Racquet Fuel

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale have a conversation about the energy behind padel with expert Marcos del Pilar. They discuss how this new racquet sport differs in the United States and Europe and his path for bringing it from Spain to the USTA National Campus where it's become immensely popular. 

If you're wanting to know how your racquets facility can build and monetize a new racquet sport, you're going to want to tune in to this episode.

Highlights:

1:44 - The impact of Padel in the US
7:28 - Challenges in growing pickleball 
12:09- Launching a new racquet sport program and business model 
17:06 - Customer experience and monetization strategies for racquet sports facilities
22:53- Crossover between tennis and pickleball
21:18- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
24:55 - Leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges
27:40 - Attracting new customers and optimizing existing programs at a tennis facility

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a PTR- or USPTA-Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

What is Racquet Fuel?

Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders.

Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Director of Racquet Sports at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you.

Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.