Latest Pickleball News & Coaching Tips - Nottingham

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world for a reason: it’s fast-paced, highly social, incredibly fun, and easy to learn. 🎾✨ Whether you’re looking for a new fitness hobby or a competitive edge, our regular Thursday sessions (11:15 AM – 12:45 PM) offer the perfect environment to get moving and have a blast on the court. 😁🔥

🏅 Learn from an Accredited Coach & Medallist

Sessions are led by Julian, an accredited Pickleball England Club Instructor and England Open Silver Medallist. 🥈 With personalized coaching tailored to all skill levels, you’ll build confidence, master core techniques, and improve your game every single week! 📈

🌱 New to the Sport? Everyone Is Welcome!

If you’ve never held a paddle before, don't worry—beginners are completely welcome! 🤗 All necessary equipment (paddles, balls, and nets) is provided. All you need to bring is comfortable sports wear, indoor court shoes, and plenty of enthusiasm. 👟

⚠️ Reserve Your Spot Today

To ensure everyone gets maximum court time and quality coaching, places are strictly limited.

• 📅 When: Thursdays, starting 1st October 2026 (11:15 AM – 12:45 PM)
• 📍 Where: Cotgrave
• 🎒 Equipment: Fully provided

Why wait for the evening to get on court? Whether you're looking to refine your third-shot drop or simply want a fun, social hit during the day, our new daytime options give you the perfect workout disguised as a brilliant time with new friends!

🔥 What You Need to Know:

• 🎾 Coached Practice with Julian: Dedicated skill drills, tactical adjustments, and match-play practice guided personally by a Pickleball England Accredited Coach and English Open 2026 Silver Medallist! 🥈
• 🤝 Social & Welcoming: Play with new players, build your confidence, and make fantastic local friends who love the game as much as you do.
• 📍 Top Venues: Available right at Saxondale’s premier court facilities and at leading venues across Nottinghamshire.
• 📅 Flexible Weekday Schedules: Sessions run Mondays through to Thursdays with convenient 60, 90, and 120-minute duration options to suit your day!

💡 Sessions For Every Skill Level

We've got tailored slots running across all experience levels:

• ✨ Never Played Before? Ask me about our introductory Taster Sessions—the absolute best stress-free way to start!
• 🌱 Beginners: Build solid fundamentals, rules confidence, and rally control.
• 📈 Improvers: Master dinking, court positioning, and transition dynamics.
• 🎯 Intermediates: Fine-tune soft-game resets, aggressive kitchen plays, and tournament strategy.

What an incredible experience at the NEC in Birmingham! 🇬🇧 Standing out among nearly 3,000 competitors across 60 courts, bringing home a silver medal in the Mixed Doubles Final feels absolutely surreal! 🥈✨

The energy, the competition, and the level of play were off the charts all weekend! 🔥 Battles like these are why we play the game—pushing for every point, adjusting strategies on the fly, and staying cool under pressure on the biggest stage. 🏓💪

Ready to level up your own game? 🚀

Whether you're just picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, I’d love to help you get there. Every tactical lesson and strategy I bring to the court in big tournaments is exactly what I pass on in my coaching sessions! 🏆

Let’s turn those practice rallies into winning points! 🔥

I am beyond excited to announce a major milestone for our local pickleball community!

Pickleball with Julian has teamed up with Saxondale Pickleball to deliver world-class coaching, structured group clinics, and dynamic training sessions right on Saxondale’s fantastic, brand-new courts!

Whether you’re stepping onto a pickleball court for the very first time or you're looking to refine your serve, return or kitchen line dynamics, this partnership brings dedicated, professional instruction tailored to you.

A World-Class Venue Meets Passionate Coaching

Why play on Badminton Courts ??

