Vancouver Island Pickleball Association

LESSONS/CLINICS

Group & Private Lessons/Clinics

​Instructor: Ken Holman

.....resides in the Cowichan Valley during the summer months (May through October).
During the winter months (November through April) he has been the Teaching Professional at a 16-court pickleball facility in Southern Arizona, put on clinics in the Phoenix area and has helped to conduct clinics in Mexico.

​Ken has been involved in racquet sports most of his life.
He is a certified (Tennis Canada) tennis instructor and currently has a 1745 tournament rating from the U.S. Table Tennis Association.

​In pickleball Ken has a 5.256 (UTPR) tournament rating from ​USA Pickleball.

Ken Holman

Group Lessons: (See below for scheduled lessons)

Can be held on any available courts between Victoria and Campbell River, between May and October. Maximum of 4 players per court and a minimum of 8 participants per lesson.
Cost: $25.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic conducted within the Cowichan Valley.
​Cost: $30.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic outside the Cowichan Valley

Beginner Lessons: Participants will learn:
~how to grip the paddle
~how to hit ground strokes
~how to volley
~how to serve
~how to keep score
~the rules, and most importantly....
~how to have fun playing pickleball.

Intermediate Lessons: designed for 3.0, 3.5 & 4.0 rated players whose game has stalled and would like to move it to the next level, and for those players who are hampered by arm or shoulder injuries as the result of poor stroke mechanics. The lesson reviews the fundamentals, offers suggestions to quickly improve your game, discusses strategy and the importance of the first 3 strokes of a point, how to execute those 3 strokes, and a look at the 'net game' including dinking.

Advanced Clinic:

Advanced stroke technique together with winning doubles strategy. Get in sync with your partner. Work together with a system that is proven successful. The importance of the first three strokes of a point - how they define the outcome of the point. Who in the team is the 'put-away' player, who is the 'set-up' player? Should you target a weak player? What to do if they target you! Time will be set aside to practice your new doubles strategy and be encouraged to 'play percentage pickleball'.

All About Spin:

Learn about the three types of spin - topspin, backspin & sidespin. The importance of spin in the modern game. How to hit with spin on all strokes - ground strokes, volleys, dinks & serves. How to return spin.


"I went to play today for a couple hours. I was so worried that in attempting to follow through with what you had taught me, my game, as I knew it, was destroyed haha! I felt like I was doing everything you told me and my game was great. A couple people commented on it. I also naturally served in a much better way - it just kind of happened and felt right. I was so excited, I wanted to share my excitement with you!"
K.V. Nanaimo BC

"I wanted to thank you for a wonderful lesson. I have learned so much."
B.G. Nanaimo BC

"It was such a pleasure working with you last week. I got so much out of my lesson and have enjoying putting your words of instruction into my pickleball games this past week. That new grip is a game changer!"
N.K. Victoria BC

Private Lessons:
For players looking to enhance their skills or learn the basics, Ken will structure the lessons to fit your objectives. Focusing on things such as techniques, stroke mechanics, court awareness, drills and strategy.

Cost:

Rates for a 1-hour lesson based on using outdoor courts located at Fuller Lake, Chemainus (+$10.00 for other courts within 40 km):
Private lesson (one-on-one) – $50.00
Semi-private lesson (two people) – $60.00 ($30.00 per person)
Group lesson (three or more people) – $25.00 per person.

Rates for a 1-hour lesson at the reservable outdoor courts at Kerry Park, Mill Bay:
Private lesson (one-on-one) – $65.00*
Semi-private lesson (two people) – $80.00* ($40.00 per person)
Group lesson (three or more people) – $30.00* per person.
*includes the cost of the court rental.


"I enjoyed your excellent lesson. Your expertise, clarity and patience in improving my forehand and backhand strokes and in returning lobs and overheads were much appreciated."
B.W., Victoria BC

"I played SO much better the next morning. I was getting lots of low balls over the net! Thanks so much for the help. Amazing what bending your knees will accomplish."
M.S., Green Valley, AZ

"Thank you so much for the clinic today. It was excellent for us - really helpful. Thanks for taking the time, for sharing your deep knowledge, and for your gentle ways. Much appreciated."
J.P. & G.L., Osoyoos, BC & Green Valley, AZ

"I have to take this opportunity to tell you how much it has helped me Ken - especially the paddle grip. Absolutely no elbow pain anymore and placing my fore finger on the paddle when dinking is a huge help. I also have to add, the ground shot, third shot and cross-court dink - your techniques all work! Thank you so much."
S.S., SaltSpring Island BC

"I wanted to thank you for such a great lesson yesterday. I really enjoyed your help. Wow! Looking forward to doing it again."
R.H., Parksville BC

To schedule a lesson contact Ken at: kenholman@hotmail.com


Group lessons, coming soon:

Pickleball - Learn to Play - Cowichan Community Centre, Duncan (Ages 16+)
Pickleball is a fun combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis that continues to grow in popularity. In this 2-hour clinic you will learn the basic rules and skills of the game.
Note: Registration through the Cowichan Community Centre.

Saturday, September 23 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 1/$25.00  Full - completed
Saturday, October 14 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 1/$25.00  Full - completed
Sunday, November 5 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 1/$25.00

Pickleball - Building on the Basics - Cowichan Community Centre, Duncan (Ages 16+)
This beginner+ program will build on the starter skills learned in our Learn to Play Pickleball lessons by offering more advanced instruction. Registration is also open to those who have not completed Learn to Play, but basic skills and game knowledge are required.
Note: Registration through the Cowichan Community Centre.

Saturday, Oct 21 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 1/$25.00   Full - completed
Saturday, Dec 9 | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 1/$25.00