IPTPA Level I Certified Pickleball

IPTPA Level I is the entry point to the IPTPA Teaching Curriculum. This program is designed for people who love pickleball and want a clear, professional path to teaching beginners using proven progressions, lesson structure, and on court communication.

Who This Course Is For

  • Players and community leaders introducing pickleball to new groups and new locations
  • New instructors who have not been formally trained in how to teach and structure sessions
  • Lower level skilled players who want to help beginners and need a clear teaching framework
  • Experienced coaches from other sports who are new to pickleball

What You Will Learn

  • Core skills, progressions, and strategy foundations for beginner through intermediate players (as defined by IPTPA)
  • How to build structured lessons using the IPTPA Handbook and modern sports teaching theory
  • Recommended drills to reinforce each lesson, plus suggested homework routines for students
  • On court communication that keeps groups organized, safe, and progressing

Workshop Focus (On Court)

  • Proper ball feeding techniques that support skill development and class flow
  • Teaching progressions and how to adjust them for different beginner skill levels
  • How to run effective group sessions with clear instruction, timing, and station management
  • Sample lesson plans you can reuse and adapt for your own beginner clinics

Certification Path

  • Attend the IPTPA Teach the Teacher Workshop as your entry into the IPTPA Teaching Curriculum
  • Demonstrate proper ball feeding and on court communication during the workshop
  • Complete IPTPA membership registration (annual member dues required)
  • Receive an access code to take the online written exam
  • Pass the exam and receive a certificate showing your IPTPA Level I Instructor designation

Eligibility and Mentoring

  • Applicants must be at least 14 years old to become certified as a Level I or Level II instructor
  • Applicants under 18 may become certified, but must be mentored by a current Level II IPTPA instructor until age 18
  • Lessons taught by instructors under 18 must be supervised by their mentoring Level II instructor
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact a current Level II instructor to discuss mentoring (see Certified Instructors)

Level I Instructor Scope

  • Certified to introduce the sport to new communities and new players
  • Authorized to work with beginner players only
  • Provides a structured foundation before moving to higher instructor levels and advanced teaching environments

International Standards and Recognition

  • The IPTPA handbook was produced with foreign country government bodies in mind
  • Created to support instruction standards not only in the US, but in developing pickleball countries as well
  • New pickleball federations may partner with IPTPA to fulfill qualifications required for recognition and or funding

What to Bring and Prepare

  • Court shoes with non marking soles
  • Paddle and comfortable athletic clothing
  • Water and a positive learning mindset
  • Willingness to participate on court and practice ball feeding and communication

Next Steps

  • Select your preferred workshop location and complete registration
  • Attend the workshop and complete the required teaching demonstrations
  • Finalize membership dues and take the online written exam

About IPTPA

IPTPA is a not for profit organization comprised of players and teachers dedicated to elevating the standards of pickleball instruction worldwide. When an instructor meets IPTPA standards, they are awarded certification, helping ensure consistent, professional teaching across communities.