Learn Pickleball with Kevin
😊87
💰$38 weekly lessons
4.5-Rated Pickleball Player | Court Monitor | Chicken n Pickle Brand Ambassador |Pickleball Coach I’m a passionate and experienced 4.5-rated pickleball player with years of dedication to the game. As a Court Monitor at Naples Pickleball Center, one of the premier pickleball destinations, and a proud brand ambassador for Chicken N Pickle, I bring expertise, energy, and a commitment to helping players of all levels improve their skills and confidence on the court. My journey with pickleball has been one of growth and connection. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate player striving to fine-tune your game, I focus on the fundamentals, strategy, and most importantly, the joy of playing. With experience hosting community events and volunteering at Chicken N Pickle, I’ve developed a unique approach to coaching—emphasizing clear communication, encouragement, and structured learning in a positive and fun environment. My goal is to help players reach their full potential while fostering a love for the game. Specialties: • Coaching players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced • Fundamentals: grip, stance, serves, dinking, and shot selection • On-court strategy, positioning, and building confidence • One-on-one, semi-private, and group lessons tailored to your goals If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, I’m here to help you improve, compete, and have a blast on the courts! Let’s play, learn, and grow together. Let me know if you’d like further refinements or to add any personal touches!
Levels taught:
Teaches:
😊87 Happy student score
🏅Experienced Player
🔥5 Lessons
⭐️Humana Senior Games 2022 Medalist
As a player, I'm rated:
🏓 4.5DUPR
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Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:2 courts available
East Naples Community Park
3500 Thomasson Dr, Naples, FL 34112, USA
960.1 miles awayOutdoors
Naples Private Court
Gail Blvd & Donna St, East Naples, FL 34104, USA
957.1 miles awayOutdoors
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson
Duration: 1 hour
Goal: Introduce basic pickleball skills, rules, and court positioning in a fun and engaging way.
1. Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)
Objective: Loosen up and prepare the body for movement.
• Dynamic Stretches: Focus on shoulders, wrists, hips, and legs.
• Short Court Dinking: Light dinks at the kitchen line to introduce paddle feel and hand-eye coordination.
2. Introduction to the Basics (5 Minutes)
Objective: Familiarize students with the court, equipment, and key rules.
• Court Overview: Explain court layout (kitchen, baseline, sidelines, and service areas).
• Paddle Grip: Demonstrate the “continental grip.”
• Rules Highlights: Briefly cover serving, double bounce rule, and kitchen rules.
3. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
Objective: Practice fundamental skills step-by-step.
A. Dinking (5 Minutes)
• Teach how to softly hit the ball over the net from the kitchen line.
• Emphasize control and consistency.
• Practice with partner or coach.
B. Groundstrokes (5 Minutes)
• Practice forehand and backhand shots from the baseline.
• Focus on swing mechanics and follow-through.
C. Serves (5 Minutes)
• Demonstrate an underhand serve.
• Practice serving diagonally to the opposite service box.
D. Returns (5 Minutes)
• Work on returning serves with a controlled forehand or backhand stroke.
4. Mini Game Play (20 Minutes)
Objective: Apply skills in a game-like setting.
• Play a mini game to 5 points using basic rules.
• Rotate players or positions to give everyone practice.
• Coach provides feedback and encouragement throughout.
5. Cool Down and Q&A (5 Minutes)
Objective: Stretch muscles and address any questions.
• Static Stretches: Focus on shoulders, arms, and legs.
• Discussion: Recap key points, answer questions, and suggest practice drills.
• Encouragement: Highlight progress and next steps (e.g., joining open play or group lessons).
Materials Needed
• Paddles
• Pickleballs
• Net and court
• Water and towels
This plan introduces beginners to pickleball fundamentals while keeping it fun and engaging. Adjust timing and activities based on group size and skill level
Lesson 11+Here is a plan for Lesson 11+, designed to refine advanced skills, explore niche strategies, and maintain growth through challenging scenarios. These lessons can be adapted based on skill levels and goals.
Lesson 11: Mastering the Third-Shot Drop and Advanced Court Coverage
Goal: Perfect the third-shot drop and improve teamwork for doubles court coverage.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Short dinks and volleys, then transition to full-court rally drills.
• Serve-and-return focusing on precision and depth.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Advanced Third-Shot Drops (10 Minutes):
• Add spin to drops.
• Practice with an opponent applying pressure.
• Doubles Movement Drill (10 Minutes):
• Work on moving as a unit to defend against angles and lobs.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Play games emphasizing third-shot drops and coordinated movement.
• Coach between rallies to highlight opportunities for better positioning.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and recap court coverage tips.
