To have a clinic/lesson posted here send details to: clinics@vipa.ca
Coming soon:
Intermediate Pickleball - Kerry Park Recreation Centre
This intermediate program will build on the starter skills learned in our Learn to Play Pickleball lessons by offering more advanced instruction. Registration is also open to those who have not completed Learn to Play, but basic skills and game knowledge are required. Thursday | May 19 | 9:3O a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | 1/$16 | Code: 41011 Instructor Ken Holman Advanced Pickleball - Kerry Park Recreation Centre Designed for 3.5 and 4.0 rated players whose game has stalled and would like to move it to the next level. We will offer suggestions and drills to quickly improve your game and discuss winning doubles strategy. Time will be set aside to practice your new skills and strategy. Thursday | May 26 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | 1/$16 | Code: 41524 Instructor: Ken Holman Learn to Play Pickleball – Cowichan Community Centre
Pickleball is a fun combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis that continues to grow in popularity. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a light weight paddle and a plastic perforated ball. Pickleball is accessible to a wide range of players and accommodates participants at every fitness level. In this course you will learn the basic rules of the game arid the skills to take your game to the next level. Wednesday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. May 18 | $16 | Code 42356 Instructor: Ken Holman Intermediate Pickleball – Cowichan Community Centre Pickleball is a fun combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis that continues to grow in popularity. This intermediate program will build on the starter skills learned in our Learn to Play Pickleball lessons by offering more advanced instruction. Registration is also open to players who have not completed Learn to Play, but basic skill and game knowledge are required. Wednesday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. May 25 | $16 | Code: 42363 Instructor: Ken Holman Mental skills training can improve your game and help you reach the next level.
Join us via Zoom on Sunday June 5: 7- 9:30pm. Cost $43 Webinar topics include:
91% of past participants have rated this clinic as "excellent" ! Presenter: Denis Harrigan (M.Ed) Denis is a certified IPTPA and Pickleball Canada instructor and member of Pickleball Coaches International. He is also a sessional instructor in the Dept. of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria and has done some training with two Olympic team psychologists. You will receive a ZOOM link to the webinar when you register and again 2 days before the event. To register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-skills-training-for-pickleball-online-tickets-335008077177 For more information: https://www.dharriganassociates.com/mental-toughness-for-pickleball.html Group (Private) Lessons:
Can be scheduled for any available courts between Victoria and Campbell River. Maximum of 4 players per court and a minimum of 8 participants per lesson. Cost: $25.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic conducted within the Cowichan Valley. Cost: $30.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic outside the Cowichan Valley Instructor: Ken Holman (USA Pickleball 5.0 rated) More information here. |
Sponsors
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Completed:
Kerry Park Recreation - Mill Bay April 2022 With a total of 15, enthusiastic and receptive participants, from as far afield as Parksville & Victoria, a 2-hour Intermediate clinic was completed in the Kerry Park Arena. The clinic was conducted by Claudia McLean & Ken Holman. |
G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, Victoria - October 2021
A group of 8, enthusiastic and receptive participants (from Victoria & Nanaimo), completed a 2-hour Intermediate Clinic covering stroke technique and strategy. The clinic was conducted by Ken Holman & Claudia McLean. "Thanks to you both for the awesome clinic and for sharing your valued expertise with us. The feedback has been excellent, and we really appreciated having both of you providing real time feedback and coaching. We would definitely book another session!" A.T. Victoria |
Nanoose Bay - September 2020
Small groups of friends from the Nanoose Bay area participated in one-hour long clinics put on by Claudia McLean & Ken Holman. The court, taped by the group, is located on a basketball court behind the local school and is used by the group on a regular basis. Even some rain toward the end didn't dampen the spirit of this group of enthusiastic and receptive players. |
Cowichan Lake Pickleball Club - July 2020
At Cowichan Lake's wonderful 6-court facility, under sunny skies, Claudia McLean & Ken Holman put on one-hour clinics to each of five groups of four, enthusiastic and receptive, players from the club. Thank you to club member Gail Capnerhurst for organizing. |
"The clinic with Ken & Claudia was great. I learned many good tips and Ken presented them in such a straightforward way. They were both very helpful and positive in their guidance for this clinic."
"Thanks for bringing them to Sun Village."
"Very good, I wish I had learned this years ago when I first started playing. It would have changed my game. Everyone seemed very excited about what they were learning."
