Pickleball lessons near me in Itasca, IL

New TeachMe.To Pickleball Data Shows the Growth of Pickleball Coaching Across the USA (You'll Never Guess Which City is #1)

25 min read

IntroductionPickleball continues to dominate as the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year. Invented by three vacationers on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in 1965, pickleball combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis.One of the key reasons for pickleball's soaring popularity is its accessibility. The sport is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it particularly popular among seniors. Its "open play format" allows players to mix and match with dozens of others in a session, fostering a social and inclusive atmosphere.In fact, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 13.6 million Americans tried pickleball last year. This places pickleball just behind baseball (16.7 million) and outdoor soccer (14.1 million), and slightly ahead of downhill skiing (13.1 million).Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the availability of locations to play pickleball is a crucial factor in its continued growth. Fortunately, with more facilities being built nationwide, the sport's popularity is set to rise even further. To illustrate just how much the sport has taken off, let's delve into some of the top pickleball statistics, from player adoption to the rapid increase in court availability. Here is a recap of the sport's growth over the past 12 months. The pickleball growth explosion continued into this year. When we look at 2024 vs. 2023:Pickleball Lesson BookingsPlayer Growth: Pickleball lesson bookings almost tripled, increasing 197% from 1,529 to 4,546Court Distribution by State: * California: 2,253 locations served * Florida: 1,148 locations served * Texas: 1,032 locations served Age Distribution according to TeachMe.To: * 64% of pickleball players taking lessons are at least 45 years old * The 55-64 year old age range saw a 6x jump in pickleball adoption, the biggest jump of any age range Gender Distribution: * 65% of pickleball players taking lessons are female. * Women grew significantly faster than men, with a 50% lesson growth rate from 2023. California, the number one ranked state for pickleball, has seen a growth rate of 64.67%. Pickleball has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the last few years — experts predict we'll need 25,000 extra courts around the country to meet demand.This breakdown highlights the top cities in the U.S. where pickleball is thriving based on the number of coaches in any given city per our data. According to our data at TeachMe.To, here are the most popular cities to play pickleball in the country, with Austin taking the top spot for the most pickleball coaching lessons booked according to TeachMe.To's data. Ranking City Share of Lessons 1 Austin 16.90% 2 New York City 15.17% 3 Dallas 10.69% 4 San Francisco 9.31% 5 Chicago 9.31% 6 Scottsdale 9.14% 7 Seattle 8.10% 8 Houston 7.76% 9 Miami 6.90% 10 St. Petersburg 6.72% Austin is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in the United States with 98 pickleball coaching lessons booked already in 2024. At time of publishing, there are currently nine pickleball coaches serving the Austin area. Eight of these nine coaches have a five-star rating and one coach has a four-and-a-half-star rating. The combination of great coaching and 51 locations to play pickleball are two major factors in why Austin is ranked number first in the nation.The second ranked city, New York City, comes in close with 88 pickleball coaching lessons booked and an impressive 16 pickleball coaches serving the area. There are 56 pickleball locations in New York City, with 12 of them specifically located within New York City, and a total of 203 pickleball courts across the city. While New York City is near second in bookings, it is also twice the population of Austin with 1.6 million people residing there.Dallas is ranked third according to our data and features 117 pickleball courts in the city limits, so it is no surprise that they are the third most popular city according to our rankings. In fact, one company is planning to bring an additional 15 pickleball locations to the Dallas area, so the sport will soon be even more accessible to thousands of people.San Francisco, Chicago, and Scottsdale are in a virtual tie for the next three spots. San Francisco and Scottsdale have outdoor courts in warmer climates, while Chicago has 70 indoor pickleball courts for players to enjoy.Rounding out the rest of our list are Seattle, which is located only 10 miles from where pickleball was invented, and three other locations again with a warmer climate: Houston, Miami Beach and St. Petersburg.What cities are seeing a rise in demand for the sport? Not surprisingly, these cities are in warmer climates with nicer weather. Here are a few changes worth noting in 2024. * Miami was not ranked in 2023 and now holds the number one spot in Florida with 13.65% of all pickleball coaching lessons booked. * St. Petersburg saw an increase of 430% in coaching lessons booked from 2023 to 2024. * Fort Lauderdale saw an increase of 335% in coaching lessons booked from 2023 to 2024. * San Francisco has made a stunning leap from unranked in 2023 to seizing the number one spot in