I discovered a system that is without a doubt the fastest way for people to improve their games. I call it “Socratic Pickleball,” or “Socratic Analytical Pickleball.”

For Socratic coaching, you don’t have to be a great player. All you need is be good enough to spot some of the things people aren’t doing properly. You can greatly increase that ability by watching some YouTube videos. Focus on instructional videos as well as high-level competitions.

Socratic works like this: Four players of approximately equal skill level, or three players and you as the coach play games that are ordinary doubles pickleball. However, you stop between many of the rallies to discuss strategies.

I believe this would work well for two singles players, or a singles player and a coach as well, but so far I have only worked with doubles pickleball.

The players are encouraged to interact. It doesn’t always have to be advice handed down from on high from the coach. As rallies are discussed, many interesting notions come up, many of which are presented in ways that are more memorable than just watching videos, or having the coach say ‘do this,’ or ‘do that.’ So, you can be more of a facilitator than instructor.

The player who is reluctant to come to the kitchen quickly learns to do so. The player who has never tried a long shot with forehand topspin learns how it’s done. The player who has gone into a serving slump (‘the yips’) learns ways to quickly overcome the problem. The experienced player who is trying to answer many deep shots with backspin learns why that may not be a good idea, players learn the difference between a defensive lob and an offensive lob, and much more!

In fact, this can be done without a coach. (Of course that’s not what this post is about. This is about making money as a pickleball coach.) Any four players can get together and critique at the end of rallies. Even without the coach, a lot of improvement will come to these players.

Did I say critique? It is important not to load up anyone with too much advice, especially negative advice. It is a rare human who could handle someone telling them “For the thousandth time, I’m telling you you’ve got to come to the kitchen!” without feeling resentful. In ideal Socratic pickleball, it is better to say something like, “Your backcourt play is so good, maybe you should see what you can do when you come more quickly to the kitchen,” or “I find I can cut off more angles at the kitchen.”

The Socratic method is attributed to the philosopher Socrates, who it is said would often ask questions, then allow his students to debate the relevant issues.

The version I was initially teaching was four weeks of one-hour sessions. Each player paid $285, so I was making $285 per hour. Now, I do live in Marin County, California where money flows more freely, but I think in most communities a price close to that is possible.

More recently, I’ve been coaching for free and just asking my participants to support their local food banks.

Did I mention you don’t have to be a highly skilled player? I have done some Socratic coaching and at my height, I was rated at only 4.5, and that’s when ratings were more liberal than they are today.

You don’t have to do this alone! Call or text me at (805) 843-5353. I can be your business coach to start or expand your pickleball coaching business!

Here’s what a few people have said:

Thanks Jeff. I loved joining the group! Thank you for sharing your time and amazing pickle skills with all of us. I have learned a lot from you. – C.M.

Thank you for another wonderful lesson, Maestro! – K.E.

This has all been really fun and helpful. – Jeff

Thank you SOOOO much for your wisdom, cheer, and teaching skill. – K.E.

The Socratic pickleball sessions were extremely helpful! I not only learned but got to practice some new techniques. Jeff made it fun as well as informative. I am hoping to be able to do more Socratic sessions! – Nancy Boughey

Had a great time at Socratic Pickleball! Was so helpful to stop mid-game and think about what just happened. Jeff, our Socrates, was always encouraging us to push our skills to try new approaches, all while having a fun time. And you’ll love “The Yawn” 🥱.

– Ray Michaelsen

Thank you so much, Jeff. You’re a great teacher and getting corrections while the game is in play has been invaluable.

– Lou Gurman

Thank you for all that you have taught me. Very grateful. – Laura

Jeff’s generous Socratic pickleball coaching was a bright spot in a dark season. In just four weeks, I’ve improved more than with any teacher so far, and it was always a delight to hear his wry and gentle wisdom. Now if I could only remember to bend my knees…
Katherine Ellison

Jeff’s enthusiasm for pickleball is infectious! He always has a smile on his face and a positive outlook on how to improve your game. He was extremely helpful with instruction and tips on how to play with all types of players… great experience.
DS

Jeff’s Socratic clinics are helpful, effective, and fun! He covers all aspects of play, from simple physical technique to strategy and also emphasizing the importance of a positive mental outlook. Stopping play to analyze shot sequences really helps to understand how points are won and lost. His approach is a good blend of taking the game seriously without being too serious about it!
Thank you so much Jeff!
Jeff Bayles

Jeff made the concepts so approachable, now I know I can improve everyday, and most of all have fun. It’s the little tweaks that make the difference over time and Jeff has a special way of sharing that. I hear his voice, “where’s your partner?”, “are your knees bent?’!! Thanks, Jeff!!!

There are other professional coaching variations you might also consider. Some things that come to mind are:

1. Group sessions. You can teach the very basics of pickleball to beginners. If you have the skill, you can hold workshops on speed at the kitchen, topspins and backspins, or third-shot drops.

2. You can organize pickleball festivals for which you could charge admission. This would take some organizing. You could have a day of festivities that include demonstrations by invited guests, fun and games that involve pickleball skills, food vendors, a raffle, and maybe even an evening dance.

3. I believe there are millions of pickleball players who would like to focus on drilling. Your job would be mostly to spend a half-hour or an hour with your students working on one skill at a time, such as diagonal dinking, passing shots, defensive lobs, split stepping, and so on.

4. For around $1,000 you can buy a ball machine. Add in $200 worth of balls, and you can provide great skill-building fun for your students.

You might enjoy another of my websites: OddPickleball.com.