Top 17 coaches for Pickleball lessons near Des Moines, WA

Bio: My name is Rusty, I am a PCI certified PB coach from Tacoma, WA. My introduction to and journey with pickleball is one of a kind and my story alone. If I could sum it up in a few short sentences I would. Due to the uniqueness and length, it will take a bit more. My dad was a Tacoma firefighter and competitive handball player. They had courts at the station, and I started playing with dad and his buddies. Handball is a tough game for a 14-year-old. One day after playing handball, I had to go to baseball practice, my hands were so sore I couldn’t catch the ball, hold a bat or throw the ball without wincing and looking like a baby. I came home and told my dad how terrible practice that day was, he quickly remedied that by sawing off the handle of an old wooden tennis racquet. This worked for about a month, and we decided that a real racquet was in order. My dad knew of a guy up on the Hilltop that was the top racquetball player in the Pacific NW. We went to his little shop, and I met the owner, Sid Williams. (Future Hall of Famer, Original Founder of the USAPA and Original Pioneer of Pickleball), He outfitted me with a new aluminum Leach (I still have it). Little did I know that he would become one of my closest friends a mentor and confidant. Sid became my coach as I started to show promise in local tournaments beating all the ‘old guys’. Fast forward 4 years, one month after my high school graduation, 1978. Sid called and said grab your gear, we are playing this afternoon at the new Family Fitness Center. As I was getting warmed up and my gear ready, he laughed and said “you won’t need all that, we are playing pickleball”. I had never seen nor heard of ‘pickleball’, I thought to myself, what a silly name. But Sid being who he was to me, I rather reluctantly agreed. The courts were all indoor/outdoor carpet, we had a whiffle ball and wooden paddles. I had an absolute blast that day. We played as much as we could that summer, all indoors, all at the Family Fitness Center. There were no such thing as outdoor courts yet. I went to work for the Club and after the summer was over, I left for college to play baseball. After three years of college baseball, I returned home to Tacoma and right back to the club to play racquetball. In my absence pickleball had picked up steam, it was growing, and the courts were usually full. At the same time my sales career was taking off as well. I played both sports whenever I could. Sid was running racquetball tournaments and I was his right-hand man. We would play in the mornings and afterwards we would head out to secure sponsorships donations and door prizes. I didn’t know it at the time, but Sid was giving me a “Master Class” of running tournaments. Somewhere around 1984-85, he took his format and applied it to pickleball. This is where competitive pickleball begins. I was there in the beginning of the new era. Singles was the game at the time and there was one guy I could never beat. Heck no one could beat. Future Hall of Famer Billy Jacobson was that guy. He was the best. Can’t think of a time or tournament that he didn’t dominate. So, I became a doubles specialist. Winning the 1st Annual Washington Open Games for mixed doubles. Billy didn’t play that division. This was the biggest pickleball tourney ever, anywhere. It was sponsored by Nalley and sanctioned by the newly formed USAPA. I loved spending time with Sid on and off the courts. He was truly one of a kind. I loved him dearly and miss him greatly. I played as much as I could, but as a young man at 26 years old I was building a career and was coaching football basketball and baseball at the Boys and Girls Club, there wasn’t a lot of free time. Yet, I was always there with Sid running the tournaments. The Open Games was the last time I played competitively. I took a break to be a college baseball coach, get married and start a family, helping Sid whenever I could. Well now it is September 2022, I am 62 years old. I haven’t played pickleball in 30 years. But this is post pandemic, I was burned out in Corporate America, a suit and tie every day. I wanted to do something that I loved, I wanted to have fun again, I just wanted to be me. The coach and athlete. Sitting around one night with some friends, they asked what I was going to do now. I said, “I am going to make a living playing and coaching pickleball”. As you can imagine we all had a good laugh. I started playing again, I started the process to form a charitable organization named, “The Sid Williams Foundation” and ‘Sids’ Kids’, “bringing pickle to the public” With all that is happening now in pickleball a new company was in order, I named my new company Pickleball OG *coaching*consulting*construction. Today, I play 5-6 days a week, I teach lessons in all shapes and sizes. I consult with paddle companies and with the construction of new facilities both private and public. If I can help in you in any way pickle related, reach out.

