your own playing skills and technique.
Many people entering Level 2 have little or no experience of coaching. That’s absolutely fine. The course is designed to help you develop those coaching skills. However, you should arrive with the ability to demonstrate the fundamental shots of padel confidently and consistently.
The LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test is designed to establish whether you have the practical skills needed to begin the qualification.
Here are the key areas I’d recommend practising:
-
Playing off the back glass: Develop confidence playing both forehand and backhand shots after the ball rebounds from the back glass. Focus on positioning, preparation, timing and sound technique.
-
Volleys: Practise forehand and backhand volleys, keeping the ball deep in the court with control and appropriate slice. Aim for consistency rather than simply hitting hard.
-
Serving: Develop a technically sound, repeatable serve. Practise directing the ball accurately so that it reaches the first glass panel after bouncing in the service box.
-
Shot demonstrations: Be comfortable demonstrating a range of fundamental padel strokes with good technique. You should aim to demonstrate each skill successfully on your first attempt.
-
Feeding: Practise feeding lob shots accurately using a continental (chopper) grip, as required in the Readiness Test.
My advice is to focus on technique as well as consistency.
Being able to get the ball over the net isn’t enough. As a future coach, you’ll need to demonstrate the skills that you’re eventually going to teach other players.
Video yourself practising these shots. Look carefully at your preparation, racket position, contact point, balance and accuracy.
If you’re struggling with a particular shot, seek some technical coaching before submitting your Readiness Test. Small improvements to your technique can make a significant difference to the quality of your demonstrations.
You should also familiarise yourself with the communication and demonstration tasks included in the test.
Need Help Preparing for Your LTA Padel Instructor Readiness Test?
Through The Coach Station, I offer individual on-court coaching to improve technique, consistency and shot demonstrations, helping candidates develop the skills they need before recording their submission.
I also offer dedicated Readiness Test Preparation and Filming Sessions.
You can book me for a morning to work through the test requirements, practise your shots and record your video tasks. I’ll help you prepare and produce a clear submission that shows your playing skills and technique as effectively as possible.
These are independent preparation sessions, with the official Readiness Test assessed by the LTA.
Find out more about my coaching and Readiness Test preparation sessions:
https://thecoachstation.co.uk/padel-coaches/
Good luck! Nick