California, boasting an impressive 11.89% share! When we look at the total popularity of pickleball coaching lessons booked within states, we see a shift in rankings. It's no surprise that the top three rankings are in warmer states known for having nice weather. But once we look at the other rankings, we see that pickleball is popular in some areas that are not as well-known for sunny weather. Four states, New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania are almost tied for the same amount of pickleball coaching lessons. Rank State Share of Lessons 1 California 26.71% 2 Florida 14.74% 3 Texas 6.62% 4 New Jersey 4.27% 5 Illinois 4.27% 6 New York 4.06% 7 Pennsylvania 3.63% 8 Washington 3.21% 9 Colorado 2.99% 10 Georgia 2.78% 11 Utah 2.56% 12 Arizona 2.56% 13 Michigan 2.35% 14 Massachusetts 2.35% 15 North Carolina 2.14% 16 Ohio 2.14% 17 Minnesota 1.92% 18 Maryland 1.71% 19 Tennessee 1.71% 20 Wisconsin 1.50% 21 South Carolina 1.28% 22 Indiana 1.28% 23 Nevada 1.28% 24 Virginia 1.28% 25 Rhode Island 0.64% So, how do these numbers compare with the rankings from 2023? California, Florida, and Texas have seen a percent increase when compared to last year. Most notable is in California as the sport has truly spread into new parts of the state.Let's take a closer look at the top cities in the number one state of California. San Francisco leads the way, with its iconic Golden Gate Park and the Presidio offering stunning settings for pickleball enthusiasts. The city's blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy makes it a top choice for players.San Diego follows closely, known for its perfect weather year-round and numerous outdoor courts in places like Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park. The city's beachside culture and active lifestyle attract a diverse range of pickleball players.Los Angeles also shows significant interest in pickleball. With its vast network of parks and recreational centers, including Griffith Park and Venice Beach, LA provides ample opportunities for both casual and competitive play. The city's emphasis on health and fitness aligns perfectly with the sport's growing popularity.Irvine, with its meticulously maintained parks and community centers, such as the Great Park and Heritage Community Park, supports a thriving pickleball scene. The city's family-friendly atmosphere and commitment to recreational activities make it a favorite among residents.Marina del Rey, known for its beautiful marina and waterfront parks, offers a unique pickleball experience. The combination of scenic views and excellent facilities, like Burton Chace Park, draws players looking for both relaxation and sport. This diverse range of locations across California highlights a fairly equal distribution of interest in the sport, showcasing the state's overall enthusiasm for pickleball.Our top 20 pickleball coaches have significantly impacted the sport and their communities. Their impressive earnings this year reflect the high demand for quality pickleball instruction.Leading the list is a coach from Austin, known for their strategic approach and engaging style, building a loyal client base and boosting Austin's pickleball scene.In New York City, a top-earning coach with a professional tennis background offers tailored lessons in iconic NYC locations, attracting a diverse group of players.San Francisco's standout coach fosters a supportive learning environment with innovative drills, resulting in high demand for their services.Coaches from Dallas, Miami Beach, and Seattle also made the list, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for pickleball. These coaches have created effective training programs that resonate with their communities.For Coaches: The demand for skilled pickleball coaches is set to explode in 2025, creating a golden opportunity for those who act fast. Coaches who tap into emerging hotspots—where player numbers are skyrocketing but trained instructors are scarce—stand to build thriving businesses. Expect new opportunities for specialized coaching, including clinics for competitive play, youth programs, and even corporate team-building sessions.For Equipment Manufacturers: Get ready for a shake-up in the market as pickleball continues its meteoric rise. Equipment companies have a unique chance to innovate, introducing tech-enhanced paddles with performance tracking, stylish apparel lines, and eco-friendly gear. The luxury market is also poised for a breakthrough—think designer paddles, personalized gear, and exclusive club memberships. With players now spending over $300 annually on lessons alone, the appetite for high-quality, tailored products is hotter than ever.For Sports Facilities: Pickleball’s explosive growth is turning facility development into a high-stakes game. Savvy investors and facility managers will capitalize on this by transforming underused spaces into pickleball hubs, complete with smart courts, private coaching zones, and social lounges. Expect to see dedicated pickleball arenas that rival tennis clubs, offering memberships, tournaments, and events that make the sport a lifestyle. The future of pickleball is not just in playing—it’s in the full, immersive experience.These aren’t just predictions—they’re a call to action. The question isn’t if pickleball will dominate but how fast you’ll move to catch the wave.

