Pickleball is growing faster than ever. It’s accessible, social and strategic and fun for all ages and skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn to play pickleball or an experienced player looking to fine tune your game, finding the right pickleball lessons near you will make all the difference.
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding, evaluating and getting the most out of pickleball lessons.
From local resources to rules and lesson types to maximising your improvement, this guide will get you on the path to pickleball success.
Why Take Pickleball Lessons?
Before we get into the “how” of finding lessons, let’s look at the “why”. Taking lessons is one of the best ways to get new skills and level up your game for the following reasons:
1. Proper Foundation for Pickleball Skills
Without professional guidance many players develop bad habits without even knowing it. Lessons ensure you start with the correct techniques for ground strokes including grips, footwork and stroke mechanics.
2. Personalised Feedback
Unlike self taught methods or group play, lessons allow for personal feedback. A qualified instructor can identify specific areas for improvement and help you focus on what matters most to your game.
3. Strategic Insights
Beyond mechanics pickleball lessons can teach advanced tactics such as:
When to take a third shot drop.
Whether to dink or drive.
Court positioning and communication in doubles.
Quick rotations to maintain high energy and good court positioning in doubles.
4. Confidence Boost
Players who take lessons feel more comfortable and capable on the court. As you get better you’ll enjoy playing more.
How to Find Pickleball Lessons Near Me
1. Local Parks and Recreation Departments
One of the easiest ways to find pickleball lessons is your local parks and recreation department. Many cities and towns have jumped on the pickleball bandwagon and offer group lessons, clinics or open play each week.
What to Look For:
Pickleball programs on the city or county website.
Beginner group classes or open play.
Affordable pricing often subsidised by the local government.
How to Find Them:
Visit the official parks and recreation website for your area.
Call the recreation department to ask about pickleball.
Look for flyers or bulletin board postings at local parks.
2. Pickleball Clubs
Pickleball clubs are dedicated facilities or organisations that specialise in the sport. These clubs offer lessons for all levels from beginners to advanced players.
And they offer opportunities to join leagues, tournaments and connect with local pickleball players and community.
Benefits of Pickleball Clubs:
Access to good courts, paddles and balls.
Social events and networking.
Expert coaches with pickleball experience.
How to Find Pickleball Clubs:
Search online for pickleball clubs in your area.
Use USAPickleball.org to find affiliated clubs.
Ask other players at your local courts for recommendations.
3. Certified Instructors
For a more tailored learning experience consider hiring a certified pickleball instructor. Look for instructors accredited by:
Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR)
International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA)
These certifications mean the instructor has been trained in pickleball teaching methods and pickleball strategy.
Where to Find Certified Instructors:
Use the instructor directories on PPR or IPTPA websites.
Ask for recommendations in pickleball related social media groups.
Visit websites like Lessons.com or CoachUp to find local coaches.
4. Community Centres and Gyms
Centres like YMCAs, senior centres and local gyms often include pickleball in their sports programs. These centres may offer group lessons, clinics or a program for casual play with instruction included.
How to Get Started:
Visit the website of your local YMCA or fitness centre to see their class schedule.
Ask about pickleball at the front desk.
Look for free trial classes or discounted lessons for new members.
5. Pickleball Camps and Clinics
If you want to dive in deep, pickleball camps and clinics offer intensive training over several days. These events often feature pro players or top coaches who cover everything from technique to strategy.
What:
Multi-day sessions to improve skills.
Play against others and get real time feedback.
Drills, gameplay and strategy lessons.
Doubles drills to improve quick rotations and limited downtime for cardio.
Short bursts of high intensity activities to improve cardio and keep players engaged.
Popular Options:
LevelUp Pickleball Camps: Top instruction and lots of locations.
Engage Pickleball Camps: Beginner and advanced programs.
Selkirk Camp Collective: Pro instruction and improvement focus.
6. Online Tools and Apps
Technology makes finding local pickleball lessons easier than ever. Apps and platforms to connect players with instructors, courts and other resources.
Recommended Platforms:
PlayTime Scheduler: Organizes local pickleball games and lessons.
Meetup: Search for pickleball related groups hosting lessons.
CourtReserve: Book courts and lessons at local facilities.
Types of Lessons
Knowing the types of lessons available will help you choose the class format that suits you best.
1. Private
Pros: One on one attention, highly personalized instruction.
Cons: More expensive than group lessons.
Who: Players looking to improve fast or get feedback.
2. Group Lessons
Pros: Affordable, social, great for beginners.
Cons: Limited individual feedback.
Who: New players or those looking for a fun social learning environment.
3. Clinics
Pros: Focus on specific skills or techniques (e.g. dinking, serving).
Cons: Short term, less comprehensive than ongoing lessons.
Who: Players looking to improve in a specific area.
4. Semi-Private Lessons
Pros: Personal attention with cost sharing.
Cons: Need to find a partner or small group.
Who: Friends or doubles partners who want to improve together.
5. Video Analysis
Pros: Break down your gameplay in detail.
Cons: Requires recording equipment and time to review.
Who: Players who want to analyze and refine their technique.
How to Choose a Pickleball Coach
The quality of instruction depends on the coach you pick. Here’s how to evaluate:
1. Credentials
Look for certifications from PPR or IPTPA.
How many players at your level have they taught?
2. Teaching Style
Do they teach technical or strategic?
3. Personality
Patient, encouraging and able to explain concepts clearly.
4. Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews or ask for references from past students.
5. Accessibility
Location, availability, cost.
Get the Most Out of Your Lessons
Set Goals:
What do you want to achieve? Master the third shot drop or improve your serve?
Be Consistent:
Practice between lessons to reinforce what you learn.
Ask Questions:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for more drills.
Feedback:
Constructive criticism is key.
Record Yourself:
Use video to track your progress and review areas to improve.
If Formal Lessons Aren’t an Option
If formal lessons aren’t available, there are still ways to learn:
1. YouTube Channels
Many pros and coaches offer free lessons.
Recommended Channels:
Pickleball Kitchen
PrimeTime Pickleball
Third Shot Sports
2. Online Courses
Pickleball Central and Udemy have detailed courses.
3. Practice with Friends
Join open play and learn from more experienced players.
4. Books and Guides
Recommended Reads:
The Art of Pickleball by Gale Leach.
Pickleball Fundamentals by Mary Littlewood.
FAQs
1. How much do lessons cost?
Group lessons: $10–$30 per session.
Private lessons: $40–$100+ per hour.
Clinics: $50–$300 depending on length.
2. Do I need lessons?
If you feel like you’re stuck or struggling with specific parts of the game, lessons can help.
3. What should I bring to my first lesson?
Paddle and balls.
Athletic wear and shoes.
Water and a notebook to take notes.
Conclusion
Consistency and a willingness to learn is the key.
With good instruction you’ll see improvement in your pickleball and your fun.
Go get it! Find a lesson!-Level up!