Saxondale Pickleball has recently unveiled state-of-the-art courts designed to offer the ultimate playing surface and atmosphere for the fastest-growing sport in the world. By combining these premier facilities with Julian’s enthusiastic, technical, and fun-focused coaching philosophy, players in the Saxondale, Bingham, Radcliffe, West Bridgford and surrounding areas now have direct access to structured pathways for continuous improvement.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to partner with Saxondale Pickleball. Their commitment to building top-quality courts and cultivating a welcoming community aligns perfectly with my vision for Pickleball with Julian. We're going to create something truly special here—helping players build confidence, elevate their game, and most importantly, fall in love with the sport."

— Julian, Head Coach & Founder of Pickleball with Julian

What’s Coming to Saxondale Courts?

Players can look forward to a comprehensive lineup of coaching offerings designed to suit every schedule and ambition:

• 🚀 'Intro to Pickleball' Clinics: Perfect for complete beginners! Learn the rules, scoring, court positioning, and foundational strokes in a friendly, supportive environment.
• 🎯 Improver Strategy & Drills: Sharpen your dinking, master the 3rd shot drop, perfect your resets, and develop winning doubles tactics with targeted skill drills.
• 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Junior programmes: Pickleball is the perfect sport for juniors to quickly get a rally going and have fun. Who knows, we might be uncovering world champions of the future! If not - lets get them off their screens and playing a great new fun sport!
• 👤 Private & Small Group Coaching: Get personalised, 1-on-1 feedback with tailored drill plans and custom match strategy to fast-track your progress.
• 🔥 Match Play & Social Sessions: Structured round-robins and coach-led match play sessions where you can apply your new skills under realistic match conditions.

Join Us for the Grand Launch Clinics!

To mark the launch of this exciting partnership, we are hosting a series of Introductory Open Coaching Sessions at Saxondale Pickleball. Spaces for these initial clinics will be limited to ensure high coach-to-player ratios and maximum court time for everyone. Message us for more details by using the button below.

You pick up a paddle. You learn the basic rules (and try to figure out why everyone is talking about a "kitchen"). You play one game.

And just like that, you’re hooked.

Suddenly, your weekends are booked, you’re watching YouTube tutorials on the "third-shot drop" at 11:00 PM, and your social media feed is 90% pickleball memes.

Don't worry—you haven't lost your mind. You’ve just caught the pickleball bug. But why is this sport so incredibly addictive? Let’s break down the science of the obsession.

1. The "Easy to Learn, Hard to Master" Sweet Spot

Many sports have a brutal learning curve. If you try golf or tennis for the first time, you might spend the first three weeks just trying to make clean contact.

Pickleball isn't like that. Because the paddle is short and the ball is lightweight, almost everyone can get a fun, rolling rally going within their first 15 minutes. That instant success releases a massive hit of dopamine. But as you play more, you realise there is a deep, chess-like strategy to the game. That balance of instant gratification and endless room for improvement is the ultimate recipe for habit-forming fun.

2. The Social High

Human beings are wired for connection, and pickleball is arguably the most social sport on the planet.

• Close Proximity: Because the court is smaller than a tennis court, you are physically closer to your partner and your opponents. You can actually have a conversation (or exchange some friendly banter) between points.
• The "Kitchen" Factor: When all four players are hovering at the non-volley line, you are standing mere feet apart. It creates a shared, high-energy environment where laughter is guaranteed.

3. "Just One More Game..."

The court size also means games are relatively quick, usually lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. This triggers the classic "gambler's loop."

• "We lost that one, but we almost had them. Just one more."
• "We won that one! Let’s keep the streak going. Just one more."

Before you know it, three hours have flown by, you’ve racked up 12,000 steps, and you didn't even notice you were working out.

Ready to Start Your New Obsession?

Whether you want to learn the basics in a friendly, supportive environment or you're already addicted and want to sharpen your soft game, I'm here to help.

I offer structured coaching sessions across Nottinghamshire designed to get you playing confidently (and safely!) in no time.

When temperatures soar, the ball actually bounces faster and softer because the plastic gets warm, and your body works twice as hard to keep cool.

