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  1. Pickleball
  2. California
  3. Glendale
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Get a free trial lesson with Michael

Pickleball 🏓 lessons with

Coach Michael Casalino

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Michael Casalino, Pickleball coach in Glendale
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 2
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 3
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 4
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 5
Michael Casalino, Pickleball coach in Glendale
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 2
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 3
Michael Casalino — Pickleball lesson photo 4
+2
Pay $0 today$57per lesson after trial

Pickleball 🏓 lessons with

Coach Michael Casalino

Get a free trial lesson
Get a free trial lesson
Pay $0 today$57per lesson after trial
88
Happy Student Score
Good
•
Michael is dependable and responsive. Students are generally satisfied and continue booking lessons.
Coach Rating
5.0
1 rating
1 review
88
Happy Student Score
Good
•
Michael is dependable and responsive. Students are generally satisfied and continue booking lessons.
Coach Rating
5.0
1 rating
1 review

About your pickleball coach

Here’s a clean, strong bio you can use for “Teach Me,” written in your voice and style: ⸻ Pickleball Coach Bio I’ve been playing pickleball for the past two years and quickly fell in love with the game, both competitively and as a way to bring people together. My background goes much deeper than pickleball though. I’ve spent over 10 years mentoring and teaching across sports, helping athletes build confidence, improve fundamentals, and actually enjoy the process of getting better. My focus is on beginner to intermediate players. Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or looking to level up your consistency and strategy, I create a relaxed, supportive environment where you can improve without feeling overwhelmed. I believe pickleball should be fun, social, and rewarding, while still giving you the tools to compete and win. ⸻ What I Focus On To Get You to the Next Level * Solid Fundamentals First Grip, footwork, positioning, and shot mechanics that actually hold up in real games. * Consistency Over Flash Cutting down unforced errors so you can win more points without needing risky shots. * Smart Court Positioning Learning where to be and when, especially at the kitchen line. * Dinking with Purpose Not just keeping the ball in play, but setting up your advantage. * Transition Game How to move from defense to offense without getting burned. * Partner Communication Simple strategies to play better as a team and avoid confusion on the court. * Game Awareness & Strategy Reading opponents, recognizing patterns, and making smarter decisions point by point. * Confidence Building Helping you trust your game so you play relaxed, not tight.

👋
Teaches: Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners
📍
Lives in: Glendale, California
🎓
Years Playing: 2 years
🔥
Given: 4 lessons

Michael's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Michael's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

At your location

At your location

This coach can travel to you

Travels within 20 miles

Smash Dink Indoor Pickleball

$30
1972.6 miles away

City of La Cañada Flintridge Pickleball Courts

Free
1967.6 miles away

Private Escape - Tennis & Pickleball

$33
1974.0 miles away

Availability on all locations

Near Glendale, California

No availability for this date

Didn't find a time or location that works with Michael?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
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Accomplishments