"I thought it was great. I wish I had that information at the beginning of my pickleball career."
"I think this was one of my top 2 for great things to take forward and it has already changed my play. Can't wait for the next clinic."
"Wow what a great PB clinic!! I learned so much and the instructors were just wonderful. Thank you so much for all your efforts in this successful educational experience!"
Ken and Claudia were superb.... The best of the best! Wish they were going to be around for some follow up lessons, but perhaps our club can plan some drill sessions to reinforce what we have learned."
"I thought the clinic was great! I came away with lots of new information which included three highlighted points to work on. I liked being able to practice and play while being critiqued."
"Ken was very informative and presented very professionally. He was positive and made it clear that any suggestions were for maximum success in the game."
"Thanks for bringing them to Sun Village."
"Very good, I wish I had learned this years ago when I first started playing. It would have changed my game. Everyone seemed very excited about what they were learning."
"I thought it was great. I wish I had that information at the beginning of my pickleball career."
"I think this was one of my top 2 for great things to take forward and it has already changed my play. Can't wait for the next clinic."
"Wow what a great PB clinic!! I learned so much and the instructors were just wonderful. Thank you so much for all your efforts in this successful educational experience!"
Ken and Claudia were superb.... The best of the best! Wish they were going to be around for some follow up lessons, but perhaps our club can plan some drill sessions to reinforce what we have learned."
"I thought the clinic was great! I came away with lots of new information which included three highlighted points to work on. I liked being able to practice and play while being critiqued."
"Ken was very informative and presented very professionally. He was positive and made it clear that any suggestions were for maximum success in the game."
Beginners Clinic - Fuller Lake Pickleball Courts
August 2019 Under beautiful sunny skies there were 7 participants, from Victoria to Nanaimo, who completed a 2-hour clinic on the newly resurfaced Fuller Lake pickleball courts on Sunday, August 25th. The instructors were Ken Holman & Claudia McLean. This was a great learning experience! Very good instruction and everyone had fun and learned the basics. G.T. |
Beginners Clinic - Salt Spring Island
July 2019 A 2-hour clinic was held on 6 pickleball courts at Portlock Park on Salt Spring Island on Wednesday, July 24th. There were 14 participants - the instructors Ken Holman & Claudia McLean.
Excellent instructor and smoothly organized clinic. E.B. He was a fabulous instructor. L.B. A really great beginners clinic ..... It was fun and really helpful. D.S. |
Beginners Clinic - May.2019 - Crofton
A beginner's clinic was completed on Sunday, May 5th., at the newly constructed dedicated courts in Crofton, for 8 local residents. The group was enthused and are making arrangements to meet on a regular basis to to continue playing. The 2-hour clinic was conducted by Ken Holman & national champion Claudia McLean. |
Referee's Clinic
May 2019 - Parksville Al Thomson, a USAPA Certified Referee and registered trainer, together with Ken Holman, conducted a 3-hour referee's clinic for 13 participants on Thursday, May 2nd., at the Oceanside Place Arena in Parksville. The clinic was sponsored by PICKLEBALLBC and the Vancouver Island Pickleball Association. |
Referee's Clinic - May 2018 Fuller Lake Pickleball Courts Al Thomson, a USAPA Certified Referee and registered trainer, conducted a 3-hour referee's clinic for 13 participants on Saturday, May 26th The clinic was sponsored by PICKLEBALLBC and the Vancouver Island Pickleball Association. |
Referee's Clinics - May 2018
Victoria Al Thomson (British Columbia's Referee-in-Chief) and Ken Holman put on two four-hour sold-out Referee's Clinics on Saturday, May 5th & Sunday, May 6th, under beautiful sunny skies, at McMinn Park in Saanich. "Al and Ken, Thank you both for the time and effort you put into this wonderfully delivered session. I found it very beneficial; providing me a thorough introduction to the mysterious arts of scoring and controlling a game of pickleball." R.A., Victoria "Thanks very much, Al and Ken. It was great today. I learned a lot and now need to practice!" T.M., Victoria |
Beginner & Intermediate Clinics - January 2018
Ajijic, Mexico Ken Holman, Sam Recinos (USAPA pickleball Ambassador for Puerto Vallarta) and Claudia McLean were invited to the enthusiastic pickleball community of Ajijic (on Lake Chapala) to put on a pickleball clinic. A total of four clinics were successfully completed over a 2 day period. The Ajijic Pickleball Club has a wonderful 6-court facility (see image) with another 6-court dedicated facility now under construction in the area. |