Quick tips to beat the heat on court:

• Play early or late: Avoid the midday sun entirely. Early morning or sunset games are where it's at right now.
• Electrolytes are key: Water alone isn't enough when you're sweating this much. Pop an electrolyte tablet in your flask.
• Listen to your body: Dizziness, cramping, or sudden fatigue means it's time to hit the bench.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and see you on the courts! ☀️🏓

Have you heard about the fastest-growing sport in the world? Now is your chance to get on the court and experience it for yourself. I am thrilled to announce an upcoming Taster Session in Newark, designed specifically for beginners ready to pick up a paddle and have some fun.

Event Details:

• Date: 20th July 2026
• Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Location: Active4Today, Lord Hawke Way, Newark, NG24 4FH

Why attend?

This session is fully inclusive—all ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. As a Pickleball England Accredited Coach, I will be on hand to guide you, and all necessary equipment is provided. It’s the perfect way to get active, meet new people, and learn the fundamentals in a welcoming environment.

Secure Your Spot

With the excitement building, places are limited and booking up fast. We want to ensure everyone gets enough court time and quality coaching, so we have capped the number of available spots.

Take advantage of our Early Bird rate of just £5.00 by booking in advance. Visit pickleballwithjulian.com/booktaster to fill out the form and confirm your place today.

I look forward to seeing you on the court!

Forget joining an intimidating, established club before you're ready—it’s the wrong place to start. Instead, grab 3 friends and form your own group of 4 for an exclusive private pickleball Newark taster session.

It’s just £20.00 total—that’s only £5.00 each!

Why book a private session?

• No Pressure: Learn the basics, rules, and technique in a private environment, away from the intimidating pace of established clubs.
• Beginner Friendly: You’ll have the court to yourselves, making it the perfect, low-stress introduction to the game.
• Great Workout: It’s fast-paced, addictive, and gets the heart rate up!

Ready to get on court?

Don't miss out! Spaces are limited and first come first served ! Fill out the contact form to register your group’s interest.

Let’s get those paddles moving!

I speak to so many players in Nottingham who tell me: "I love racket sports, but the court coverage in tennis is getting a bit much."

That is exactly where pickleball comes in.

Why Tennis Players Are Switching (And Loving It)

Transitioning from tennis to pickleball is a fantastic move. You already have the hand-eye coordination, the racket skills, and the tactical brain—now you just get to apply them to a game that is faster to learn and more socially interactive.

• Less Court, More Fun: You get all the strategy and intensity of tennis, but on a smaller court, meaning fewer long sprints and more time spent in exciting rallies.
• The Social Sport Factor: Pickleball is incredibly easy to chat between points, making it the perfect way to meet new people in your local Nottingham area.
• Easier on the Joints: The underarm serve and smaller court make the game significantly lower impact, allowing you to play for longer without the recovery time.
• Fast-Track Success: You don't need years of coaching to play a competitive game; your existing tennis skills will help you pick up the basics in just one session.

Ready to Cross the Net?

I’m Julian, a Pickleball England Accredited Instructor, and I specialize in helping former tennis players make the transition seamlessly. I run small-group taster sessions designed to get you playing (and winning!) from your very first hour.

I’m Julian, a Pickleball England Accredited Instructor, and I am bringing the joy of pickleball to Newark. If you’ve watched from the sidelines and thought, "I’d love to try that, but I don't have the gear," or "I’m worried I won't be good enough,"—this session is designed exactly for you.

What is a Taster Session?

My taster sessions are safe, pressure-free, and designed for complete beginners. My mission is to show you that pickleball is the most fun you can have on a court. We focus on the basics, getting you comfortable with the paddle, and most importantly, meeting other locals in a relaxed environment.

What you get:

• Accredited Coaching: You are in safe, experienced, and insured hands.
• Everything Provided: No need to buy expensive equipment. I provide top-tier paddles and balls for all participants.
• Friendly Environment: We specialize in small groups so you get plenty of individual attention.

