Resource

Coaches we learn from.

Every guide on this site draws on the major coaching channels and the USA Pickleball rulebook, with credit. This page lists the 8 channels we cite most often, what they teach, and who they're best for.

If a coach is below, they shaped how we think about the game. The fastest way to get better at this sport is to watch them directly. We're trying to be the part of your week where you decide what to study; their channels are where the studying happens.

Technique and strategy

Channels that walk through shot mechanics, rally patterns, and rec-level decision-making. These are the coaches we cite most often when a guide explains the how-to.

Briones Pickleball Academy

@brionespickleball →

Known for

Mid-court defense, third-shot drops, rec-level patterns by skill rating.

Best for

3.0 to 4.0 players who want technical breakdowns organized by what to work on next.

Cited in our transition zone, hands battle, and shake-and-bake guides. Their topspin dink walkthrough is embedded in /guides/dinking-strategy.

Read our deep dive on Briones Pickleball Academy →

Better Pickleball with CJ Johnson

@betterpickleball →

Known for

Senior and adult-rec coaching, mental game, kitchen-line technique.

Best for

Players over 50, and anyone who wants the why behind the what.

Cited in our hands battle and transition zone guides. Her "Why Fast Hands Are Overrated" piece is embedded in /guides/pickleball-hands-battle.

Read our deep dive on Better Pickleball with CJ Johnson →

Pro player and tour

Pro-tour players who teach. Less rec-level structure, more pro-pattern insights and the why behind tournament-level decisions.

Tanner Tomassi

@tanner.pickleball →

Known for

Quick-form pickleball tips, deceptive shots, modern paddle and shot trends.

Best for

Players who want bite-sized tactical clips that fit between rec sessions.

Cited in our hands battle guide. His drop-vs-drive call clip is embedded in /guides/pickleball-drive-vs-drop-decision-tree.

Read our deep dive on Tanner Tomassi →

Equipment and paddle reviews

For when the guide explains a paddle or piece of gear. We trust these channels for honest equipment takes.

Pickleball Studio

@pickleballstudio →

Known for

Independent paddle reviews, swing-weight measurements, durability tracking, equipment news (lawsuits, USAP rulings).

Best for

Anyone trying to decide between two paddles in the same price tier.

Pickleball Studio measurements are referenced in multiple paddle guides on this site, including the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV and Selkirk LUXX Control Air reviews.

Read our deep dive on Pickleball Studio →

Pickleball journalism and explainer

For when the question is what is happening in pro pickleball, or which technique just got popular. The closest thing to a beat reporter for the sport.

The Dink Pickleball

@TheDinkPickleball →

Known for

Long-form articles plus video on shot trends, pro tour storylines, gear context. Coverage of the Traffic Light framework, hands-battle technique, two-handed backhand mechanics, and disguise.

Best for

Players who want the why behind what pros are doing this season.

Cited more than any other source across our guides. The hands battle, transition zone, two-handed backhand, and shot disguise guides all draw heavily on The Dink Pickleball articles, with quotes attributed throughout.

Read our deep dive on The Dink Pickleball →

Why this list is short

There are hundreds of pickleball channels on YouTube. We list the ones we actually learn from and cite in our guides. As we add new shot guides and new strategy pieces, this list will grow. The bar to be added is "we've cited their work in a published guide on this site."

If a coach you trust is missing, the suggest page will route the recommendation to the team. Channel suggestions get reviewed weekly.

We do not have any sponsorship, affiliate, or business relationship with any of the channels listed here. They are listed because their teaching has shaped how we explain the sport.