Waukesha Area Pickleball Instructors.

Marko Grgic.

Brief bio about yourself as a pickleball player:  

I began taking pickleball seriously in the fall of 2021. As my love for the game grew, I also began teaching the sport.  I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of players of all ages and skill sets, at numerous clubs throughout the past few years.  I have a DUPR rating of 5.16 and a gold medal win in 5.0 mens doubles on the APP Tour. 

What do you love most about providing lessons?

I love sharing knowledge and insight about the game with clients that will help them reach the next level of performance. 

What type of PRIVATE lessons do you provide (small group, private 1:1, etc):

Clinics, private lessons, social functions, tournaments, small and large group lessons. 

Do you provide lessons through any organization/park and rec programs? If yes, which ones?

I am fortunate to work at the following clubs: Performance Pickleball of Wisconsin, Elite Sports Clubs, The Wisconsin Club, The Legend Clubs, The Town Club, Sussex parks and rec, and Oconomowoc parks and rec. 

Do you provide lessons year round?

Yes! 

Where do you provide lessons?

Performance Pickleball of Wisconsin and Elite Sports Clubs. 

What level of players do you provide lessons to?

All levels! 

Do you have assistants helping during your lessons?

Yes, upon request. 

How long are your lessons each time?

Lessons typically range from 1 to 2 hours. 

How much do you charge for PRIVATE lessons?

A private 1 hour lesson is $65

*subject to change

Do you work with cash? or Venmo? or other forms of payment?

Cash, Venmo, and PayPal. 

If someone wanted a lesson with you, how far out are you booking for lessons?

Lessons can be scheduled at any time!

What makes you different from other pickleball instructors in the area?

I like to incorporate techniques and examples from a variety of sports, not only those from the traditional tennis world. I also have access to professional pickleball players which provides me with high end play and teaching styles that I use with my own clientele. 

How can a player contact you to arrange/schedule lessons?

Send me an email at 262Pickleball@gmail.com with the goals you are trying to accomplish and we will find a time to meet! 

What other information would you like to share with readers about your instruction?

Most of us that fall in love with pickleball are striving to see how sharp we can get our skills to beat our friends. I strongly encourage those players to pursue formal instruction so that they can learn the proper techniques and strategies.  This basic foundation is a jump off point on which we can base the rest of our playing careers upon, rather than simply playing blindly. 

Gina Cilento.

I teach private lessons for individuals and groups in addition to group clinics/drills at my facility called the Pickleball Lab in Cedarburg. I also do corporate events for companies ranging from 16 people to 50 people. 

Private group sessions can be customized with times of the day and number of attendees. 

I provide lessons year-round in Cedarburg, however, I do travel to tournaments and set up clinics across the country as well.

Where do you provide pickleball lessons?

I primarily teach at The Pickleball Lab in Cedarburg and I also do special appearance clinics at local clubs like The Milwaukee Country Club and River Club of Mequon. 

How much are your lessons?

Private lesson rates vary based on group size and length (anywhere from 60-90mins).

My clinics/drills, that you can find posted on Facebook and Instagram at Gina Cilento Pickleball, are $30 cash per session and last an hour. I take cash, Venmo and checks. 

How do I schedule a lesson or clinic/drills with you?

The best way to get a hold of me is by calling or texting me at 414-975-7673. 

My background of being a tennis pro for 27 years lends itself to my ability to play on the pro APP and PPA pickleball tour as well as teach at a high level. 

Bob McIntyre.

Brief bio about yourself as a pickleball player:

I’ve been a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach since 2019.  Also since 2019, I’ve been a volunteer USA Pickleball Ambassador in the greater Waukesha area.  I was the originator and the first editor/publisher of the Greater Waukesha Area Pickleball eNewsletter.  I am a Prolite Community Advocate and carry with me 8+ Prolite Sports paddles for people to try.  I offer a 25% discount on Prolite paddles purchased on their website with my code MC25:  www.prolitesports.com

Formerly a high school teacher and a coach, I am happily retired after 25 years in Harley-Davidson’s Employee Development (training) department.  Back then I was a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) and Training Manager.  I played tennis for many years.  Particularly in my college years, I played lots of ping pong, properly too much.  I’ve been playing pickleball for over 7 years, and teaching pickleball for 5 years.  Currently (01/12/2024) my DUPR rating is 4.083.  I enjoy drilling and I try to drill for 90 minutes at least once a week.  Playing pickleball as family is always a good time for me, my wife and two daughters.  I try to stay up-to-date with all the changes in the sport including rule changes, new venues, equipment, and the latest drills and tips & tricks.  I enjoy watching professional pickleball players in championship matches.  I love the game and love to teach it.

What do you love most about providing lessons? 

I really like people getting excited about playing the great game of pickleball . . . for the first time . . . or helping experienced players play the game better.  It’s very rewarding to get all the positive feedback I get from my students.  After classes and after private lessons, it’s fantastic to hear about - and many times to see - my students playing pickleball, having fun, and getting better.  I am delighted to be able to “spread the love of pickleball” with all its physical, mental and social benefits.