Lesson 12: Developing an Aggressive Net Game
Goal: Dominate at the net through speed, reaction time, and offensive volleys.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Reflex volleys at the net.
• Kitchen line dinking under pressure.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Attack-Defense Drill (10 Minutes):
• One side attacks volleys; the other defends and resets. Switch roles.
• Net Pressure Drill (10 Minutes):
• Players practice putting pressure on opponents with controlled volleys.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Games focusing on aggressive net play and controlling the pace.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and discuss how to recognize attack opportunities.
Lesson 13: Strategic Lob Use and Lob Defense
Goal: Use lobs offensively and defensively, while improving retrieval and counterplay.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Overhead smashes and defensive lobs.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Offensive Lobs (10 Minutes):
• Practice deceptive lobs from the kitchen line.
• Lob Retrieval (10 Minutes):
• Work on chasing lobs and returning them with control.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Games focusing on incorporating lobs and defending against them.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and recap effective lob scenarios.
Lesson 14: Spin Techniques (Topspin, Underspin)
Goal: Introduce spins to enhance shot versatility and control.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Basic groundstrokes with focus on control.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Topspin (10 Minutes):
• Practice creating topspin for aggressive groundstrokes.
• Underspin/Dropshots (10 Minutes):
• Practice softening shots with underspin to keep them low.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Games where players incorporate spins into rallies.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and recap spin applications.
Lesson 15+: Competitive Match Play and Refinement
Goal: Refine overall skills through focused match play and personalized coaching.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Dynamic dinking, volleys, and serve-and-return.
2. Game Play (40 Minutes)
• Focused Match Play (20 Minutes):
• Play matches to 11 with specific goals (e.g., third-shot drops, net play).
• Free Play (20 Minutes):
• Competitive games to apply all skills.
3. Review and Cool Down (10 Minutes)
• Stretch and provide personalized feedback based on match play.
Beyond Lesson 15
Advanced Goals:
• Tournament Simulation: Organize mini-tournaments to build mental toughness and strategy.
• Video Analysis: Record gameplay to identify areas for improvement.
• Customized Drills: Tailor drills to address specific player weaknesses or goals.
Focus Areas:
• Perfecting niche skills like stacking, poaching, and deceptive shots.
• Enhancing mental resilience under pressure.
• Building a stronger partnership dynamic in doubles.
With these lessons, players can transition from mastering fundamentals to excelling in competitive environments, continuously improving their skill set and game sense.
Lesson 4-10Here’s a structured outline for Lessons 4–10, focusing on progressively enhancing skills, introducing advanced techniques, and incorporating game strategy.
Lesson 4: Advanced Shot Techniques
Goal: Introduce the third-shot drop and blocking while reinforcing court positioning.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Short-court dinking, gradually increasing movement along the kitchen line.
• Add light volleys to warm up reflexes.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Third-Shot Drop (10 Minutes):
• Teach the importance of transitioning from baseline to kitchen.
• Practice soft, controlled drops from the baseline into the kitchen area.
• Blocking (10 Minutes):
• Demonstrate how to absorb pace on fast balls and reset into a dink.
• Practice blocking with a partner hitting hard shots.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Play games focusing on executing third-shot drops and resets during rallies.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Static stretches and recap.
Lesson 5: Defensive Play
Goal: Teach defensive strategies for dealing with hard hitters and lobs.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Dinks, progressing to quick volleys to warm up reflexes.
• Serve-and-return drill with an emphasis on deep returns.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Defensive Lobs (10 Minutes):
• Teach the technique and positioning for defensive lobs.
• Defending Hard Shots (10 Minutes):
• Practice resetting hard shots into dinks or controlled blocks.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Play games focusing on defending and transitioning to offense.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and review defensive concepts.
Lesson 6: Transitioning to the Net
Goal: Improve footwork and consistency in transitioning from the baseline to the net.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Baseline groundstrokes, moving into short-court volleys.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Transition Drill (10 Minutes):
• Players start at the baseline, hit a groundstroke, and advance to the kitchen line.
• Split-Step Timing (10 Minutes):
• Teach split-step timing to prepare for volleys during transitions.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Play games with a focus on successful transitions to the net.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and highlight the importance of net control.
Lesson 7: Offensive Play and Shot Variety
Goal: Teach offensive shot selection, including directional hitting and deceptive shots.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Serve and return drills with a focus on shot placement.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Directional Hitting (10 Minutes):
• Practice aiming shots to exploit open spaces.
• Deceptive Shots (10 Minutes):
• Introduce soft dinks disguised as hard shots and vice versa.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Play games emphasizing offensive shot selection.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and discuss offensive strategies.
