One of the things I love most about playing pickleball is the opportunity to help players improve their games.
Whether it's helping them hit more consistent serves or explaining concepts like the double-bounce rule, it's great to help players further enjoy pickleball. If you do too, have you thought about becoming a pickleball coach?
You don't have to be a pro-level player, but you do need proper instruction and certification from a recognized pickleball organization.
In this article, we'll go over the requirements to become a pickleball coach, some of the leading coach training programs, and why the PPR Recreation Coach Program is our top choice to start off.
What are the requirements to be a pickleball coach?
As a certified coach, you can teach players by offering private and group lessons or recreational and youth programs. Coaching is a great way to earn extra income on your schedule while building a sense of community.
Requirements can vary by location and venue, but successful coaches typically have:
- A solid understanding of the pickleball fundamentals (at least a 3.5 rating) is perfect for teaching beginners.
- Communication and safety mindset. Great coaches explain concepts clearly and foster positive learning environments, while placing a premium on preventing injury.
- Recognized credentials. Clubs and students prefer coaches with certifications from established pickleball teaching organizations.
- General liability insurance. Peace of mind in case of accidents or property damage.
Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR)
The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) is the world’s largest international organization of certified pickleball coaches (over 15,000). Whether you're a 3.5 level player who wants to help others learn the game, a PE teacher, or a coach in other sports who wants to coach pickleball, this is the best place to start.
PPR has a Recreation Coaches Program that's easy to get, before you advance to a full-fledged PPR Certification. Here's how you do it:
- Sign up for the PPR Recreation Coaches Program and receive an education completion certificate on how to work with introductory youth and adult players. This is 100% online, takes just three hours, and provides tons of dynamic content for coaching new players (click here for more info).
- Proceed to full-fledged membership and professional certification. Sign up for an in-person certification course offered at locations throughout the world. Receive liability insurance coverage, member benefits including equipment discounts, library content, and more! (click here for more info).
- Consider advancing to Level 2 Certification options as a full-time pickleball professional and coaching expert with the Professional Pickleball Registry (click here for more info).
We like PPR because it's unique in that it provides a full coach education pathway for both youth and adult instruction from grassroots and introductory coaching to advanced, performance level coaching.
They have a full-time staff headquartered in the U.S. (in Florida) and organize regional, national, and international coaching conferences.
The PPR is recognized by USA Pickleball as the standard for pickleball instructor training and certification, and is the official Coach Education Partner of Pickleheads, providing helpful content and guidance on the Pickleheads website for coaches working with players of all levels.
The PPR Program doesn't require any previous coaching experience so it's ideal for recreational players ready to start coaching and is a fast path to certification, and our top recommendation.
As of November 2025, initial membership starts at $205.
Learn more about the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPA).
Other pickleball coaching programs
In addition to PPR, here are some other programs that provide pickleball coaching certification:
Racquet Sports Professionals Association
Formerly known as the USPTA, the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) offers a pickleball coaching certification track. This is recommended for coaches with a 3.5-4.0 rating with 6-12 months of coaching experience.
- Geared toward tennis players and coaches interested in providing pickleball instruction.
- Club recognition: RSPA credentials carry weight with tennis clubs and facilities adding pickleball.
- Larger professional network: connect with thousands of RSPA pros for referrals, many now teaching both pickleball and tennis.
- More comprehensive process: instruction includes 8 weeks of on-court assessments, instruction, and workshops in addition to passing a written exam.
- Cost: as of November 2025, current USPTA members: $229 workshops and lessons; non-members: $249 workshops and lessons; $325 dues.
Check out the Racquet Sports Professionals Association.
Pickleball Coaching International
Once you have your certification, Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) provides coaches with ongoing education and tools to enrich their teaching and coaching skills. PCI doesn't offer coaching certification, but provides pickleball coaches with resources to enhance their coaching skills.
- Ready-to-run lesson plans: structured progressions for different skill levels take the guesswork out of lesson planning.
- Pedagogical depth: learn why certain sequences of lessons work better than others
- Complement your credentials: works alongside PPR, RSPA, and other certifications to improve the consistency and quality of your teaching sessions.
- Ongoing resource: your membership gives you access to new drills and lessons, seasonal programming ideas, and fixes for common problems in shot mechanics that you can tap into anytime.
- Cost: as of November 2025, range from $149 for the Starter Plan to $329 for Level 2 Coaching, which includes liability insurance.
Learn more about the Pickleball Coaching International.
DUPR Coach Certification
In addition to its pickleball rating system, DUPR offers Coach Certification through MyDUPRCoach. DUPR Coach Certification enables coaches to track student progress with the DUPR app, assess skills, and provide tailored lessons to help players reach their pickleball goals.
- Generate provisional DUPR ratings for new players so they can instantly start tracking their progress using DUPR app.
- Access personalized tools in the My DUPR Coach app.
- Data-driven approach: learn to set measurable goals, track progress, and adjust lessons based on actual on-court results.
- Modern coaching tools: tap into the app's turn-key coaching system to access scheduling, payment processing, and student communication.
- Listed as a DUPR Coach on the site.
- Cost: $250 annually.
Learn more about the DUPR Coach Certification.
RacketPro (RPO) Coach Certification
RPO Coach Certification focuses on structured workshop-style lessons featuring a curriculum developed by pickleball pro Collin Johns combined with ongoing coach education.
- Multi-platform teaching format: combined online modules with in-person and virtual group sessions to foster peer learning opportunities.
- Structured path: clear levels of instruction from recreational through advanced coaching that match your progression as a coach and player.
- Directory and network: access to referral directories and networking events.
- Ongoing education: regular workshops and updates keep certified coaches current on the latest techniques and trends.
- Good fit for coaches who prefer group learning environments.
- Cost: membership $199. As of November 2025, Pickleball Level 1 is $199. Pickleball Level 2 and Level 3 $300-600.
Learn more about the RacketPro (RPO) Coach Certification.
At-a-glance comparison
| Program | Type | Best for | What you get | Notable features |
Cost range (as of Nov. 2025) |
| PPR | Certification | New coaches, rec/youth settings | Online training, practical assessment | Fast track to certification, broad recognition | starts at $205 |
| RSPA (formerly USPTA) | Certification | Tennis crossovers, club settings | Comprehensive training and networking | Established credibility, professional networking | $229-325 |
| DUPR Coach | Certification | Progress tracking, goal setting | Training integrated with coaching and rating apps | Data-driven, student progress tools from DUPR | $250 |
|
RacketPro (RPO) |
Certification | Workshop learners, ongoing education | Hybrid training and network access | Curriculum by Collin Johns; professional development |
$199 (membership) $300-600 (certification) |
| PCI | Education | Improve the quality of coaching sessions | Lesson plans, progressions, pedagogy | Education-focused, not certification | $149-329 |
What comes next after certification
Follow these steps to leverage your pickleball coaching credentials to launch a revenue-generating coaching business:
1. Get insured ASAP: general liability coverage protects you and is often a requirement to teach at clubs and facilities. Shop around as costs can vary widely between providers.
2. Build your core lesson plan: create solid 30-, 60-, and 90-minute lessons covering shot and serve fundamentals, proper court positioning, non-volley zone rules and play, and drills.
3. Create easy-to-understand packages: offer 1:1 lessons and small group lessons with clear pricing. Include a cancellation policy.
4. List on Pickleheads: add your name to the go-to source for local players seeking pickleball instruction. Complete your profile and add your credentials, teaching philosophy.
5. Ask students for testimonials: this is useful in your Pickleheads listing and other marketing efforts.
6. Set student goals: use MyDUPRCoach to track progress over time.
7. Consider RacketPro's Booking and Payment Management tools: when your bookings fill up and you need to better manage the business side of coaching.
Starter kit
Invest in some of the tools of the trade, including practice pickleball balls (20-24), ball hopper, 6-8 cones, and extra paddles for newcomers. Total investment under $150.
Bottom line
Becoming a certified coach is a great way to share your knowledge and passion for pickleball. The PPR Recreation Coach Program gets you up and running quickly with instant credibility.
You don't need to be a pro, just a 3.5+ rating and enthusiasm for helping others improve. Get certified, list your services on Pickleheads, and you're on your way as a pickleball coach.
Ready to get started? Check out the PPR Recreation Coach Program.
