Learn Pickleball with Michael
💰$50 weekly lessons
Ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? I'm passionate about helping beginners develop their skills and achieve their goals on the court, and I've been doing it for over two years.
Levels taught: Beginners
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🏅Experienced Player
🎓2 years playing
🔥3 Lessons
Try Michael risk free
When you buy with TeachMe.To you're getting access to a network of coaches. If you don't love your lessons with Michael, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund.
New to TeachMe.To
We strictly vet every TeachMeTo instructor, so you can book with confidence.
This coach is exceptional. We accept fewer than 10% of coaches who apply, because our students deserve only the best. Make their first week great and book now!
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:2 courts available
Cornishon Pickleball Court
4490 Cornishon Ave, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
2150.1 miles awayOutdoors
Smash Dink
4400 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA, USA
2155.1 miles awayIndoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
12:30 PM - 4 PM
mondays
2 PM - 8 PM
tuesdays
2 PM - 8 PM
wednesdays
3:30 PM - 8 PM
thursdays
3:30 PM - 8 PM
fridays
3:30 PM - 8 PM
saturdays
11 AM - 4 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Introduction to Pickleball
• Objective: Understand the basics of pickleball.
• Key Topics:
• Overview of the game, rules, and scoring system.
• Court layout: non-volley zone (kitchen), service areas, and boundaries.
• Basic equipment: paddle, ball, and net.
• Drills:
• Practice holding the paddle (continental grip).
• Bounce the ball on the paddle for control.
• Game Play:
• Mini rally with a partner just to get a feel for hitting the ball.
Lesson 11+TBD
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Backhand Groundstrokes
• Objective: Introduce and practice backhand strokes.
• Key Topics:
• Proper grip adjustment for backhand shots.
• Body rotation and follow-through.
• Drills:
• Backhand drills with a partner: 10 consistent backhands in a row.
• Combination drill: alternate forehand and backhand strokes.
• Game Play:
• Rally using only backhands.
Lesson 5: Dinking Basics
• Objective: Learn the importance of dinking in the non-volley zone.
• Key Topics:
• What is a dink and why it’s important for strategy.
• Proper dink mechanics: soft touch, paddle angle, and wrist control.
• Drills:
• Practice dinking crosscourt with a partner.
• Dink-to-dink rallies focusing on control and placement.
• Game Play:
• Dink-only games in the non-volley zone.
Lesson 6: Volley Shots
• Objective: Develop confidence with volleys at the net.
• Key Topics:
• Paddle positioning for volleys.
• Maintaining a ready position and quick reflexes.
• Drills:
• Partner volleys: exchange volleys back and forth at the net.
• Reflex drill: rapid volleys with a partner.
• Game Play:
• Volley-focused rally with a partner.
Lesson 7: Serving and Returning
• Objective: Combine serve and return practice.
• Key Topics:
• Placement of serves and returns.
• Returning deep to gain an advantage.
• Drills:
• Practice serve-return rallies: serve, return, and rally for 3 shots.
• Focus on return placement to the opponent’s backhand.
• Game Play:
• Serve and return drills in a half-court game.
Lesson 8: Court Positioning and Strategy
• Objective: Understand court positioning and basic strategies.
• Key Topics:
• Moving up to the net after serving or returning.
• Communication with a partner in doubles.
• Drills:
• Practice moving together as a team in doubles.
• Shadow drill: simulate movement patterns during play.
• Game Play:
• Play doubles games focusing on positioning.
Lesson 9: Advanced Shots - Lobs and Drops
• Objective: Introduce lobs and drop shots for advanced play.
• Key Topics:
• Lob mechanics: lifting the ball high over the opponent.
• Drop shot placement: soft shot into the kitchen.
• Drills:
• Lob and drop shot practice with a partner.
• Combination drill: dink, drop, and lob in sequence.
• Game Play:
• Practice using lobs and drops in situational games.
Lesson 10: Game Simulation and Review
• Objective: Apply skills in full-game play and review progress.
• Key Topics:
• Scoring, rules, and game flow.
• Identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• Drills:
• Warm-up with dinks and volleys.
• Practice serving and returning under pressure.
• Game Play:
• Play a full game to 11 points with doubles and singles rotation.
• Focus on applying all learned skills.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Serve Basics
• Objective: Learn and practice the correct serving technique.
• Key Topics:
• Rules of serving: underhand motion, diagonal placement, and positioning.
• Importance of consistency over power.
• Drills:
• Practice serving to the correct diagonal box 10 times in a row.
• Serve and return with a partner.
• Game Play:
• Practice serving rotations with a small group.
Lesson 3: Forehand Groundstrokes
• Objective: Develop a consistent forehand shot.
• Key Topics:
• Proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Swing mechanics: follow through toward the target.
• Drills:
• Forehand drills with a partner: hit 10 forehands back and forth.
• Wall practice: hit forehands against a wall to develop control.
• Game Play:
• Forehand-only rally with a partner.
Youth players
Working with kidsGeneral Adjustments:
1. Shorter Lessons:
• Keep sessions to 30–45 minutes to align with kids’ attention spans.
2. Increased Fun & Games:
• Use creative drills and mini-games to make learning enjoyable.
3. Simplified Explanations:
• Use age-appropriate language to explain rules and techniques.
4. Focus on Active Engagement:
• Include more physical activities to keep kids moving and excited.
5. Positive Reinforcement:
• Celebrate small victories and provide encouragement regularly.
Working with teenagersGeneral Adjustments for Teenagers:
1. Incorporate Competition:
• Teenagers often enjoy competitive elements. Add challenges, scoring-based drills, and friendly matches to keep them engaged.
2. Focus on Independence:
• Give teens opportunities to self-correct and strategize. For example, let them analyze what went wrong in a rally or how they can improve.
3. Relatable Language:
• Use approachable, casual language to explain concepts and keep the atmosphere relaxed while maintaining focus.
4. Emphasize Fitness and Fun:
• Teens are often interested in staying active, so incorporate drills that are fast-paced and physically engaging.
5. Challenge Their Skills:
• Gradually introduce advanced techniques like spin serves or angled shots. Teens enjoy learning skills that make them feel capable and competitive.
6. Social Interaction:
• Allow for group-based drills and doubles games, which encourage teamwork and social engagement.
7. Short Explanations, More Action:
• Keep instructions brief to allow more time for hands-on practice and play.
8. Real-Life Scenarios:
• Teach strategies by simulating game scenarios. For example, focus on positioning during high-pressure points.
9. Focus on Long-Term Growth:
• Emphasize the value of practice and progression. Teach teens how skills build upon one another to prepare for future play.
10. Positive Feedback:
• Balance constructive criticism with encouragement. Highlight their strengths while providing tips for improvement.
What you need to bringPaddle, balls, proper outfit and shoes, water and a have fun attitude
What I can bringExtra paddle, balls, great attitude
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!
MC
Pickleball with Michael CasalinoNew to TeachMe.To