Register Your Interest

I am finalizing dates for my Newark-based taster sessions now. If you would like to be the first to be notified when booking opens, please drop me a line through the Book Your Session button here...

I’m Julian, a Pickleball England Accredited Instructor right here in Nottinghamshire. My mission isn’t just to teach you a sport; it’s to help you find a new hobby that’s actually fun, low-impact, and social.

Why book a beginner session with me?

• No Gear Needed: I provide top-tier paddles, balls, and nets. You just bring your trainers and a smile.
• Zero Pressure: I specialise in absolute beginners and improvers across Nottingham. We go at your pace, not the group's.
• Safe & Professional: I am an accredited instructor, fully insured, DBS checked, and sports first aid qualified. You’re in safe hands.
• Flexible Locations: Whether you're in West Bridgford, Newark, or beyond, we book a court and get you playing pickleball in Nottingham.

Pickleball is the ultimate "exercise disguised as a laugh with new friends." Whether you want a 1-to-1 session to build your confidence or a small group session with your friends, let’s get you on the court.

Ready to start?

Just fill out the contact form here and I’ll help you get started!

Pickleball is the ultimate social sport—it’s easy to learn, incredibly fun, and a fantastic, low-impact workout thatKind to your joints. It’s essentially exercise disguised as a laugh with new friends!

Perfect for Beginners in Nottingham

You don't need any prior racket sports experience. Our sessions across Nottingham and the wider Nottinghamshire area are designed to welcome fresh faces, teach you the basics, and get you playing confidently from day one.

Come along, enjoy the friendly banter, and see why everyone is falling in love with this game.

Ready to give it a go?

Book your first beginner session or find a local Nottingham pickleball session at pickleballwithjulian.com

Let’s be honest: stepping onto a court for the first time can feel a little intimidating. You might worry about rules, coordination, or just wondering if you’ll fit in. Walking into an established club for the first time makes me feel nervous too!

Here is the truth: Every single player—even the top pros—started exactly where you are right now. I created my taster and introductory sessions with one goal in mind: to make pickleball accessible, pressure-free, and incredibly fun.

My sessions are kept to small groups so you get plenty of individual attention in a relaxed, friendly environment. There’s no judgment here—just a chance to learn the basics, get moving, and have a good laugh while you do it. Pickleball is all about the social buzz and the joy of the game. It’s the perfect way to spend an hour, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up!

Ready to give it a go?

Why not make it a social outing? Grab three of your friends and come along for a group session. It’s a great way to start together and build your confidence as a team.

How to join: Send me a direct message right here on Facebook, or take a look at my website: pickleballwithjulian.com and fill in the contact form. And don't worry about location! I'll come to you and we'll book a court at your local Nottingham leisure centre. Don’t let the nerves stop you from finding your new favourite hobby.

Have you noticed more people in our local community carrying colourful paddles and looking for a court? You aren’t imagining it—pickleball is officially one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it’s making a big splash right here in Nottingham.

But what exactly is the secret behind the craze? A sport for everyone, Pickleball is a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Because it’s played on a smaller court with a slower ball, it is incredibly accessible. Whether you’re a former competitive athlete or someone looking to start a new fitness journey, pickleball is designed for all ages and ability levels in Nottingham. It’s the rare sport where grandparents can play alongside their grandkids and everyone has a fair chance at a great rally!

Beyond the physical health benefits—like improved cardiovascular health, coordination, and agility—the real magic of pickleball is its social nature. It is widely considered one of the most inclusive and friendly sports you can join. Because games are fast-paced and usually played in doubles, it’s the perfect environment to meet new people and become part of a Nottingham community.

If you’ve heard the sound of popping balls at your local community centre and seen people of all ages grinning from ear to ear, you’ve discovered the UK’s fastest-growing sport: Pickleball. It’s social, fast-paced, and incredibly easy to pick up.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a hybrid sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, using a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Come learn with us in Nottingham!