Get a free trial lesson with Ray

Reputation

Happy Student Score

Great

Reliability

Always reliable ⭐ Shows up on time and ready to teach every lesson. You can count on them.

Average rating

5.0

Trevor B.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 2•Verified ✓

Amazing! Coach Ray broke down everything for us and answered all questions that me and my wife asked. I had a great 1st lesson! We highly recommend and can't wait until our next lesson.

Eileen B.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 1•Verified ✓

Coach is ideal for a beginner—his patience and encouragement is over the top

Jackie H.

•Lessons taken: 1•

Coach Ray stimulates discussion and learning of pickleball skills, rules, and etiquette. I definitely learn something new every time I work with him, and slowly but surely my game is improving.

Amy B.

•Lessons taken: 1•

Coach Ray is an excellent pickleball coach. He identified the skills I needed to work on, then used lessons to work through those skills at just the right pace.

Shelby H.

•Lessons taken: 1•

I had a few things I wanted to work on and Coach Ray tailored my lesson specifically for me! Coach Ray's instruction helped me to elevate my pickleball game!

Mark K.

•Lessons taken: 1•

Ray's coaching style is fantastic for intermediates like me; he breaks down advanced techniques into manageable steps, boosting my confidence on the court.

Pickleball with Ray T.⭑ 5.0 (15 reviews)

How it works

Beginner training plan

Your first lessonLesson 1 will introduce you to the very basics from how to properly hold a paddle to swing basics, starting with the short game (dinking) to enforce those swing mechanics.

Lesson 11+Lessons 11+ will be dedicated to building on individual skills and strengthening shots and strategies on an individual basis.

Lesson 4-10Lessons 4-10 will progress through different shot types, including lobs, lob return, punch volley and block volley, shot selection and pace of play.

Lesson 2-3In lessons 2&3, we will progress through serve types, return of serve, ground strokes and volleys, and the basics of keeping score.

What you need to bringAlways wear court shoes when playing pickleball! Also, wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Take into consideration the weather; you may need layers! If this is your very first experience with pickleball, you may not have a paddle. That's ok, I will let you use one of mine! I will provide everything else needed for your lesson.

What I can bringI will provide everything needed for your lesson, including a paddle if you don't already own one!

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!

Pickleball lessons with

Coach Ray Thigpen

From$54 per lesson

•

Pickleball lessons with

Coach Ray Thigpen

From$54 per lesson

•

Happy Student Score

Great

•

This coach is reliable and responsive. Students are happy and often return for more lessons.

Coach Rating

5.0•15 reviews

Happy Student Score

Great

•

This coach is reliable and responsive. Students are happy and often return for more lessons.

Coach Rating

5.0•15 reviews

About your pickleball coach

With over four years of immersive pickleball playing experience and sixteen months as an IPTPA Certified Teaching Professional, pickleball has become my ultimate passion. I find immense joy in sharing my knowledge and love for the game with others through coaching. The fact that most of my current students are repeat students speaks volumes about the value they find in my instruction. I cherish the opportunity to continue guiding them on their pickleball journey.

👋

Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors

🌱

Levels: Beginners, Intermediates

📍

Lives in: Kinston, North Carolina

🎓

Years Playing: 4 years

🔥

Given: 20 lessons

Ray's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Ray's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Fairfield Recreation Center

Free

438.8 miles away

Kinston Country Club

Free

438.5 miles away

Kinston Community Center

Free

438.2 miles away

Availability on all locations

Near Kinston, North Carolina

No availability for this date

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

See similar coaches

Certifications & Badges

📝IPTPA Certified

Get a free trial lesson with Ray

Reputation

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a free trial lesson? (HINT: YES!)

What if I don’t love my first lesson?

What if I have never played pickleball before?

How quickly can I expect to see improvement as a beginner?

How do I know which coach is right for me?

What can I expect during a typical lesson?

Is my lesson fully private?

How many lessons should I take?

How long are lessons?

Where do lessons take place?

Do I need my own paddle?

How do I book and what does it cost?

What happens after I book?

Can I take lessons with friends or family groups?

Cancellation Policy

Coach Ray Thigpen

Coach Ray Thigpen

About your pickleball coach

Ray's availability

Ray's availability

Fairfield Recreation Center

Kinston Country Club

Kinston Community Center

Certifications & Badges