Intermediate Clinic - July 2017
SaltSpring Island For those members of the SaltSpring Island Pickleball Club that missed the earlier clinic in May a second clinic was completed, at Portlock Park, on Sunday, July 16th. This time under sunny skies - 7 members attended. The clinic was conducted by Ken Holman & Claudia McLean. "I have to take this opportunity to tell you how much it has helped me Ken - especially the paddle grip. Absolutely no elbow pain anymore and placing my fore finger on the paddle when dinking is a huge help. I also have to add, the ground shot, third shot and cross-court dink - your techniques all work! Thank you so much." S.S., SaltSpring Island |
Intermediate Clinic - May 2017 SaltSpring Island Twelve members of the SaltSpring Island Pickleball Club braved overcast skies at Portlock Park on Wednesday, May 31st to attend an Intermediate Clinic put on by Ken Holman & Claudia McLean. Although it rained during the final 15 minutes their spirits were not dampened! "Thanks again for coming to Saltspring to conduct one of your fabulous clinics. I got great feedback right away... in spite of the rain!" S.S., SaltSpring Island |
Intermediate & Advanced Clinics
April 2017 Organized by the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association, two clinics were put on at the Colquitz Middle School in Victoria, on April 29th - both were full with 24 participants in each. Instructors were Nancy Stern, Claudia McLean, Mike Bellis & Ken Holman. |
Intermediate & Advanced Clinics - March 2017
Ken Holman was invited on a road trip by Sam Recinos (USAPA Ambassador to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) to help put on clinics in La Cruz (February 24th) and Barra de Navidad (February 26th & 27th). La Cruz is a new club just getting started and have found themselves a great 3-court facility a few steps from the Marina. 18 players took the 2-hour clinic. At Barra de Navidad, thanks to their Canadian born USAPA Ambassador (David Marshall), there is a thriving club with a large enthusiastic group playing on 6 courts, utilizing a pair of underused tennis courts. According to Marshall they had almost 400 players using their facility over the winter months! There was over 50 participants in two 4-hour clinics spread over 2 days. |
Introduction to Pickleball - October 2016
Intermediate Clinic - June 12.2016
Intermediate Clinic - June 5.2016
At the Fuller Lake Pickleball Courts this successful 2-hour clinic was completed under hot and sunny conditions. There was a total of 10 participants, with players coming from Victoria, Duncan, Saltair, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Nanoose.
"Thanks so much for the lesson Ken. It was enjoyable and hopefully I can change a few bad habits with practice ++. I really appreciate you taking the time to show us the drills." S.H., Crofton |
"Thanks for such a fun, informative 2 hrs!"
P.A. Powell River |
"Our players really enjoyed the clinic and came away with greater knowledge of the game. Hope you will be able to come back for another clinic."
R.L. Powell River |
Intermediate Clinics - May 22.2016 At the Fuller Lake pickleball courts two 2-hour clinics were completed, given by Ken Holman. There was a limit of 8 participants in each clinic, both were full, with players coming from all over the south Island. ◄Click on image (courtesy Claudia McLean) to enlarge "Thank-you for the terrific lesson yesterday ... very informative, well delivered and we look forward to incorporating it into our games!" LB & GH, Victoria |
Referees Clinic - May 24.2015
There were 15 participants in an extremely successful Referees Clinic held at the Fuller Lake pickleball courts on Sunday, May 24th. The Island pickleball community now have 15 referees that are willing and eager to put their new-found skills to work. Thanks to Terry Esch, Claudia McLean and Ken Holman for putting on the clinic.
"Ken: Thank you for providing your expert knowledge and sage advice from your experience as a pickleball referee. I feel confident after the information you provided and in having the literature to follow-up upon the myriad of rules and regulations. As a participant I just wanted to let you know that your instruction was clear, concise with just the right amount of reading/listening material coupled with hands-on practice. Thank-you also to Terry and Claudia who assisted in making this ref clinic the success it was." L.B., Victoria "Thanks so much for a valuable referee clinic. I practiced today and now feel confident about doing it in a tournament" J.B., Victoria "Thank you for running such a great clinic; learned lots and the instructors were very patient & knowledgeable". N.B., Nanaimo |
Beginner Lessons - June 5.2016
There were a total of 11 participants in an "Introduction To Pickleball" clinic held at the Fuller Lake pickleball courts on Sunday June 5th. Thanks to Claudia McLean & Ken Holman for putting on this successful clinic.
