What It’s Really Like Coaching in the Texas Heat
Ever wondered what a full-time pickleball coach actually does all day?
It’s not just drilling dinks and feeding balls—though there’s a lot of that. Coaching pickleball is very physically demanding week in and week out. As someone who teaches outdoors in Austin, Texas, I’ve learned how to structure my day to beat the heat, stay healthy, and help my students improve fast.
Here’s a peak into what my typical day looks like—and some of the gear, habits, and routines that keep me going.
And if you’re in Austin, Texas and want to work with me, you can see my latest Pickleball coaching offerings here.
☀️ Early Starts on the Pickleball Courts
Living in Austin means extreme weather, especially in the summer. That’s why I start early—most days I’m on the courts by 7:30 a.m., before the real Texas heat kicks in.
My breakfast is simple but energizing: spinach, tuna, a protein shake, and some berries or nuts. I want something that fuels me for 2–3 hours of lessons, without making me sluggish on court.
Most mornings, I’m working with students who want to level up from 3.0 to 4.0 range. That includes drilling consistency, practicing shots that are important to their particular skill level, and building shot selection habits.
A huge part of my coaching is feeding the right kind of balls to simulate real match conditions—not just hitting around.
Want to see how I help students improve? Check out my YouTube channel for coaching tips and to see how I view the game.
🧘♂️ Post-Lesson Recovery
After coaching, I make time to stretch. Feeding balls for hours every day takes a toll on my shoulders, back, and legs. Stretching (and massage later in the evening) helps me stay healthy enough to coach consistently.
I also eat again—usually something quick and satisfying. Not always as clean as breakfast, but not too unhealthy either. Balance, right?
If you’re out coaching or drilling all day, the right gear makes a huge difference. These are some of my go-to recommendations for staying comfortable on the court:
- 🧦 Best Socks for Pickleball
- 👟 Best Pickleball Shoes for Men & Women
- 🎒 Pickleball Bags with Compartments & Hooks
- 🏓 And of course my very own Pickleball Paddle – The Brute!
🖥️ Admin, Content, and Coaching Communication
Afternoons are for:
- Responding to emails, texts, and calls
- Managing lesson bookings
- Editing blog posts (like this one!)
- Working on new YouTube content or lesson plans
I love the creative side of being a coach—whether it’s writing about strategy, reviewing gear, or making videos to help more players learn.
If you’re trying to coach or create content, communication is huge. I make it a priority to be responsive and clear so students always know what to expect when they book a lesson.
🏋️♂️ Fitness to Stay on the Court
Coaching pickleball isn’t a desk job—it’s a physical grind, and I try to train accordingly.
Most days, I get in a workout. That could be:
- A jog for cardio endurance
- Lifting weights to stay strong and avoid injury
Feeding hundreds of balls each week adds up, so I also use recovery tools like massage balls or chairs (I have one similar to this that I use VERY OFTEN) to deal with sore muscles.
Pro tip: If you’re drilling a lot, durable balls are a must. I designed C-Drive Pickleballs for hours of intense use with minimal cracking or warping.
🎉 Evening Wind-Down
After the workday wraps up, I usually:
- Have dinner with my wife, family, or friends
- Play a few video games or watch something light
- Do some stretching or use the massage chair before bed
Staying consistent with recovery helps me show up 100% for my students the next day.
And if I’m prepping for the next morning’s lessons, I’ll make sure my gear is packed—shoes, socks, snacks, and my paddle of choice:
🏓 The Brute Pickleball Paddle – power, control, and durability in one sleek setup.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Coaching Is a Lifestyle
Being a pickleball coach means early mornings, long rallies, smart recovery, and nonstop learning. It’s a fun job that is physically intense over time —but it definitely keeps me on my toes.
Whether you’re thinking about coaching or just curious what it’s like behind the scenes, I hope this gave you a good look into a typical day. And you can checkout my coaching page here if you are in Austin and want to work together.
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