Pickleball is a sport that is multi-generational, social, and can be enjoyed by so many the very first time they step on the court. In most cases, new players first experiences are with a family member, and/or close friend, and they jump in an impromptu game in the driveway, at the local park or their own club. It's a super fun sport that can become highly addictive, because there are fun rules, areas on the court you must understand, and there is so much strategy to the game. Pickleball would not be the game it is today, nor be having the enormous growth worldwide without the following pieces to the game: 1. The No-Volley Zone aka 'The Kitchen', 2. The 2 bounce rule off the serve, and 3. The Underhand Serve with only 1 fault. Once you start to play, you will come to appreciate these 3 pieces to the game.
On the Social side of Pickleball, there are so many venues popping up around the country that offer families and friends the chance to enjoy Pickleball as an outing, much like bowling... with food, adult beverages, and group fun. Look up places to play in your area, and you may discover a #Chicken-n-Pickle , #ElectricPickle , or local places like #HeightsAthleticClub #Dreamland #AustinPickleRanch , #BouldinAcres , or a private club that has added lines or dedicated courts. Additionally, there are destination trips to cool places that offer you the opportunity to meet new people while learning Pickleball.
On the competitive side, Pickleball players monitor the following sites to plan out their events: USA Pickleball at https://usapickleball.org/ , PickleballTournaments.com and pickleballbrackets.com, plus the 2 major Tour & Tournament Brands in the PPA Tour and the APP Tour - https://www.ppatour.com/ppa-tour/ , https://theapp.global , plus all of the US Sr. Pickleball Tournaments at: https://www.usseniorpickleball.com/ , https://theseniorprotour.com/
The rating side is still under construction as their are several that are prevalent, but different algorithm's: UTPR, #DUPR, WPR, PBR, plus others under construction.
If you're looking to become a Certified Pickleball Pro, the following Certifications are currently leading the pathway to coaching: #PPR - Professional Pickleball Registry is under the umbrella of the PTR, the #IPTPA, and the new #USPTA Pickleball Professional Certification.
Coaching Pickleball has a few similarities to coaching tennis, but has different shots, different strategies, and different positioning as well. On my personal journey, it's taken me a year, plus 2 handfuls of tournaments to really start to get a feel for the coaching and competitive side of the industry. I've been fortunate inside of my first year, to medal in my last few 5.0 and Sr. Pro Events, plus qualify for the USA Pickleball Nationals at Indian Wells later this year by winning the Gold Medal at a Golden Ticket Qualifying Tournament in Mesa, Arizona this past Spring.
In the coming posts, there will be more content regarding my experiences, my advice, plus coaching tips. Also coming soon will be a Coaching Methodology.
See You on the Courts!
Best Coach Craig
Posted April 2022, Revised July 2023
