Become an accredited pickleball coach with Australia's national governing body


Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia. As the sport grows, so does the need for qualified, confident coaches. The Pickleball Australia Foundation Coaching Course gives you the skills, accreditation, and support to start coaching — in clubs, schools, and community settings across the country.

 

No prior coaching experience required.

 

Is this course for you?

This course is designed for anyone who wants to:

  • Lead beginner and recreational pickleball sessions

  • Coach in community, school, or club settings

  • Build a foundation for further coaching development

  • Formalise existing coaching experience through a recognised qualification

Whether you're a passionate player ready to give back to the game, or someone looking to build a new professional pathway - this course is your starting point.

What you'll gain

On successful completion of the Foundation Coaching Course, you will receive:

 

  • Pickleball Australia Foundation Coach accreditation - a nationally recognised qualification

  • Comprehensive coaching insurance

  • PA Coach Member community access - resources, networks, and ongoing support

  • Coach apparel

  • Eligibility to coach in PA-affiliated programs, clubs, and events

  • A clear pathway toward higher coaching levels within PA's accreditation framework

  • One year of PA Coach Membership included in your course fee

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

 

  • Plan and deliver beginner - intermediate friendly pickleball sessions

  • Teach core skills 

  • Create safe and inclusive environments for participants of all ages and abilities

  • Apply basic coaching principles and communication techniques

  • Understand your responsibilities as a Pickleball Australia coach

Course structure

The Foundation Coaching Course is delivered in two parts:

Online component Complete self-paced modules through the Pickleball Australia Education Hub prior to your face-to-face session. Modules cover coaching principles, skills, progressions and regressions, safety, and inclusion.

Estimated time: approximately 2.5 hours

 

Additional online requirements include:

 

Face-to-face component Attend a practical on-court session where you'll apply your coaching skills and be assessed by an accredited PA Coach Educator.

Duration: 6 hours

Entry requirements

To enrol in, you must:

 

 

  • Be a current financial member of Pickleball Australia

  • Be aged 16 or over

  • Hold a current Working With Children Check (or equivalent) relevant to your state or territory

  • Have a basic understanding of pickleball rules and gameplay

  • Be in good integrity standing within Pickleball Australia

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Already hold a valid pickleball coaching certification? You may be eligible to apply for RPL, which could reduce the requirements you need to complete.

Contact the PA Coaching and Education team to discuss your options before enrolling.
Or head to our webpage to learn more

What you'll receive on completion

 

  • Pickleball Australia Foundation Coach accreditation

  • Access to the PA Coach Member community and resources

  • Certificate of Currency of comprehensive coaching insurance

  • Coach apparel

  • Eligibility to coach in PA-affiliated programs and events

  • A pathway toward higher coaching levels

Course fee

$599 - inclusive of one year of PA Coach Membership

Your fee covers enrolment in both the online and face-to-face components, your first year of coach membership, coaching insurance, and coach apparel. Membership renewals in subsequent years are separate to the course fee.

Upcoming course dates

 

Date State Location Spaces Available Facilitator
July QLD TBC 12 TBC
August NSW TBC 12 TBC
September VIC TBC 12 TBC
28th September, 2026 QLD Australian Pickleball Championships - Pimpama Sports Hub 12 TBC
October WA TBC 12 TBC
15th November, 2026 SA The Lights Community and Sports Centre 12 TBC
November ACT TBC 12 TBC
December TAS TBC 12 TBC

 

Please note that Pickleball Australia does not guarantee that a course will be held in every area. By enrolling, participants acknowledge that a face-to-face session may not be scheduled in their location.

New courses are added to the calendar as they are confirmed. Register your interest below and we'll notify you when a course becomes available in your area.

Register Your Interest

How to enrol

 

  1. Confirm you meet the entry requirements above

  2. Ensure your PA membership is current - join or renew here

  3. Complete enrolment and payment via the PA Education Hub

  4. Receive your confirmation email with login instructions and access to online modules

  5. Select your face-to-face course date and location

  6. Complete all online modules and attend your face-to-face session

Enrol now!

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Current PA membership is required before you can enrol. If you're not yet a member, you can join via the PA website.

Please check the course calendar before enrolling. Pickleball Australia does not guarantee that a course will be held in every area, and participants enrol with the understanding that a face-to-face session may not be scheduled in their location. New courses are added regularly - register your interest so we can notify you directly when one becomes available near you.

Yes. You'll be observed during the face-to-face component. Your Coach Educator will provide feedback and confirm whether competency has been achieved

Please contact us as soon as possible. Transfers to another date may be available subject to availability. Cancellation terms apply - see our course policy for details.

An Endorsement Letter is a brief written confirmation from your club or State/Territory Association that they support your application to become a PA-accredited coach. If you're unsure who to contact, reach out to the coaching team and we can point you in the right direction.

You'll receive feedback and may be offered a reassessment opportunity. Your Coach Educator will discuss next steps with you.

You may be eligible for RPL. Contact us to discuss your situation before enrolling.

Contact the Pickleball Australia Coaching and Education team: coaching@pickleballaus.org

How to become a Pickleball Australia Foundation Coach

Step 1

Join or renew your PA membership if required

Step 2

Enrol through the PA Education Hub and pay your course fee

Step 3

Complete your online modules at your own pace

Step 4

Upload your compliance documents

Step 5

Book your face-to-face session (this can be done at any time after enrolment)

Step 6

Attend your practical day and complete your assessment and receive a competent mark

Step 7

Receive your accreditation, insurance, and coach membership benefits

Return to Coaching hub