Pickleball Coaching Mistakes and Solutions: Mark Renneson, host of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, explained the three biggest challenges that new instructors often face while completing certification. Speaking from his experience with Pickleball Coaching International, Renneson outlined issues that arise in demonstrations, terminology, and balancing coaching with playing.
Demonstrating While Explaining
According to Mark Renneson, one of the hardest skills for coaches is to both show and describe a drill at the same time. He explained:
“It’s one thing to talk about it. It’s another thing to show it. But the real skill is to be able to talk about it while you’re showing it. Can I, as the coach, hit those three ground strokes in the baseline, hit that drop, come to the net, and meanwhile the whole time be narrating? Because that’s how players understand what it is in particular that they should be watching for.”
He noted that strong players often hit well but may struggle to explain clearly while demonstrating, which makes it tough for beginners to follow along.
Confusion Over Language
Renneson also pointed out the difficulty of inconsistent terminology across the sport. With words like “flicks,” “rolls,” “dinks,” “drops,” and newer terms such as the “drip,” coaches can feel lost when terms differ between programs or regions. He explained that this lack of standard language can be frustrating for new instructors learning how to teach effectively.
Coaching While Playing
The third issue, according to Renneson, is the challenge of playing in lessons while still giving feedback. He said that when classes have odd numbers, coaches may step in as a player. However, this creates a test of balance, as instructors must play at full skill while continuing to observe and guide others.
Renneson stressed that the instructor must remain clearly recognizable as the coach, saying they must keep giving feedback, using names, and scanning the court even while playing in.
Expanding Certification Options
Renneson also described a new in-person certification program offered by Pickleball Coaching International in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While the organization has long run online training, this course gave coaches the chance to practice skills face-to-face.
He praised participants for their effort and explained the value of building communication, technical ability, and group management in a live environment.
Answering Listener Questions
During the episode, Renneson responded to several listener questions.
Samantha Stevenson asked about drills for different skill levels. Renneson said that instead of fixed drills, coaches should adjust difficulty by changing targets, speed, or pressure.
Randy Caputo asked if lessons could be recorded. Renneson said recording may work for private sessions if used for personal review, but not in group lessons unless everyone agrees.
Samir Abdullah asked about in-person certification. Renneson said it focuses on communication, group management, technical demonstrations, and problem-solving.
Cody Barbosa asked how to keep players motivated. Renneson said coaches should explain the “why” behind skills so players feel inspired from within, not just because they are told to do something.
Looking Ahead
Mark Renneson emphasized that coaching is about more than strong play. New instructors must learn how to explain drills clearly, adjust language, and balance playing with teaching. As more certification programs open both online and in person, he believes these challenges will become learning opportunities for coaches worldwide.
News in Brief: Pickleball Coaching Mistakes and Solutions
Mark Renneson, host of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, outlined the three main challenges new coaches face: demonstrating while explaining, handling mixed terminology, and coaching while playing. He also discussed Pickleball Coaching International’s in-person certification course and answered listener questions on drills, recording lessons, and keeping players motivated.