What makes a great pickleball coach? In this episode of One More Game, Kim McGuire and Sarah Ansboury break down the real qualities that separate average instruction from truly impactful coaching—connection, communication, player awareness, and the ability to teach different personalities effectively.

This conversation dives into pickleball coaching styles, working with rec players versus competitive players, finding your coaching niche, and why great coaching is about much more than just high-level skill. Kim and Sarah also unpack how coaches connect with different demographics, what players actually need from lessons, and why some coaches naturally thrive with juniors, adults, or older players.

They also get into one of the most interesting parts of the episode: the role of female coaches in pickleball, the respect gap that can still show up with male players, and why a female coaching perspective can bring something completely different to player development. Along the way, there’s plenty of classic One More Game energy, stories from camps and clinics, and honest talk about the business of coaching in today’s pickleball world.

If you’re a pickleball player, instructor, club owner, or someone thinking about lessons, this episode is packed with insight on coaching philosophy, pickleball improvement, and what players should really look for in a coach.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Pickleball World

02:53 The Importance of Sun Protection

05:56 Coaching Dynamics in Pickleball

09:01 The Role of Coaches and Problem Solving

11:55 Building Connections in Coaching

14:58 Evolving as a Coach

18:01 Understanding Player Motivations

20:55 Niche Coaching and Demographics

24:44 Understanding Coaching Styles and Personalities

30:00 Adapting Coaching Techniques to Player Needs

34:57 The Importance of Evolving Coaching Methods

39:56 Impact of Coaching on Players' Experiences

45:06 Gender Dynamics in Coaching and Player Relationships

48:00 The Need for Adaptability in Coaching

Please Subscribe to stay up-to-date on future videos and Share for others to view! Help bring more attention to this fun sport!

Also, please give a thumbs up if you like the video. If you have any suggestions for future videos, I would love to hear about it!

You can find me on other sites as well:

Website: https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahansbourypickleball/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahansboury/

Pickleball coaching is more than feeding drills—it's setting clear player goals, building smart progressions, and learning how to communicate so students actually improve. In this episode of One More Game, Kim McGuire and Sarah Ansboury break down what separates a true coach from a “peer with a basket,” including how to structure group lessons, when to recommend private coaching, and why continuing education (like PPR) matters more now than ever.

You’ll hear real-world coaching scenarios—from the classic “I just want to beat Bob at rec play” to why players often ask for one thing but need something else (hint: it’s not always the grip). They also talk about club standards, quality vs. quantity, how many players belong in a group lesson, and the coach’s responsibility to create consistent, athlete-centered learning without repeating the same clinic every week.

Plus: stories from the International Rackets Conference, a shoutout to Fall Brawl in St. George, Utah, and a hilarious (and painful) reminder that coaches need emotional intelligence on court just as much as technical knowledge.

You can find me on other sites as well:

Website: https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahansbourypickleball/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahansboury/

#Pickleball #PPRPickleball #SarahAnsboury

In this episode of One More Game Podcast, hosts Kim McGuire and renowned coach Sarah Ansboury dive into what’s really driving the growth of pickleball — both in the United States and around the world.

From international development in countries like China, Vietnam, and Italy to the critical role coaching plays at every level, this conversation goes beyond professional headlines to focus on the foundation of the sport. Sarah shares insight from her global work certifying coaches, building federations, and helping pickleball grow in emerging markets.

The episode also explores youth development, the mental side of coaching young athletes, and the role parents and coaches play in creating healthy, long-term success in the sport.

If you’re a pickleball coach, player, or passionate fan interested in where the game is headed — and how to grow it the right way — this episode sets the tone for what One More Game Podcast is all about.

Please Subscribe to stay up-to-date on future videos and Share for others to view! Help bring more attention to this fun sport!

Also, please give a thumbs up if you like the video. If you have any suggestions for future videos, I would love to hear about it!

You can find me on other sites as well:

Website: https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahansbourypickleball/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahansboury/

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Welcome to One More Game Podcast, a show dedicated to the growth of pickleball through coaching, player development, and the expanding global community.

Hosted by Kim McGuire and renowned coach Sarah Ansboury, this podcast goes beyond headlines and gossip to focus on what truly builds the sport — from grassroots coaching to pickleball’s rapid growth across the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, China, and beyond.

In this trailer episode, Kim and Sarah share the mission behind the show, what listeners can expect, and why empowering coaches is the key to growing pickleball worldwide.

If you’re a coach, player, or passionate fan looking to improve the game and be part of its future, this podcast is for you.

New episodes coming soon — subscribe now and be part of the movement.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahAnsbouryPKB