Pickleball with Rish Rao
Hello! My name is Rish and I’m a dedicated Tennis and Pickleball Coach. I have more than 8 years of coaching experience teaching players of all ages and skill levels. In December 2024, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan Tech with a B.S. in Management Information Systems and double minors in Pre-Health Professions and Public Health. I played four years of NCAA Division II tennis. I coached and captained my school’s pickleball team to DUPR Nationals in November 2024. As a current professional pickleball player on the PPA and APP Tours, I leverage my understanding of both tennis and pickleball to transform beginners into advanced players. My coaching style focuses on technique, strategy, and mental strength. Most importantly, I foster a positive learning environment for all my students, regardless of their skill level and goals. Coaching Philosophy & Strengths: • Fundamentals for Beginners: Emphasizing proper grip, footwork, stroke mechanics, and shot selection. • Competitive Player Development: Full court coverage, contact point timing, tactical play, and point set up. Serve variation dependent on playing conditions, tweaking specific stroke mechanics, and mental preparation. • Inclusive Coaching: Adapting methods to support diverse players during group lesson settings. • Specialized Coaching: Ex: Poaching I-Formation Drill for Doubles vs First Volley Approach Drill for Singles Coaching Experience (2016–Present): • Coached ages 3 to seniors, adapting lessons to individual needs. • Served as Lead Assistant Coach at various Southern California tennis camps. Coaching Highlights: • Guided a complete beginner to a 5.0 pickleball level in one academic year. • Mentored two collegiate teammates to 5.0 pickleball level within a year. • Led a collegiate pickleball team to a DUPR Nationals bid from unranked. • Improved a special-needs beginner tennis player from 3-ball rallies to 15-ball rallies. Team Captain & Coach on the DUPR Collegiate Circuit (2023-2024): • Led practice sessions, created lineups, coached teammates, and lead team to a Regional win. NCAA Division II Tennis at Michigan Tech (2020-2024): • Lead Michigan Tech to their first GLIAC conference win in over 20 years. • Only player with a win against D2 National Champions Wayne State. • ITA Scholar-Athlete (2021–2024), Academic Excellence (2022–2023). Professional Pickleball (2023–Present): • Top 25 finishes at 2 APP NextGen events, including a singles win over a doubles gold medalist. • Advanced in a PPA professional qualifier, defeated a 6.0 pro doubles team at 2nd NextGen event Junior Tennis Achievements (2016-2020): • Won the inaugural CIF Boys Open Division, graduating as the top national high school program. • Rated a 3-Star recruit with a highest UTR of 10 & Defeated a 12 UTR player before the pandemic.
Accomplishments
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Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:1 Sunnyhill, Irvine, CA 92612
1961.2 miles away5500 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
1958.8 miles away4861 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
1960.7 miles awayAvailability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
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!