Our Instructors
Meet our team of experienced instructors that are qualified to provide you with professional Pickleball instruction. Whether you are just discovering the sport of Pickleball, or are a seasoned player our instructors have you covered. Each instructor provides private or group lessons. They may also be found in our multiple level classes. All instruction is conducted at Pioneer Park courts at 1195 Commerce Drive, Prescott, AZ.
I played competition tennis for 40 years. During that time and more I taught and coached tennis privately, publicly, and at Prescott High School. I learned quickly that “Technique is Everything”. A person must know how to stroke the ball and how to move. During my two years of teaching pickleball I have focused on techniques to help my students perform like accomplished players. I have video recorded others and me to analyze footwork and stroke production. Yes, I watch the ball but still have mishits. What does that mean? Think shoulders. I ask my students why are we here together today? I listen. I help that student with his/her specific needs. “Rick, I’m a new beginner, can you help me?” Yes. Do you want a general review? Do you want to improve your backhand volley? How about more advance doubles strategies? I can help. Do you want a competitive topspin baseline backhand ground stroke. Good luck. Without many years of competitive tennis, this is extremely difficult. Stick with your mild slice. I instruct using whole, part, whole methods. I use guided practice. I sometimes use “Inner Tennis/Pickleball.” “Why won’t my serve go in? I use all 10 serve pointers that I was taught last week.” Yes, that’s why.
My name is PJ Janik and similar to other Instructors, my first rule to a better understanding of
the game of Pickleball is to remember, “it’s just Pickleball.” Having said that, I can confidently
assure you that will have fun while learning the Ins and Out of this sport no matter what your
age or level of play is!
I am a native of Arizona and bounce between Prescott, AZ and Sun City Summerlin depending
on which venue is cooler or warmer! I was a former competitive tennis player to include
playing at the college level. A prior career in law enforcement provided me an opportunity to
become a certified General and Physical Fitness Instructor as well as holding an AZ
Community College teaching certificate. In other words, I can coach you at the learning level
that works best for you without getting you injured! I also happened to be a USA Pickleball
Ambassador.
I am a certified Pickleball Coach and Player Skills Evaluator through Pickleball Coaching
International (PCI). Player Skills Evaluations is an objective way to determine your current
play level, whether it be for social Round Robin play or figuring out what level of tournament
to register for. I am the only Prescott Pickleball Association instructor who is currently a USA
Pickleball Ambassador.
I also instruct at the James Family YMCA in Prescott, Prescott Pickleball Association, Chino
Valley Pickleball Association and Southern Nevada Pickleball Association.
I am a Wisconsin “cheesehead” and made the move to Arizona 8 years ago. I had never even heard of the game of pickleball until I got out here. I played one day for 2 hours and I was hooked!!! I play in A LOT of tournaments and have won numerous medals. I have taken lessons from several pro level players and continue to learn and enhance my skills. I became a certified pickleball instructor in April 2021 and I love teaching this great game to as many people as I can.
I was a PE/Health major and after college, taught PE and Health to junior high and high school students for 6 years and also coached basketball, volleyball and track. I quit teaching and went back to school and received a degree in Computer Information Systems. I retired in 2012 from a job in Wisconsin in the computer technology field.
I believe that people of all ages can enjoy the game of pickleball and that it is a great game for the 55+ crowd. It is good exercise and a fantastic way to meet new people.
I enjoy running\jogging and weight training, working in my flower garden, taking voice lessons and singing with the Yavapai College Master Chorale.
Since I was a teacher in a 'former' life, I decided to teach pickleball here in AZ. I find it immensely rewarding and I think I do a good job with my students. I am able to analyze a player's movement to help them achieve more consistent shots.
I play women's and mixed doubles at the 4.5 65+ level. I am a firm believer in the the soft game(vs slamming) and play a controlled game at least 85-90% of the time.
IPTPA Level 1 Certified Pickleball Instructor. Did you know the first rule of pickleball is to have fun? Since first picking up a paddle in 2021 I have tried to share the game with anyone who wants to learn how to play, and am currently working to grow the pickleball program in several local communities.
If you are making too many unforced errors, understanding court zones and how to select your best shot may help. Too many players make the mistake of attacking the wrong ball. Be patient and play defense until you have the opportunity to score. If you want to improve your skills, and start to have years of enjoyment on the courts, contact me. Private lessons available for single players or couples. For small groups of 3 or 4 newer players, I have a 4 lesson program designed to build your skills and get you on the courts with confidence,.
