From tennis to pickleball

As an accomplished coach and competitor, I’ve made significant strides in the world of pickleball after a successful career in tennis. It was an interesting journey.

While running a tennis center in Australia, I was drawn to pickleball during a visit to the U.S. in 2018.I was at a facility with pickleball courts, and my friend who managed the place explained the business potential. I realized that one tennis court could be transformed into four pickleball courts, allowing for more players and greater engagement.

Upon returning to Australia, I converted two of my tennis courts into pickleball facilities. Initially, it was more about the business angle, but soon I discovered I actually enjoyed playing the sport. My enthusiasm for pickleball grew as I witnessed the immense social and recreational opportunities it offered.

In my town on the Gold Coast, we started with a small pickleball club, but it has now grown to over 1,600 members. The sport is truly inclusive. It was amazing to have my dad, my son, and I all playing together.

My extensive experience in coaching elite tennis players has shaped my approach to pickleball. I spent about nine years coaching on the pro tour. I began with a university scholarship but quickly found my passion in coaching.My travels allowed me to witness the dedication and hard work of athletes striving for success.

Different cultures influence how players train and engage. An example would be Chinese players. I have never worked with any pro Chinese players, but I have worked with some very good juniors who came to train with me in Australia. Generally speaking, they were much more hardworking than the average player.