Want to improve your pickleball game? Denver offers lessons for every level, from complete beginners to advanced players refining their competitive game. Here's where to find quality instruction across the metro.
Types of Pickleball Instruction
- Group clinics: 4-12 players, general skills, most affordable ($15-30/session)
- Small group lessons: 2-4 players, more personalized ($30-50/person)
- Private lessons: 1-on-1 coaching, fastest improvement ($50-100/hour)
- Beginner programs: Multi-week courses covering fundamentals
- Advanced clinics: Strategy, tournament prep, specific skills
Where to Take Lessons
Dedicated Pickleball Facilities
- Epic Pickleball Club (Highlands Ranch) — Full lesson program with certified instructors
- Epic Pickleball Club (Littleton) — Clinics for all skill levels
Recreation Centers
- Denver Parks & Recreation: Affordable beginner classes at various rec centers
- South Suburban Parks & Rec: Littleton, Centennial, Englewood area clinics
- Foothills Park & Rec: Lakewood, Wheat Ridge programs
- Apex Park & Rec — Arvada area lessons
Private Clubs
- Club Greenwood — Pro instruction for members
- Gates Tennis Center — Lessons available
What to Look for in an Instructor
- Certification: PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) or IPTPA certified
- Playing level: Should be significantly better than you
- Teaching experience: Good players aren't always good teachers
- Communication style: Find someone whose style matches how you learn
- Reviews: Ask other players for recommendations
What You'll Learn
Beginner Lessons Cover:
- Grip and paddle position
- Basic serves and returns
- Dinking fundamentals
- Court positioning
- Scoring and rules
Intermediate/Advanced Lessons Cover:
- Third shot drop
- Speed-up attacks
- Reset shots
- Stacking and switching
- Tournament strategy
Lesson Costs in Denver
- Rec center group clinics: $10-25 per session
- Facility group lessons: $25-40 per session
- Semi-private (2-4 people): $30-50 per person
- Private lessons: $50-100 per hour
Free Ways to Improve
Supplement paid lessons with:
- YouTube: Channels like Selkirk TV, PrimeTime Pickleball
- Open play: Learn by playing with better players
- Watch tournaments: Study pro techniques
- Practice drills: Wall drills, serve practice
Once you've got skills, test them in league play or local tournaments.