4 Pickleball coaches & instructors for lessons in Thompson, CT

I'm a sports enthusiast who discovered a passion for pickleball in late 2022 after years of playing recreational tennis. Since then, I've fallen in love with the game and play almost every day. As a PPR Certified instructor and Six Zero Ambassador, I regularly drill and continually seek to improve my skills. As a 4.0 player, I'm dedicated to teaching others, helping them enhance their game, and spreading the joy of pickleball.

"The lesson with Larry was quite helpful, especially his helpful feedback and patience with applications. Though I think more technical details about shot mechanics would add to the learning, I’m hopeful that future lessons will cover this area as well. Still, I feel like I gained a good understanding of the basics, and it’s made me more confident in my game. If you're interested in steadily improving, Larry might be worth trying out.

My career has afforded me many opportunities to coach students of all ages and abilities in pickleball, tennis and squash. I have enjoyed meeting great people and sharing my passion to improve their skills and enjoy the many fantastic benefits of exercise and competitive fun!

"The lesson with Wayne was quite helpful, especially his clear communication and feedback. Wayne’s exercises are always great and target key areas.

If you are thinking about learning to play the fastest growing sport in the nation, but are hesitant to begin, read this short bio of our most popular Rhode Island instructor, Coach Phyl. Her experience and coaching style can help to ease your concerns. Hello and welcome! I’m Coach Phyl, and I am so glad you’re here. Let me tell you a little about why I love to work with beginning pickleball players. Pickleball is life, and I mean that literally. I took up the sport just as the Covid pandemic was shifting into high gear. It was the one thing I could do, despite my advanced age, while lockdown was beginning to happen all around me. It got me off the couch and moving, which I believe saved me from losing my mind, my passion for life, and my muscles, such as they are. It was kismet. I quickly recognized how similar the movements and strategies were to a game called Ace King Queen that I had played as a child. I loved and missed that game. Pickleball felt almost like finding it again. I fell in love with it immediately, not only for the game itself, but also for the social void it filled. Pickleball has brought many wonderful people into my life while providing me with a fun way to stay active during my “golden” years. I am filled with gratitude for all that it gives me, and I want to share these benefits with as many people as I can. We will have fun while you learn and practice new drills and skills. Pickleball is a multi-tiered sport that can be played by just about anyone. There is no better way to learn the basics than through in-person coaching. My teaching style is relaxed and non-confrontational. You will learn the rules of the game, proper warm-up techniques, paddle basics, a variety of strokes, serving options, targeting, timing, and the importance of drilling, with a few advanced strategies thrown in for good measure. As I like to say, just do it! There's no time like the present, so join me. See you on the court! Speaking of courts… While I am willing to travel to other courts, I encourage you to choose the courts at the John H. Chafee Sports Complex at 450 Hope Road in Western Cranston. These courts are well maintained and easy to get to. I love playing there, and I think you will, too. That said, if the weather calls for rain or otherwise is not in a cooperative mood (think wind, intense heat, snow, etc.), then a good choice would be the private indoor court at Open Table.

"Okay, I was pretty satisfied with the lesson with Phyllis. She paid close attention to my technique and offered useful tips that I can actually apply to my game. Still, I think I need a bit more practice, but I’m hopeful her guidance will help me improve. If you’re looking to refine aspects of your pickleball skills, you might want to give her a try.

Phil Parrish is the award-winning Director of The Longfellow Clubs, where he leads a team of certified professionals in teaching pickleball across three locations in Wayland, Wellesley, and Natick. With over 15 years of experience in the tennis and pickleball industries, Phil is dedicated to helping players of all skill levels improve and enjoy the game. The Longfellow Programs offer a clear pathway for players to start at any level and progress in a fun, supportive environment. Phil and his team are committed to providing a top-tier pickleball experience, fostering both skill development and a love for the sport.