What type of PRIVATE lessons do you provide (small group, private 1:1, etc.): 

I offer 1:1 private lessons and private lessons for small groups up to 4 students.  Lessons are customized based on the expressed needs of the student(s).  Private lessons might be focused on one or two things, or getting one player or partners ready for a tournament.  For indoor or outdoor classes and private lessons, I always have 8+ demo paddles from Prolite Sports for students to use.  New paddles can be purchased from Prolite’s website with my 25% discount code MC25.  “Try before you buy.”  I have two portable nets to setup on temporary courts if necessary. 

Do you provide lessons through any organization/park and rec programs? If yes, which ones? 

Yes . . . currently for City of Waukesha, City of Brookfield, Town of Brookfield, and UWM-Waukesha . . . and possibly with Pickleball Kingdom in 2024.  In years past, I was also teaching pickleball for Oconomowoc, Sussex, Wauwatosa, OAW, LifeTime, and YMCAs.

Do you provide lessons year round?

Yes.  I provide indoor public classes, outdoor public classes, and outdoor private lessons.  Currently I have no free place to conduct indoor private lessons as of winter 2023-2024.  If a student can provide an indoor court, I’d be glad to conduct a private lesson there.

Where do you provide lessons? 

Usually @Banting Park or @Lowell Park for City of Waukesha. For the Town of Brookfield @Wray Park’s new courts.  For City of Brookfield @Camelot Park outdoors and @Ridgewood Church indoors.  For UWM-Waukesha indoors @UWM-W Fieldhouse.  And possibly indoors @Pickleball Kingdom in Brookfield.  I will travel to conduct lessons on a private court.  I have two portable nets to setup on temporary courts if necessary.  For indoor or outdoor classes and lessons, I always have 8+ demo paddles from Prolite Sports for students to use.  New paddles can be purchased from Prolite’s website with my 25% discount code MC25.  “Try before you buy.”  

What level of players do you provide lessons to? 

Beginners through intermediate.  0.0 – 4.0.

Do you have assistants helping during your lessons? 

Yes as needed; but usually not needed because I keep the student:teacher ratio down to 8:1 or lower.

How long are your lessons each time? 

Usually my lessons, classes, and clinics are a minimum of two hours.  Most of my public classes are 3 x 2 hours (6 hours).  Some of my public classes and clinics are two hours, e.g., Pickleball Jump Start for Experienced Racquet Players is two hours.  I offer free 1-hour or 2-hour Introduction to Pickleball classes particularly in the week after a 90-minute free Pickleball Demonstration & Try-It Event which I organize and host for communities and clubs. One of my clinics is a 2-hour Pickleball Intermediate: Techniques, Tactics & Targets.  My two most popular classes are Pickleball for Beginners (3 x 2 hrs.) and Pickleball Drills & Skills Workouts for Equally Skilled Partners (3 x 2 hrs.)

How much do you charge for PRIVATE lessons? 

Per 1 student:  $30 per hour, minimum 2 hours.  Each additional student is $10 per hour, up to 4 students.  For example, a private lesson for 2 students 2 hours would be $80.  Private lessons are FREE under certain conditions and for certain groups.  I provided a free 2-hour Intro to Pickleball class for non-profit groups including Cub Scout dens with scouts wanting to earn a “new sport” badge.

Do you work with cash? or Venmo? or other forms of payment? 

Cash only for private lessons.  Fees for public classes are paid to the hosting club or organization when registering.

If someone wanted a lesson with you, how far out are you booking for lessons? 

If an indoor court is provided, I’m open this winter on most days, evenings, and weekends at times that are not in conflict with my teaching public classes.  Outdoors, I’m open for lessons starting in April / May – weather permitting – and continuing through the summer.  My outdoor public classes through Park & Rec departments will be offered May, June and July.  Starting in May, I am planning to hold Monday mornings and Monday evenings open for public classes TBD and private lessons on my “home courts” in Wray Park, Town of Brookfield. 

What makes you different from other pickleball instructors in the area? 

I’m very good explaining things clearly (including the ‘why’).  I give good demonstrations often engaging a student to help.  I run drills that start “easy” and build to be more challenging and game-like.  I focus on a range of things from the FUNdamentals to game strategy.  I am encouraging and patient with students.  I make my instruction interactive, fun, and high-energy.  I give personal feedback to each student as best I can throughout a class as students drill and as students play games in class.  I encourage students to setup their smartphone to video-record themselves during game-time.  I correspond with students before and after a class; and I provide optional resources for students.  Please see my new website under development:  Resources for Students of Pickleball.  URL: https://sites.google.com/view/resources-for-students-of-pick/home  This link gets sent to my students before a class or a private lesson.  The website has what I say are “lots of optional resources” for my students to use before and after a class or a private lesson.

Please read over 150 5-star student reviews of my instruction on www.playpickleball.com.  FYI:  That website is in transition still with functional problems now in early 2024.  It has not been taking new student reviews since September 2023.  I’m expecting that functionality to be working soon at which time I have students from October-December who say they are ready to write a 5-star review of my instruction on that website.  All the verbal feedback I get from students has always been very positive.