🏓3.5 DUPR
🏅Experienced Player

Certifications & Badges

📝PPR Certified

Specializations

🎯Dinking
🎯Serving
🎯Return of Serve
🎯Third Shot

Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Introduction to Pickleball • Objective: Understand the basics of pickleball. • Key Topics: • Overview of the game, rules, and scoring system. • Court layout: non-volley zone (kitchen), service areas, and boundaries. • Basic equipment: paddle, ball, and net. • Drills: • Practice holding the paddle (continental grip). • Bounce the ball on the paddle for control. • Game Play: • Mini rally with a partner just to get a feel for hitting the ball.
Lesson 11+TBD
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Backhand Groundstrokes • Objective: Introduce and practice backhand strokes. • Key Topics: • Proper grip adjustment for backhand shots. • Body rotation and follow-through. • Drills: • Backhand drills with a partner: 10 consistent backhands in a row. • Combination drill: alternate forehand and backhand strokes. • Game Play: • Rally using only backhands. Lesson 5: Dinking Basics • Objective: Learn the importance of dinking in the non-volley zone. • Key Topics: • What is a dink and why it’s important for strategy. • Proper dink mechanics: soft touch, paddle angle, and wrist control. • Drills: • Practice dinking crosscourt with a partner. • Dink-to-dink rallies focusing on control and placement. • Game Play: • Dink-only games in the non-volley zone. Lesson 6: Volley Shots • Objective: Develop confidence with volleys at the net. • Key Topics: • Paddle positioning for volleys. • Maintaining a ready position and quick reflexes. • Drills: • Partner volleys: exchange volleys back and forth at the net. • Reflex drill: rapid volleys with a partner. • Game Play: • Volley-focused rally with a partner. Lesson 7: Serving and Returning • Objective: Combine serve and return practice. • Key Topics: • Placement of serves and returns. • Returning deep to gain an advantage. • Drills: • Practice serve-return rallies: serve, return, and rally for 3 shots. • Focus on return placement to the opponent’s backhand. • Game Play: • Serve and return drills in a half-court game. Lesson 8: Court Positioning and Strategy • Objective: Understand court positioning and basic strategies. • Key Topics: • Moving up to the net after serving or returning. • Communication with a partner in doubles. • Drills: • Practice moving together as a team in doubles. • Shadow drill: simulate movement patterns during play. • Game Play: • Play doubles games focusing on positioning. Lesson 9: Advanced Shots - Lobs and Drops • Objective: Introduce lobs and drop shots for advanced play. • Key Topics: • Lob mechanics: lifting the ball high over the opponent. • Drop shot placement: soft shot into the kitchen. • Drills: • Lob and drop shot practice with a partner. • Combination drill: dink, drop, and lob in sequence. • Game Play: • Practice using lobs and drops in situational games. Lesson 10: Game Simulation and Review • Objective: Apply skills in full-game play and review progress. • Key Topics: • Scoring, rules, and game flow. • Identifying strengths and areas for improvement. • Drills: • Warm-up with dinks and volleys. • Practice serving and returning under pressure. • Game Play: • Play a full game to 11 points with doubles and singles rotation. • Focus on applying all learned skills.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Serve Basics • Objective: Learn and practice the correct serving technique. • Key Topics: • Rules of serving: underhand motion, diagonal placement, and positioning. • Importance of consistency over power. • Drills: • Practice serving to the correct diagonal box 10 times in a row. • Serve and return with a partner. • Game Play: • Practice serving rotations with a small group. Lesson 3: Forehand Groundstrokes • Objective: Develop a consistent forehand shot. • Key Topics: • Proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. • Swing mechanics: follow through toward the target. • Drills: • Forehand drills with a partner: hit 10 forehands back and forth. • Wall practice: hit forehands against a wall to develop control. • Game Play: • Forehand-only rally with a partner.

Youth players
Working with kidsGeneral Adjustments: 1. Shorter Lessons: • Keep sessions to 30–45 minutes to align with kids’ attention spans. 2. Increased Fun & Games: • Use creative drills and mini-games to make learning enjoyable. 3. Simplified Explanations: • Use age-appropriate language to explain rules and techniques. 4. Focus on Active Engagement: • Include more physical activities to keep kids moving and excited. 5. Positive Reinforcement: • Celebrate small victories and provide encouragement regularly.

Working with teenagersGeneral Adjustments for Teenagers: 1. Incorporate Competition: • Teenagers often enjoy competitive elements. Add challenges, scoring-based drills, and friendly matches to keep them engaged. 2. Focus on Independence: • Give teens opportunities to self-correct and strategize. For example, let them analyze what went wrong in a rally or how they can improve. 3. Relatable Language: • Use approachable, casual language to explain concepts and keep the atmosphere relaxed while maintaining focus. 4. Emphasize Fitness and Fun: • Teens are often interested in staying active, so incorporate drills that are fast-paced and physically engaging. 5. Challenge Their Skills: • Gradually introduce advanced techniques like spin serves or angled shots. Teens enjoy learning skills that make them feel capable and competitive. 6. Social Interaction: • Allow for group-based drills and doubles games, which encourage teamwork and social engagement. 7. Short Explanations, More Action: • Keep instructions brief to allow more time for hands-on practice and play. 8. Real-Life Scenarios: • Teach strategies by simulating game scenarios. For example, focus on positioning during high-pressure points. 9. Focus on Long-Term Growth: • Emphasize the value of practice and progression. Teach teens how skills build upon one another to prepare for future play. 10. Positive Feedback: • Balance constructive criticism with encouragement. Highlight their strengths while providing tips for improvement.

What you need to bringPaddle, balls, proper outfit and shoes, water and a have fun attitude

What I can bringExtra paddle, balls, great attitude

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!
  1. Pickleball
  2. California
  3. Glendale
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Pickleball with Michael C.New to TeachMe.To
How it works

Reputation

88
Happy Student Score
Good
Reliability
Usually reliable 👍 Dependable most of the time. Occasionally needs to adjust, but communicates clearly.
Average rating
5.0
1 rating•1 review
5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
Randy R.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 3•Verified ✓
The lesson was very helpful and allowed me to put the lesson into practice right away. Great instructor, knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. Highly recommend

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