Book Lessons with Coach Nicholas
Learn. Laugh. Improve. Let’s make pickleball the best part of your week.
I believe pickleball is one of the greatest sports because it’s about so much more than winning. Yes, we’ll work on technique, strategy, footwork, and shot selection, but we’ll also make sure you’re having fun. Unless we’re preparing for a tournament, I don’t think we should take ourselves too seriously. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your game, my goal is to help you become a more confident player while enjoying every minute on the court. Pickleball is about staying active, improving your health, meeting great people, and creating friendships that extend far beyond the baseline. My lessons are positive, encouraging, and tailored to your goals. We’ll celebrate progress, laugh at our mistakes, and leave every session a little better than we started. If you improve your game and leave with a smile, we’ve done our job.
Trains in Powell
Works with Elementary, Middle School, Adult
Pickleball
Background Check
Contact Information
Experience
Get to know Coach Nicholas
About Me:
I live in Powell with my wife and our two young children, and I own and operate a few local small businesses from home. After retiring from squash in downtown Columbus, I discovered pickleball in 2022 and immediately fell in love with the sport. What keeps me coming back is the unique combination of competition, fitness, and community. Whether we’re playing socially or preparing for a tournament, I believe pickleball should be enjoyable and something that brings people together.
How I can help you improve your game:
I specialize in helping beginners and newer players build a strong foundation. We’ll focus on proper fundamentals, court positioning, shot selection, and developing good habits from the beginning. Rather than overwhelming you with too much information, I prefer to identify one or two key areas to improve and give you simple, practical things to work on that you can immediately apply during your own practice.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
Every lesson starts with a conversation about your goals and what you’d like to improve. From there, we’ll spend most of our time doing drills that focus on one specific skill at a time so you leave with a clear understanding of what to practice. If you’d like, we’ll finish by playing a few points together to put those skills into action. Seeing you play at game speed also helps me provide feedback on decision-making, positioning, and strategy.
Career summary and accomplishments:
I’ve been passionate about racket sports for many years, competing in squash at the Athletic Club of Columbus before transitioning to pickleball in 2022. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to continually improving by taking lessons, attending clinics, drilling regularly, and training with professional players, including Ross Whittaker. I believe the best coaches never stop being students themselves, and I’m always looking for ways to improve both my own game and my ability to teach others.
Best coach I ever had:
My current coach, professional pickleball player Ross Whittaker, has had the biggest influence on my game. Ross has taught me that patience, smart decision-making, and consistency win far more points than trying to hit spectacular shots. His coaching style has also influenced how I teach others: keep things simple, focus on the fundamentals, and make learning enjoyable.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
As a local Powell dad with children in Olentangy Schools, I understand the value of creating a positive, encouraging environment where people feel comfortable learning. I’m approachable, dependable, and invested in helping my students succeed both on and off the court. My goal is for every lesson to be productive, enjoyable, and something you look forward to each week.
Weekly Availability
Monday
Unavailable
Tuesday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
Unavailable
Saturday
Unavailable
Sunday
Unavailable
This is only general availability - more times may be available when booking!
Intro Lesson Offer
$71
$94
Then $300/mo for 4 lessons. Subscription starts 48 hrs after your trial. Cancel Anytime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Where will the coach hold their lessons?
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When is the coach available to train?
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How do rescheduling, cancellations, and lesson credits work?
Good Fit Guarantee — If your first lesson isn't the right fit, we'll move your lesson credit to a new coach. No hassle.
Easy rescheduling — Cancel or reschedule up to 4 hours before a lesson, no questions asked.
Coach no-shows — You'll be fully credited and we'll help you find a replacement.
Flexible credits — Unused lessons last 12 months and can be used with any coach on the platform.
Questions? Our team is here to help. View our policies.
Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
AU was created by former college and pro athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process + background check, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!