How can a player contact you to arrange/schedule lessons? 

Call or text me 262-232-7153.  Or e-mail me rmcintyrejr@outlook.com 

What other information would you like to share with readers about your instruction? 

Let my past students speak to the high quality and value of my classes and clinics.  Please read over 150 5-star student reviews of my instruction on www.playpickleball.com.  FYI:  That website is in transition now with functional problems still in early 2024.  It has not been taking new student reviews since September 2023.  I’m expecting that functionality to be working soon at which time I have students from October-December who say they are ready to write a 5-star review of my instruction on that website.  All the verbal feedback I get from students has always been very positive.  I would be delighted to have you in a class, clinic or private lesson.

Please see my new website under development:  Resources for Students of Pickleball.  URL: https://sites.google.com/view/resources-for-students-of-pick/home.  This link gets sent to my students before a class or a private lesson.  The website has what I say are “lots of optional resources” for my students to use before and after a class or a private lesson.

My foundational pickleball mantra:  “Be more intentional about using good technique, executing smart tactics, and hitting targets.”  As one of the many resources for students, see more mantras in my document “Top Twenty Key Phrases – Mantras – for Pickleball” on the Resources website.

Kelly Whalen.

I started playing pickleball in 2014 after a foot injury sidelined my racquetball playing days.  Fell in love with the game and started playing tournaments all over the area.  I’ve  played in local, state at national tournaments and have numerous medals at the 4.5/5.0 level as well as senior masters hardware.  

As I am a teacher by profession, I began instructing several years ago during the summers, and since my retirement have been doing it year round.  I am a certified level 2 instructor through Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) and continue to play whenever I can.  I chose PCI because their training program focuses on running great pickleball

lessons.  They assure the certified instructors have a thorough understanding of pickleball technique and tactics, combined with the ability to organize people so that lessons are incredibly safe, fun and effective.  

What do you love most about providing lessons?

I love to watch players progress so quickly and see the enjoyment of the game on their faces and in their reactions.  I also continue to join open play and Park & Rec programs whenever I can as it allows me to play competitively and socially with the friends I’ve made throughout the years.

What type of PRIVATE lessons do you provide (small group, private 1:1, etc):

I provide private lessons to individuals and groups (rates vary, depending on size and location) 

Do you provide lessons through any organization/park and rec programs? If yes, which ones?

The organizations I work with are: Muskego Park & Rec, New Berlin Park & Rec, Waukesha Park & Rec, Shorewood Park & Rec, Center Court, and Elite Fitness Clubs.

Do you provide lessons year round?

Yes, I provide lessons year round, though in the winter months it is more difficult to get court times.

Where do you provide lessons?

I provide lessons at Center Court and Elite in the winter and all over in the summer!  Either through a Park & Rec program or at a court near you!

What level of players do you provide lessons to?

I provide lessons from beginner level to advanced (1.0 to 5.0)

Do you have assistants during lessons?

I have assistants if I am teaching more then 8 players.  Terry is amazing, helping in so many ways:  picking up balls, keeping time, welcoming participants and cracking jokes!  Bryant Klak has also joined the coaching team and is an invaluable member.

How long are your lessons each time?

Lessons are usually 60 or 90 minutes long but occasionally groups do a “drills for an hour, play for an hour” format which runs 2 hours.

How much do you charge for lessons?

See our website for current prices.  www.Everythingpickleball.us

What form of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, and Venmo are all accepted.  Cash is king!

How far out are you booking for lessons?

I usually book out two weeks to a month.

What makes you different than other instructors?

What makes me different is I am a teacher by profession and have a knowledge of kinesiology from that, allowing me to see things that can help improve your game from a muscle memory standpoint.  I also chose a rigorous certification program that addresses the why as much as the how so players understand things because they make sense.  Finally, I have a racket sports background (tennis and racquetball) so know the various skill sets required for mastery in each discipline and do so in a way the follows coaching best practices.

How do I schedule a private lesson with you?

Visit our website or call Terry (414) 530-5232 as I am on the court somewhere teaching!

Our goal is to create a fun learning environment that inspires your pickleball enthusiasm to shine through!  

Will East.

I was first introduced to pickleball back in 2018. I played the sport once at the country where I worked, and since then, I have been hooked.

In the past few years have won multiple gold medals at the 5.0 level, and now play at the professional level in tournaments all over the country on the APP and PPA Tours.

I was coaching independently for two years before I decided to become a PPR-Certified Pro Pickleball Coach, and since 2021, I’ve been teaching passionate players like yourself to play your best pickleball.

As a former NCAA Division 1 tennis player, I take great pride in creating lessons and drills to improve your pickleball game that are easy to follow but simple to perform.  

Through pickleball, I have had the honour of meeting some incredible people, and I can’t wait to get on the court with you and help amplify your game.

To Contact Will to schedule a private lesson, go to his Performance Pickleball of Wisconsin Website.