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Subscribe and get a free lessonPickleball đ lessons with
Coach Matt Mendonsa
$57per lesson
Pickleball đ lessons with
Coach Matt Mendonsa
$57 per lesson
84
Happy Student ScoreFair
Matt is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
84
Happy Student ScoreFair
Matt is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
About your pickleball coach
PPR certified instructor and 4.0-rated player dedicated to helping beginners and intermediate players elevate their game with practical, easy-to-follow drills and strategies. Whether youâre just picking up a paddle or looking to break through to the next level, I specialize in teaching the fundamentals that matterâfootwork, shot selection, court positioning, and consistent play. With a focus on building skills through repetition, real-game scenarios, and confidence-building techniques, I make sure every session leaves you sharper, more confident, and ready for your next match. My coaching style is hands-on, positive, and tailored to your current levelâso youâre always progressing at the right pace. Letâs take your game to the next level together!
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Teaches: Adults, Seniors
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Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
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Lives in: Phoenix, Arizona
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Years Playing: Not specified
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Given: 15 lessons
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Matt ¡ usually replies in 3 min
Hey, I'm Matt. Got a question about lessons? Tap one to start.
Matt's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near Phoenix, Arizona
Mondays
Not available
Tuesdays
Not available
Wednesdays
Not available
Thursdays
Not available
Fridays
Not available
Saturdays
Not available
Sundays
Not available
Didn't find a time or location that works with Matt?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Certifications & Badges
đPPR Certified
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson
⸝
Lesson 1: Intro to Pickleball (60 Minutes)
0:00â0:05 â Welcome & Overview
⢠Quick intro to you + your teaching style
⢠What pickleball is (rules, scoring basics, court layout)
⢠Set expectations: âBy the end, youâll rally and play pointsâ
⸝
0:05â0:10 â Equipment & Grip
⢠Paddle basics (how to hold it â continental grip)
⢠Ready position (knees bent, paddle up)
⢠Quick demo of forehand vs backhand
⸝
0:10â0:20 â Basic Groundstrokes
⢠Forehand first
⢠Contact in front
⢠Smooth swing, not power
⢠Light partner rally or self-drop hit
⢠Introduce backhand (keep it simple)
đ Goal: Get them making consistent contact
⸝
0:20â0:30 â Dinking (Soft Game Intro)
⢠Explain the kitchen (non-volley zone)
⢠Show a dink (soft shot that lands in kitchen)
⢠Short court dinking drill
đ Focus:
⢠Control > power
⢠Patience
⸝
0:30â0:40 â Serving + Return Basics
⢠Underhand serve (rules: below waist, upward motion)
⢠Practice serving crosscourt
⢠Teach âreturn and get to the lineâ
đ Keep it simple:
⢠Just get it in consistently
⸝
0:40â0:50 â Intro to Volleys
⢠What a volley is (no bounce)
⢠Paddle out in front
⢠Block, donât swing
Quick drill at the net:
⢠Light volley exchanges
⸝
0:50â1:00 â Play & Wrap-Up
⢠Play half-court or skinny singles
⢠Coach lightly during points
⢠End with 2â3 key takeaways:
⢠Get to the kitchen
⢠Keep the ball in
⢠Stay patient
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonAdvanced Pickleball Lesson (60 Minutes)
0:00â0:05 â Assessment & Goals
⢠Quick rally to evaluate:
⢠Consistency
⢠Shot selection
⢠Movement
⢠Ask: What are you struggling with? (speed-ups, resets, defense, etc.)
⸝
0:05â0:15 â Warm-Up: Controlled Dinking
Crosscourt + straight-on dinks
⢠Add targets (cones or zones)
đ Focus:
⢠Paddle out front
⢠Spin + placement (not just soft)
⢠Patience in extended rallies
⸝
0:15â0:25 â Reset & Transition Game
Drill: Mid-court reset
⢠Feed faster balls from baseline or mid-court
⢠Player works on soft resets into the kitchen
đ Emphasis:
⢠Absorbing pace
⢠Dropping ball into kitchen under pressure
⢠Moving forward after a good reset
⸝
0:25â0:35 â Speed-Ups & Hands Battle
Drill: Dink â speed-up â hands exchange
⢠Start with dinks
⢠Coach initiates or player chooses attack
đ Focus:
⢠When to attack (high balls)
⢠Where to attack (body/backhand)
⢠Fast hands, compact swings
⸝
0:35â0:45 â Third Shot & Fourth Shot Strategy
Drill: Serve â return â third shot
⢠Alternate:
⢠Third shot drop
⢠Third shot drive
đ Add:
⢠Fourth shot decision making (reset vs attack)
đ Goal:
⢠Build point construction, not just execution
⸝
0:45â0:55 â Situational Point Play
Play points with constraints:
⢠Only crosscourt dinks until attack
⢠Must hit a drop before coming in
⢠Start in defensive position
đ Coach live feedback:
⢠Positioning
⢠Shot selection
⢠Court awareness
⸝
0:55â1:00 â Debrief & Takeaways
⢠2â3 specific improvements
⢠1â2 drills to practice on their own
⢠Mental focus tip (patience, shot discipline)
Youth players
Working with kidsYouth / Teen Pickleball Lesson (60 Minutes)
0:00â0:05 â Fun Intro & Energy Warm-Up
⢠Quick intro + names
⢠Ask: âWhoâs played before?â
⢠Light movement game (jog, shuffle, quick reaction drills)
đ Goal: Get them comfortable and engaged right away
⸝
0:05â0:15 â Paddle Skills & Hand-Eye
Games instead of drills
⢠Bounce ball on paddle (forehand/backhand)
⢠âKeep it upâ challenge
⢠Partner toss + catch with paddle
đ Focus:
⢠Coordination
⢠Control
⢠Confidence
⸝
0:15â0:25 â Basic Rallying
⢠Start close to the net
⢠Mini rallies (short court)
Make it a game:
⢠âHow many hits in a row can you get?â
đ Keep it simple:
⢠Big target (just get it over)
⢠Celebrate small wins
⸝
0:25â0:35 â Serving Made Easy
⢠Teach underhand serve (simple rules only)
⢠Let them practice from closer distance first
Game:
⢠Hit targets or âserve it in the boxâ challenge
đ Focus:
⢠Fun > perfect form
⸝
0:35â0:45 â Dinking Game
⢠Introduce the kitchen (call it âno-volley zoneâ or âsafe zoneâ)
Game:
⢠Dink rally contest
⢠âFirst to 5 in a row winsâ
đ Keep it:
⢠Light
⢠Competitive
⢠Encouraging
⸝
0:45â0:55 â Play Points (Modified Games)
⢠Skinny court or half-court games
⢠Rotate partners
Add fun rules:
⢠Bonus points for long rallies
⢠Team-based scoring
đ Teach:
⢠Basic positioning
⢠Taking turns hitting
⸝
0:55â1:00 â Wrap-Up & Hype
⢠Highlight wins (âYou improved your serves!â)
⢠Quick recap:
⢠Get it in
⢠Move your feet
⢠Have fun
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
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!
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!