Hi, I'm John. I've immersed myself in racquet sports, from being a lifelong tennis enthusiast to a 4.0 pickleball player. My journey also includes coaching various sports, playing varsity ice hockey, and refereeing soccer for high school, college, and club matches before retiring. For those new to pickleball but with racquet experience, here's what you can expect: Understanding Your Goals: I'll always start by asking what you aim to achieve. Assessment: We'll hit together so I can gauge your comfort and skill level. Foundation: Focus on the basics, especially serving techniques, ensuring you can consistently serve deep 90% of the time. Return Practice: I'll serve returnable shots to help you practice making deep returns. Positioning: Learn the right footwork and get to the kitchen line effectively. Defensive Skills: We'll work on defending at the kitchen line, be it blocking softly or striking powerfully at your opponent's feet. But beyond these techniques, I'm passionate about the mental game. I'll guide you through the strategies that will make you game-ready and sharpen your competitive edge!