Pickleball Coaches Podcast with Mark Renneson

In Episode 9 of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, host Mark Renneson tackles the rising trend of "trash talking" in the professional and amateur game. Are we competing against each other, or striving together? Mark shares three powerful reasons why less is more when it comes to "smack talk" and why acting like "you’ve done it before" is the ultimate power move on the court. Later in the episode, we dive into the Mailbag to answer three critical coaching questions: Motivation (07:18): How do you make players care about technique? (Hint: Stop burying the lead!) Player Assessments (10:42): Dealing with the "delusional" player who thinks they are a 5.0 but plays like a 3.0. Youth vs. Adult Coaching (14:35): The key differences between teaching kids and adults (and why you should stop talking about "perpendicular angles" to 7-year-olds). RESOURCES MENTIONED: PCI Rating Assessment Tools: Get objective data on your skills.Coaching Certification: Visit pcipickleball.com to become a certified instructor. Kids Coaching: Search "Teaching Pickleball to Kids" on Selkirk TV for Mark’s full video series. WANT YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED? Email us at info@pickleballcoachinginternational.com

Coaching isn’t just about what you say—it’s about knowing when to say nothing. In this episode, Mark Renneson tackles three moments when silence helps your players more than feedback, how to decide if a ball machine is worth it (and when it isn’t), what to do when a player melts down in matches but shines in practice, and how many hours on court is too many for a coach without compromising lesson quality.🎯 What you’ll learnThe 3 situations where great coaches keep quietBall machines: smart uses vs. false confidenceHelping a player who chokes—reframing identity & reducing fearA practical test for coach workload (so hour 7 looks like hour 1)

Are pickleball coaches just recycling old tennis drills? 🤔 In this episode, Mark Renneson breaks down why pickleball deserves its own approach — from drills and tactics to player communication and session design. Mark shares what he learned at a recent racket sports conference — and why so many so-called “new” pickleball drills are actually 25-year-old tennis drills in disguise. You’ll learn: The key differences between tennis and pickleball coaching 🎾How to improve communication with players before, during, and after sessions 💬The best way to handle refund requests and customer satisfaction 💸How to make your drills easier or harder for players 🔥Why adult warm-ups should be handled differently than kids’ sessions 🏃

In this episode of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, Mark Renneson breaks down the three most common struggles new coaches face during instructor certification: Saying & Showing – Why demonstrating a drill while narrating is harder than it looks.Terminology Traps – How inconsistent language across the pickleball world confuses coaches and players.Playing & Coaching at the Same Time – Why it’s so challenging for instructors to join in while still giving quality feedback.Plus, Mark answers listener questions about drills for different skill levels, recording lessons, in-person certification, and how to keep players motivated. Whether you’re a new instructor or a seasoned coach, these tips will help you deliver better lessons and grow as a leader on the court.

Coaches, it's time for a rethink. In Episode 5 of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, Mark Renneson challenges one of the most common pieces of coaching advice: returning serve down the middle. 🚫 Is it really helping your players? 🤔 Should we still be using the “margin for error” argument? 🎯 What if we’re just feeding the other team’s best player over and over again? Mark breaks down why this strategy might be outdated, offers smarter alternatives, and walks through critical dos and don’ts when teaching new players in their first 20 minutes on court. From rally-building to safety tips, from technique pacing to using throw pickleball, this episode is a must for anyone helping beginners fall in love with the game. 📌 Topics Covered: Why “down the middle” returns failStrategic return placement in mixed and equal skill matchesThe “Black Hole” return drill6 mistakes to avoid with beginnersWhat to focus on in your first 20 minutesThrow pickleball: your new favorite tool

In this episode of the Pickleball Coaches Podcast, Mark Renneson breaks down his Top 10 Coaching Pet Peeves—from late arrivals to paddle ball rollers and everything in between. 🎯 Whether you're a coach, a player, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what REALLY drives coaches crazy—and how to be a more respectful, effective, and safe participant in any pickleball learning environment. 💡 What you'll learn: The #1 safety mistake players make in clinics (without even realizing it) Why hitting “just one more ball” could literally be dangerous How good coaching is like storytelling—and how interruptions ruin it The right (and wrong) way to toss a ball back to your coach 🔥 Coaches and players alike: this one’s full of insight, laughs, and a few uncomfortable truths. 👂 Have your own coaching pet peeve? Send us a voice note or email at info@pickleballcoachinginternational.com

In this episode, Mark shares a real-world coaching experience that highlights a shockingly common oversight even experienced coaches make—failing to demonstrate drills. This episode dives deep into why clear, effective demonstrations are critical for coaching success, how to structure them, and what coaches should avoid at all costs. What you’ll learn: Why “saying” is never enough—show your drills How to demonstrate safely and effectively (belly button rule!) What makes a demo fail—and how to fix it Why match play ratings are flawed How PCI’s ratings system works (and why it’s more fair) Tips on managing “helpful” students and setting boundaries Should you ditch water breaks? Try the built-in hydration rotation strategy. Whether you're a seasoned instructor or new to teaching, this is a must-listen for leveling up your lessons.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Pickleball Coaches podcast! In this episode, Mark Renneson discusses the importance of prioritizing tactics over technique in pickleball coaching, how to manage different skill levels in group lessons, and effective planning for private pickleball lessons. He also addresses the challenges of determining pricing for lessons and shares a quick tip on focusing on spaces rather than specific spots when setting targets for players.

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Pickleball Coaches podcast! In this episode, Mark Renneson from Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) introduces the new podcast specifically for pickleball coaches. He discusses the nuances of coaching in pickleball, understanding player psychology, the role of silence in coaching, and the various opportunities available for coaches (including coaching opportunities on cruises and at resorts). He also answers common questions from pickleball coaches about teaching in unique environments, managing group lessons, and the effectiveness of ball machines. Mark also shares some of his favorite practical coaching tips to engage your students.