Pickleball Instructor

Description

The Pickleball Instructor is responsible for leading engaging, positive, and skill-focused pickleball lessons, clinics, and programs that promote sportsmanship, confidence, physical activity, and lifelong participation in the sport. Instructors create a safe and supportive environment where participants develop pickleball fundamentals, strategy, coordination, and game play skills. This role combines technical instruction with encouragement and mentorship to help participants of all ages and abilities achieve their goals while fostering a welcoming and inclusive YMCA experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate the Y core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring while ensuring participant safety is always the top priority.
• Lead organized pickleball lessons, clinics, leagues, and instructional programs using YMCA curriculum and lesson plans that emphasize skill development, sportsmanship, and fun.
• Teach and demonstrate foundational and progressive pickleball skills including:
  • Proper grip, paddle control, and ball handling
  • Serving, returning, dinking, volleys, and groundstrokes
  • Court positioning and movement
  • Doubles strategy and communication
  • Rules of the game, scoring, and sportsmanship
  • Game strategy and match play techniques
• Provide instruction and coaching during lessons, drills, clinics, and organized play.
• Create a positive learning environment that promotes confidence, effort, sportsmanship, and personal growth.
• Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to participants of varying ages and skill levels.
• Ensure proper use of equipment and maintain a safe playing environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance and required documentation, including incident reports when necessary.
• Communicate consistently and professionally with participants regarding progress, expectations, schedules, and program information.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.
• Build strong relationships with participants and families to promote connection to the YMCA community and support program retention.
• Assist with pickleball events, leagues, tournaments, and special programs as assigned.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Previous experience coaching, teaching, or playing pickleball preferred.

2. Minimum of one (1) year experience leading youth programs in recreational, athletic, educational, or community settings preferred.

3. Knowledge of pickleball fundamentals, rules, and age-appropriate coaching techniques.

4. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage participants of all ages and abilities.

5. Complete CPR PRO/AED/FA and Emergency Action Plan training within six (6) months of hire.

6. Must be at least 16 years of age.

SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of work within the YMCA.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead structured and engaging lessons independently.
• Ability to safely instruct, observe, and correct participant technique.
• Strong group management and participant engagement skills.
• Ability to motivate participants while maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Effective communication skills with participants, staff, and leadership.
• High energy, creativity, initiative, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm for health, wellness, and recreation.
• Ability to coach participants of varying abilities and learning styles.
• Ability to work flexible hours including daytime, evening, and/or weekend shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and physically demonstrate skills as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adhere to YMCA policies related to participant safety, member interactions, and professional boundaries.
• Provide active supervision of participants during lessons, clinics, leagues, and special events to ensure a safe and positive experience.
• Monitor participant behavior and address concerns in a professional, respectful, and timely manner.
• Report accidents, incidents, suspicious behavior, and policy violations according to YMCA procedures.
• Ensure all YMCA risk management, safety, and emergency procedures are followed.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements and YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Child Safety:

• This position may include a combination of in-office and remote work, based on operational needs. Workspace may be shared with other staff when on-site.

• All YMCA Staff are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services. Such reports can be made verbally at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Staff will also report suspected abuse or neglect to their supervisor, senior management, or Human Resources.