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On a mission to grow the game—1 person, 1 team, 1 group at a time.
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Our Mission
We believe that if everyone played pickleball, people would be happier and the world would be a better place. SVPB/Academy is dedicated to teaching people to play the game the right way.
The right skills
The right drills
The right mindset
We are a loosely-connected group of coaches united in that common mission. We are teammates first, friends second, business people third. Today we start with Tom.
About Tom
I’d been active in sports as a player or coach most of my life but I stumbled into pickleball by accident. Towards the end of the pandemic, I was out of shape, anxious to get out, and craving activity. My tennis partners had moved away, and I was looking for a new source of connection to my local community.
It just so happens that I live very close to the epicenter of pickleball in Silicon Valley: Mitchell Park. Despite being a relatively standard public park in the middle of Palo Alto, Mitchell boasts a uniquely large pickleball space, growing to 15 courts. As a result, all the best players in the region go there to challenge themselves; it’s busy everyday from 6 am until 10 pm when the lights automatically shut off.
At the beginning, as a former tennis player and collegiate volleyball player, I pushed myself to play on the courts where the top people gathered. I lost so many games, but I kept coming back, got the itch, and made progress everyday. You may have heard the game described as: “easy to start, hard to master”. It’s true.
Pickleball changed my life. I’ve made a ton of new friends, new ones everyday. I laugh a lot whether I win or lose. I lost a ton of weight. I feel young again. I don’t think I’m alone in these reactions, and I think it might have a similar effect on you. Join us.
Our Values
The logo encapsulates our core values. Not surprisingly, the logo was created by one of our students who believed in our mission.
01
Community
We believe we are better together: every age, gender, race, culture, walk of life. All are welcome. The more inclusive our community, the better the result on and off the court. How fitting that the humble whiffle ball brings us all together.
02
Fun
At its heart, it’s just a game. Easy to play, hard to master…the very definition of fun. So everything we do as coaches is designed and delivered with the essence of fun. Just like our pets; just like the original dog that inspired the name of the game.
03
Competition
At /Academy, we are always looking to get better. Everyone wants to be “king or queen of the court”. So as with all competitive games, we believe in keeping score and holding each other accountable.
04
Courage
It takes a little bravery each time you step onto a court, each time you drop down your paddle for the next game. We want you to step out of your comfort zone and be a little vulnerable. That’s how you learn and grow.
Client testimonials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall rating: 5.00 out of 5
“Highly Impressed”
Tom is an amazing instructor. He is adept at recognizing peoples’ strengths and utilizing them so that the students can progress rapidly while having fun.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Michael A
“Very patient and engaging!”
Tom was great..though an expert player, worked to my level. Was good at explaining the game concepts..
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Raghu R
“Outstanding”
He is very professional in all dimensions, gets to know his student and builds on his evaluation..
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Gordon H
“Strategic game play”
He brings a contagious energy and love for pickleball to the court. His drills are fun and translate to game play. Not only have my general skills improved but my understanding of strategic game play as well..
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Jill Z
“Knowledgeable and skilled”
Tom makes the sessions fun and engaging, which has helped my son gain new skills and, more importantly, confidence in his ability to play. We are truly grateful for his guidance and the positive impact he has had on our son’s growth in the sport.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Lise P
“Awesome coach!”
Tom has a great and effective teaching style. He’s clear, encouraging, and most of all he makes it fun!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Chilou B
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you teach?
Multiple locations in the Silicon Valley but primarily the public parks along the Peninsula, private courts and clubs upon request.
What times are you available?
We provide instruction primarily from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. And 8 AM to 12 PM on Sunday.
Are you certified instructors?
Every instructor is a Certified Coach conducted by the PPR, the Professional Pickleball Registry.
What is your teaching approach?
Our teaching process mirrors the best practices of the PPR and incorporates our unique style. It’s simple: listen, gather info, assess, validate, set goals, build skills, measure, kaizen (make progress everyday). We believe that in work as in life, you perform like you practice. Intentionality is important.
How many lessons do I need?
It will vary from client to client. For someone new to pickleball, we would estimate on average five lessons.
How can I get information on pricing?
For private and small group lessons, you can refer to the TeachMeTo website. For youth clinics and camps, our current programs are listed for the City of Palo Alto here. And for information on corporate events, you can fill out the Contact Us form or call us at 415.744.4443.