Lesson 8: Doubles Communication and Strategy
Goal: Develop effective teamwork and court coverage.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Partner dinking drills along the kitchen line.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Communication Drill (10 Minutes):
• Practice calling “yours,” “mine,” and other strategic calls.
• Court Coverage (10 Minutes):
• Teach how to move together as a team, covering gaps effectively.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Doubles games focusing on communication and strategy.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and recap team strategies.
Lesson 9: Advanced Strategy and Mental Game
Goal: Introduce advanced strategies like stacking and mental toughness.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Rally drills with a focus on consistency.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
• Stacking (10 Minutes):
• Teach and practice stacking to optimize player strengths.
• Mental Toughness (10 Minutes):
• Discuss strategies for staying focused and resilient during matches.
3. Game Play (25 Minutes)
• Games incorporating stacking and mental strategies.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and encourage mental preparation for competitive play.
Lesson 10: Tournament Preparation
Goal: Simulate tournament play and review all skills learned.
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
• Full-court rally drills to warm up all skills.
2. Skill Review (15 Minutes)
• Quick drills to review dinks, volleys, third-shot drops, and smashes.
3. Simulated Tournament (30 Minutes)
• Organize a mini round-robin tournament.
• Focus on applying all skills and strategies in a competitive environment.
4. Cool Down (5 Minutes)
• Stretch and discuss how to prepare for real tournaments.
This structured progression ensures players gain confidence, skills, and strategy while gradually preparing for competitive play. Each lesson builds on the previous one, encouraging consistency and improvement.
Lesson 2-3
Lesson 2: Reinforcing Basics and Introducing New Skills
Duration: 1 hour
Goal: Solidify fundamental skills and introduce consistency drills for dinking, serving, and groundstrokes.
1. Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)
• Dynamic Stretches: Focus on warming up shoulders, wrists, and legs.
• Short Court Dinking Drill: Practice controlled dinks, alternating between forehand and backhand.
• Baseline to Kitchen Drill: Begin hitting groundstrokes, then advance to the kitchen line for dinks.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
A. Serving Consistency (5 Minutes)
• Practice serving into specific service boxes.
• Emphasize proper technique, aiming for height and depth.
B. Return of Serve (5 Minutes)
• Teach how to aim for a deep return to keep opponents back.
• Practice with a partner or coach serving balls.
C. Kitchen Play (10 Minutes)
• Focus on dinks and controlled volleys at the kitchen line.
• Introduce movement along the kitchen line to maintain positioning.
3. Game Play (30 Minutes)
A. Kitchen Focus Drill (10 Minutes)
• Play a mini-game limited to dinking and volleying at the kitchen line.
• Emphasize patience and consistency.
B. Full Game Play (20 Minutes)
• Play games to 7 points, incorporating serves and groundstrokes.
• Provide coaching tips on shot selection and movement.
4. Cool Down and Q&A (5 Minutes)
• Static Stretches: Focus on shoulders, arms, and legs.
• Recap Key Points: Highlight the importance of consistent serves and kitchen control.
• Suggest at-home practice for serving and dinking.
Lesson 3: Intermediate Skills and Doubles Strategy
Duration: 1 hour
Goal: Introduce intermediate skills like volleys and lobs, and explore doubles positioning and teamwork.
1. Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)
• Dynamic Stretches: Target shoulders, wrists, and hips.
• Progressive Rally: Start with dinks, move to volleys, and end with groundstrokes.
2. Skill Development (20 Minutes)
A. Volleys (5 Minutes)
• Teach how to execute controlled volleys close to the net.
• Practice reaction time with quick exchanges.
B. Lobs and Smashes (10 Minutes)
• Demonstrate when to use defensive and offensive lobs.
• Practice hitting and responding to lobs with controlled smashes.
C. Doubles Positioning (5 Minutes)
• Explain ideal doubles positioning:
• Both players at the net for offensive play.
• One back, one forward for defensive play.
• Practice movement and communication during rallies.
3. Game Play (30 Minutes)
A. Strategic Drill Play (10 Minutes)
• Play rallies focusing on specific strategies, like lobs or volleys.
B. Full Game Play (20 Minutes)
• Play games to 11 points, emphasizing teamwork and positioning.
• Coach between points to reinforce positioning and shot selection.
4. Cool Down and Feedback (5 Minutes)
• Static Stretches: Relax shoulders, wrists, and legs.
• Discussion: Recap key skills and strategies.
• Encourage players to practice teamwork and communication in doubles play.
These lessons ensure steady progress by reinforcing foundational skills and introducing new techniques and strategies. Adapt based on the group’s pace and skill level.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
KH
Pickleball with Kevin HomanNew to TeachMe.To