How Breanna Meertins Left Her 9-5 and Built a Full-Time Career Teaching with TeachMe.To

5 min read

Leaving behind the stability of a 9-5 job can be daunting, but for Breanna Meertins, it was a step toward living her passion. After years of working as a veterinary assistant, at the age of 29, Breanna made the bold decision to switch careers and build a sustainable coaching business in Queens using TeachMe.To.Today, Breanna enjoys the freedom and joy of sharing her love for pickleball with students while achieving a great balance between work and personal life...Breanna’s passion for sports started early, playing tennis at the age of three. Over the years, her natural athletic ability expanded into pickleball, where she not only became an accomplished player but also secured multiple tournament victories. Before becoming a full-time coach, Breanna worked as a veterinary assistant and technician, balancing grueling 12-hour overnight shifts at an animal hospital in Manhattan. “I’ve been in the animal field since 2016,” Breanna explains, “I even spent time working at an agriculture hospital in Queens.” Although she loved working with animals, the long shifts were exhausting, and she began to dream about a different path. Breanna discovered pickleball almost by accident, but it quickly became a new obsession. With her background in tennis, she was hooked by how the sport combined the fast pace of ping-pong with the familiar strokes of tennis. “I was blown away,” she recalls. “I played every day because I couldn’t get enough of it.” What started as playing for fun soon led to informal lessons with friends, which sparked her interest in teaching. “I wanted to make a little extra money, but I also always had this vision of being my own boss.” With that in mind, she started coaching more intentionally. What began as just a handful of lessons a week gradually grew into 8 lessons a day and over 30 clients a week.TeachMe.To played a key role in Breanna’s transition from side hustle to full-time coach as 80% of her coaching business is with students using TeachMe.To. The platform gave her the ability to turn her turn her passion into a business, making it easier to attract clients and manage her schedule. “TeachMe.To made it easy to grow,” she says. “I love how they showcase my energy and highlight how many lessons I’ve taught. It gives me credibility and allows potential clients to see feedback from others who’ve worked with me.” For Breanna, TeachMe.To has also been empowering as a female coach in a field where there aren’t many women instructors. “It’s inspiring to see my business grow in this space,” she says.Breanna says that building a full-time income from coaching didn’t happen overnight. “It took me about five months to go all-in,” Breanna explains. “There were tough weeks with cancellations and no clients, but I stayed dedicated, kept a positive attitude, and made sure my lessons were fun, relatable, and engaging.” Her hard work paid off—Breanna now earns between $5,000 to $6,000 each month, with her highest month reaching $8,000, a big jump from the $3,500 she made in her previous job. She currently teaches around 30-44 lessons per week with a total of about 120 coaching sessions each month and charges $67 for a one-hour weekly coaching lesson. Breanna's student base is as diverse as her lesson schedule. “I work with everyone,” Breanna says. “From 3-year-olds to 80-year-olds, and from total beginners to advanced players preparing for tournaments.” No matter the skill level, Breanna brings the same enthusiasm to every session, making sure each student leaves feeling more confident and motivated to improve.Looking ahead, Breanna plans to keep expanding her coaching business with the help of TeachMe.To. She’s excited about the possibility of teaching even more students, hosting workshops, and continuing to inspire others through the sport she loves. “The future is bright,” she says. “I’m grateful every day that I get to do what I love.”Breanna’s advice to anyone thinking about joining TeachMe.To as a coach is simple: “Go for it! Put yourself out there and tell your story. Show people what makes you unique as a coach and why they should learn from you.” She believes that the key to success lies in building genuine connections with students and embracing the joy of teaching. “It’s the most rewarding feeling to help someone grow and learn a new skill.”Breanna Meertins’ story is proof that with passion, hard work, and TeachMe.To, you can turn your dream into a sustainable career. Her journey from veterinary technician to full-time coach shows what’s possible when you take a leap of faith. For anyone considering a similar path, TeachMe.To offers a way to get started. Whether you want to teach part-time or build a full-time career, Breanna’s experience is a reminder that pursuing what you love can lead to incredible rewards. Ready to follow in Breanna’s footsteps? Sign up to now to be a part-time coach on TeachMe.To, or schedule a call with the platform to learn how you can launch your own coaching business today.

Pickleball, Popcorn, and Projectors: A New Kind of Movie Night?

4 min read

With the rise of streaming services keeping people in their homes, movie theaters want to bring audiences back. One of the most surprising ideas that has already been put into action is pickleball at the movie theater. You heard that right—people are currently playing pickleball at the movie theater. At first glance, the idea of playing pickleball at a movie theater might seem odd. Pickleball is an energetic, paddle-based sport, while movie theaters are known for their calm, immersive vibes. So, how do they blend together? Well, many theaters have unused or underutilized spaces that can easily be converted into pickleball courts during off-hours. For example, some unused space by the parking lot or next to the theater can be a great location for some pickleball courts. This concept is gaining attention as theaters look for ways to stay relevant in the modern world. In fact, the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) recently announced that the eight largest theater chains in the U.S. and Canada will invest over $2.2 billion in modernizing and upgrading theaters of all sizes over the next three years. With that kind of investment, it's clear theaters are ready to experiment with bold new ideas like pickleball to enhance the moviegoing experience for consumers. One great example of pickleball at the movies has already is the B&B Theatres' Red Oak 12 in Texas. At this location guests will find pickleball courts right outside the theater. And there is also a climbing wall, an arcade, a bowling alley, bocce ball courts, an outdoor bar and more! Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed with an estimated 36 million players in the United States. The sport is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and requires less space than tennis. For these reasons, the sport is an ideal fit for a movie theater with some unused space. Picture this: you play a couple games of pickleball with friends, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a movie. It’s the ultimate mix of staying active and kicking back, all in one trip.In addition to utilizing space, playing pickleball at the movies taps into two growing trends: people are craving unique experiences and are also prioritizing their health more than ever. Pickleball is a social, low-barrier way to stay active. Watching a movie after you play lets you relax. It’s a win-win for theaters as it attracts more people that want something unique to do on a night out.Turning theaters into pickleball hotspots could breathe new life into these venues. Imagine weekend tournaments where winners score free movie tickets, or regular pickleball leagues where players can hang out, compete, and cheer each other on. These events could draw bigger crowds during slower times like weekday afternoons or early evenings.As entertainment options evolve over time, it’s exciting to see how movie theaters are blending different experiences to attract wider audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just looking for a unique night out, playing pickleball at the movie theater is now a reality. So, the next time you’re scrolling through theater showtimes, don’t be surprised if you see a pickleball tournament on the schedule too!