I’ve been teaching pickleball in Austin, TX since 2018, and I absolutely love it. But—like with any job—there are both pros and cons. If you’re considering becoming a pickleball coach, here’s a look into what to expect.
The Pros of Being a Pickleball Coach
1. You Set Your Own Schedule
One of the best parts about coaching is flexibility. You can choose to work mornings, evenings, or weekends—whatever fits your lifestyle.
(If you’re teaching outdoors like I do, make sure you have a reliable pickleball bag to carry extra paddles, balls, and water.)
2. Helping People Improve at Something You Love
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch a student nail a skill they’ve been struggling with. Whether it’s their first successful drop shot or finally winning a match against their rival, you get to be part of their journey.
(Related: How to Hit a Drop Shot in Pickleball)
3. Staying Active for Your Job
Instead of sitting at a desk, you’re on your feet, moving, and playing a sport you enjoy. This alone makes it one of the healthier careers you can have.
(If you teach a lot, invest in good pickleball shoes to protect your joints.)
4. Practicing Empathy Every Day
Every student’s pickleball journey is unique. Part of the fun is figuring out where they’re at and what they need next. Some players need confidence boosts, others need technical tweaks. Being able to step into their shoes is a skill that helps both on and off the court.
5. Expressing Creativity in Your Teaching
No two players have the exact same skill set or opponents. Tailoring drills and lessons to each student keeps things fresh and creative.
(Players also prefer different pickleball paddles based on their playstyle— also see why I made my own paddle here.)
6. No Micromanagement
You design your own curriculum, adapt to each student, and focus on what you think is best for them. The freedom to combine your creativity and empathy without someone hovering over you is priceless.
The Cons of Being a Pickleball Coach
I break the cons into two phases: starting out and being fully booked (which for me means 12-15 hours of coaching a week).
Note – I’m a big believer in lots of reps. So my coaching style tends to hit a lot more balls for my students than other coaching styles which are more passive.
Starting Pickleball Coaching
1. It Starts Slow
It can take months (or even years) to build a consistent client base. When I was new, I played A LOT and coached just a little—whoever was willing and able to work with me. Some weeks I had only one or two lessons, and I was thrilled to get them. The good news is that if you’re a good coach, your name will eventually get out and your schedule will fill.
2. Low Income at First
People sometimes overestimate what coaches make. They see you charging, say, $50/hour and assume you’re doing 40 hours a week—so they double that to account for group lessons and mentally give you a $100,000/year salary.
In reality, you might only teach 1–3 hours a week when starting out. Even if you’re charging a decent rate, you’re far from a full-time income in those early months.
3. Hard to Find Consistent Work
Early on, your schedule will likely be unpredictable. One week might be busy, the next completely empty. This inconsistency can make it tough to rely on coaching as your primary income until you’re well established.
The Cons of Being a Full-Time Pickleball Coach
Once your schedule fills (for me that’s about 15 hours of lessons a week), a different set of challenges kicks in.
1. Physical Wear and Tear
Full-time coaching is physically demanding. I’m a big believer in repetition, which is great for students but tough on the body. Drilling for 2–3 hours a day, 5–6 days a week, with minimal breaks can take a toll on your shoulders, back, feet, and legs. Recovery routines, stretching, and gym time become essential just to keep going.
2. Less Time (and Energy) to Play for Fun
Ironically, the busier I’ve gotten as a coach, the less I’ve played for fun or tournaments. My brain still wants to compete, but my body often says “no thanks.” These days, I might only play once or twice a month outside of lessons and it’s fairly frustrating.
3. Administrative Work You Don’t Get Paid For
Coaching isn’t just on-court time. Scheduling, answering texts and emails, planning lessons, maintaining your gear, and even gym workouts all eat into your week. These hours are invisible in the “hourly rate” people think you make. It also accounts for A LOT more time each month than I thought it would initially.
4. No Paid Time Off
Yes, you can set your own schedule and take days off whenever you like—but there’s no paycheck coming in when you do. Vacations, sick days, and rest days are all unpaid.
5. No Employer Benefits
Unlike a traditional job, there’s no built-in health insurance, retirement plan, or paid sick leave. You have to handle your own insurance, including liability coverage for coaching. And you have to have the discipline to plan for your own future.
Final Thoughts
I still love being a pickleball coach, and for me the pros outweigh the cons. But it’s not all sunshine and pickleballs. If you’re thinking of giving it a shot, I recommend starting part-time so you can build your client base without the financial stress. Over time, if you love it and can handle the physical and logistical demands, coaching can be one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have.
And if you liked this post, feel free to share with a friend or Pickleball group. I also have Pickleball gear that I sell on my online store if you are looking for something new!
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