Instructors

The VPA Player Development Committee (PDC) provides access to certified instructors for private lessons (player initiated) and group lessons/events (open enrolment.) VPA does not have any instructors on staff.

Private Lessons

A player can approach anyone to give them a lesson. These can be paid or free sessions and can be given by a certified instructor, a mentor, a friend. You book the court and make all of the arrangements with the person giving you the lesson or drilling with you. You book the court and add anyone you want to the court. If there is a fee, you pay that directly to the person providing the instruction. Paid instructors are independent contractors, and the relationship is between the player and the instructor.

Verified Certified Instructors

Our membership does include a number of certified instructors. If these instructors want to be listed on the VPA website, the PDC will verify their certification as well as their insurance. Upon meeting the requirements, these instructors become VCIs (Verified Certified Instructors). You will be able to find these instructors on our website along with a bio, their areas of expertise and their contact details.

VPA and the PDC make no warranties about the quality of instruction. We verify that instructors are certified and have insurance. All instructors have different styles and approaches so feel free to contact them directly and discuss your particular needs and learning style for private lessons.

Group Lessons and Events

The PDC will focus on Group lessons and events that are open to everyone (open enrolment). In consultation with our pool of VCIs, the PDC will be offering sessions that are targeted to various skill levels, different types of skills, and other kinds of player events. These will be taught by our VCIs. We will also continue to work with "Guest Instructors" who offer specialized clinics.

Verified Certified Instruction (VCI)

The following instructors have presented evidence that they have completed a coaching instruction course and have received certification of same from a recognized sport coaching organization. They have also presented evidence of holding current liability insurance when engaged in instructing or coaching the sport of pickleball. VPA presents this information solely for its members' convenience and makes no representation regarding the skill, style, or effectiveness of any instructor.

Note: The VPA does not retain any instructors as employees to teach for VPA. All instructors are independent contractors. Please contact the instructor directly to arrange private lessons.

(Listed in no particular order)

Click on the button for additional details on individual instructors and contact information.

Ball Machine

TITAN Ball Machine - Now Available!

It is long overdue, but our club has a ball machine again! It's a brand new Titan ACE Pickleball Machine. Click on the ball machine to read up on some of the features.

The Titan ACE Ball Machine is now available to book from 8:30AM-4:30PM Monday through Friday. Once our part-time staff are trained and we work out the kinks of the first few users, we will add evening and weekend time slots as well.

How to Book the Ball Machine:

Login to the VPA Player Portal
Click on "Pickleball Court Booking" (even numbered courts)
Select the court "Ball M. & P2".
Put "Ball Machine" as Player 2, then fill the rest of the slots with people who will be on the court.
Submit the booking.

Cost: There is a flat $25 fee for the ball machine rental. Player 1 will be charged; there is no increase in fees for additional players. The $25 rental fee is the same for members, non-members, or pass holders.

First Time Introduction: At the start of your session, VPA Operations will bring the ball machine and set of 100 balls out to the court. They will show you how to operate the ball machine and the app on the phone used to control it. There is a bit of a learning curve, so expect to take some time to figure out the operations during your first session.

Ball Machine Rules:

1. You must have an Operations staff member walk you through it on your first use.

2. Only VPA provided balls may be used with the Titan Ball Machine.

3. The machine must stay on the practice court.

4. If you use the machine irresponsibly, your membership will be suspended.

If there are any questions, please contact VPA Operations personnel.

Click for more information on the TITAN ACE

VPA Ambassadors

Ambassadors are volunteer representatives and unofficial spokespersons for the VPA. They are there to help new members and entry level players understand the rules, strategy of the game and court operations. Ambassadors are always promoting the sport of pickleball and introducing more players to the game. If you would like some assistance from our Ambassadors please click on the link below to submit your message.

Members of the 2025 VPA Ambassadors Program

Contact Ambassadors

Ambassadors

Pre-game Pickleball Warmup Routine

Warming up before you play is essential for avoiding injury and getting your body and mind ready for what’s about to happen. Get to the courts early, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes, you might be surprised by the difference warming up before a match can have. This article gives you a few pickleball warm-up drills you can adopt for your pre-game routine and help practice your skills.

1. Stretch

This is a no-brainer… Take 1-2 minutes of stretching – your calves, back, and shoulders, at the very least. Better yet, get to the courts early and develop a proper 5 minute stretching routine.

2. Dinking – (this is not a competition)

The first warm-up I suggest is for you and your partner line up on the non-volley zone (NVZ) line and dink the ball back and forth over the net to get a feel for the ball. Move to cross court dinking and practice placing the ball low over the net and keeping your shots in the kitchen. Focus on hitting the ball with the proper pace and consistent touch.

3. Work Your Way Back/UP

This drill is designed to help you get a better feel and touch for your ball striking. You and your partner start at the NVZ line, after you hit each ball, one of you should take one step back toward the baseline. Your goal is to return/drop the ball inside your opponent’s kitchen. Each strike requires a bit more power or technique and will help fine-tune your shot. Continue stepping back all the way to the baseline, then come forward making your way back to the kitchen line one step at a time. This is also a good way to practice ball control and placement by giving your partner good shots to return.

4. Third Shot Drops

For this drill, one player should start at the baseline and the other at the NVZ line on the opposite side. Have your partner hit deep balls to you (at a reasonable pace), and you (being on the baseline) should return each ball as a drop shot. Make sure to practice forehand and backhand drops. Do this 5-10 times, then change roles.

5. Volley-Ball

Quick hands are the name of the game once all the players are at the kitchen line. Practice getting your hands moving by volleying the pickleball back and forth with your partner. Both of you should stand at the NVZ line and hit volleys with pace. The goal is to keep the ball in play and under control – not to beat your partner.