Bio: In August of 2021, Leonard embarked on a quest to elevate his pickleball skills, actively seeking a place to learn and play. It was during this journey that he crossed paths with Damon, a gentleman who extended an invitation to a community center predominantly frequented by players aged 50 and above. Initially feeling out of place, Leonard was warmly embraced by the community and taught the game that now ignites his passion. Today, almost two years later, Leonard aspires to give back by sharing his knowledge, eager to teach newcomers and enable them to experience the joy of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

Bio: Experienced pickleball player with deep a background in sports psychology. Great for beginners wanting to learn the game or intermediate players wanting to improve their game.

Bio: I thrive on making the complex simple, transforming pickleball lessons into fun and easily understandable experiences. My passion for the sport is contagious, and students consistently praise my ability to break down techniques and strategies in a clear and engaging way. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, I'll guide you with patience and enthusiasm, ensuring you quickly grasp the fundamentals and develop a love for the game. Let's hit the court together and unlock your pickleball potential!

Bio: Karen is a Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) Certified pickleball coach who has been playing pickleball competitively for 10+ years. A national medalist in doubles and singles with a former competitive tennis background, she enjoys teaching pickleball to beginners and intermediate players seeking to improve their skills. She offers private and small group lessons, tailored to meet each student's needs wherever they are on their pickleball journey. Lessons may focus on technique/mechanics/footwork, strategy, court positioning, teamwork, tournament prep, mental focus and more, depending on each student's individual skills and goals.

Bio: I've been playing pickleball since I was 8 years old, and over the years, it's become more than just a sport—it's a passion. With over 3 years of coaching experience, I love helping players of all levels grow their game, whether you're a total beginner, or an experienced player looking to sharpen your strategy and technique. Over the years I’ve won multiple 4.5-5.0 level gold medals, and coached many students to high level tournament success. I am currently Head Pro at Urban Pickleball, an indoor club in downtown Seattle, and I offer private coaching on the side. Let’s hit the courts and take your pickleball skills to the next level!

Bio: Embracing the exciting world of pickleball, I'm a seasoned player eager to share my passion and knowledge. With a year of experience on the court, I offer personalized coaching strategies designed to elevate your game, no matter your current skill level. Let's connect and unlock your pickleball potential together!

Bio: Driven by my passion for pickleball and honed by years of competitive play, culminating in a tournament victory, I bring three years of experience to the court to help you elevate your game. My coaching style emphasizes clear communication, strategic thinking, and most importantly, fostering a fun and supportive learning environment. Let's work together to unlock your full potential on the pickleball court.

Bio: I'm a former college tennis player from Spain, where I grew up playing on clay and eventually moved to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship. After completing grad school and starting a job in Seattle a couple of years ago, I picked up pickleball and haven't looked back since. I travel around the state playing tournaments, love meeting new people, and have coached friends and acquaintances along the way. Currently a 5.0 player, I'm always striving to elevate my game to the next level.

Bio: Driven by a unique blend of strategy, skill, power, and finesse, pickleball captured my attention right out of the gate—and I haven’t looked back. I never imagined that hitting a little plastic ball with holes in it could bring so much joy, connection, and meaningful friendships into my life—but it has, and I love sharing that experience with others. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing toward competitive play, I’m dedicated to helping you elevate your skills, deepen your understanding, and—most importantly—have a blast doing it. As a certified PPR Coach and proud USA Pickleball member, I focus on structured, personalized coaching that meets players right where they are in their pickleball journey. My sessions blend purposeful drills with engaging gameplay that builds confidence and real results. I offer: • Beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate lessons • Focused drill and technique sessions • Tournament preparation and strategic coaching • King/Queen of the Court (Live Ball) for groups of 5–10 • Pickleball travel adventures & event planning Outside of coaching, I’m a husband, dad to two energetic boys, and an avid student of the game myself. Our family loves to travel, and I’m excited to be building opportunities for pickleball-centered adventures around the world—starting with our community in Woodinville, WA. Let’s connect, learn, and play some pickleball!