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Instructor: Ken Holman resides in Chemainus during the summer months (May through October). During the winter months (November through April) he has been the Teaching Professional at a 16-court pickleball facility in Southern Arizona, put on clinics in the Phoenix area and has helped to conduct clinics in Mexico. Ken has been involved in racquet sports most of his life. He is a certified (Tennis Canada) tennis instructor and currently has a 1745 tournament rating from the U.S. Table Tennis Association. In pickleball Ken has a 5.256 (UTPR) tournament rating from USA Pickleball. |
Group (Private) Lessons:
Can be held on any available courts between Victoria and Campbell River, between May and October. Maximum of 4 players per court and a minimum of 8 participants per lesson. Cost: $25.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic conducted within the Cowichan Valley. Cost: $30.00 per person for a 2-hour clinic outside the Cowichan Valley Beginner Lessons: Participants will learn: ~how to grip the paddle ~how to hit ground strokes ~how to volley ~how to serve ~how to keep score ~the rules, and most importantly……….. ~how to have fun playing pickleball! Intermediate Lessons: designed for 3.0, 3.5 & 4.0 rated players whose game has stalled and would like to move it to the next level, and for those players who are hampered by arm or shoulder injuries as the result of poor stroke mechanics. The lesson reviews the fundamentals, offers suggestions to quickly improve your game, discusses strategy and the importance of the first 3 strokes of a point, how to execute those 3 strokes, and a look at the 'net game' including dinking. Advanced Clinic:
Advanced stroke technique together with winning doubles strategy. Get in sync with your partner. Work together with a system that is proven successful. The importance of the first three strokes of a point - how they define the outcome of the point. Who in the team is the 'put-away' player, who is the 'set-up' player? Should you target a weak player? What to do if they target you! Time will be set aside to practice your new doubles strategy and be encouraged to 'play percentage pickleball'. |
Private Lessons:
For players looking to enhance their skills or learn the basics, Ken will structure the lessons to fit your objectives. Focusing on such things as technique, stroke mechanics, court awareness, drills and strategy. Cost: Rates for a 1-hour lesson based on using courts located at Fuller Lake, Chemainus (+$10.00 for other courts within 40 km): Private lesson (one-on-one) – $40.00 Semi-private lesson (two people) – $50.00 Group lesson (three or more people) – $60.00 "I enjoyed your excellent lesson. Your expertise, clarity and patience in improving my forehand and backhand strokes and in returning lobs and overheads were much appreciated." B.W., Victoria "I played SO much better the next morning. I was getting lots of low balls over the net! Thanks so much for the help. Amazing what bending your knees will accomplish." M.S., Green Valley, AZ "Thank you so much for the clinic today. It was excellent for us - really helpful. Thanks for taking the time, for sharing your deep knowledge, and for your gentle ways. Much appreciated." J.P. & G.L., Osoyoos, BC & Green Valley, AZ "I have to take this opportunity to tell you how much it has helped me Ken - especially the paddle grip. Absolutely no elbow pain anymore and placing my fore finger on the paddle when dinking is a huge help. I also have to add, the ground shot, third shot and cross-court dink - your techniques all work! Thank you so much." S.S., SaltSpring Island |
"I went to play today for a couple hours. I was so worried that in attempting to follow through with what you had taught me, my game, as I knew it, was destroyed haha! I felt like I was doing everything you told me and my game was great. A couple people commented on it. I also naturally served in a much better way - it just kind of happened and felt right. I was so excited, I wanted to share my excitement with you!"
K.V. Nanaimo BC
"It was such a pleasure working with you last week. I got so much out of my lesson and have enjoying putting your words of instruction into my pickleball games this past week. That new grip is a game changer!"
N.K. Victoria BC
"I wanted to thank you for a wonderful lesson. I have learned so much."
B.G. Nanaimo BC
K.V. Nanaimo BC
"It was such a pleasure working with you last week. I got so much out of my lesson and have enjoying putting your words of instruction into my pickleball games this past week. That new grip is a game changer!"
N.K. Victoria BC
"I wanted to thank you for a wonderful lesson. I have learned so much."
B.G. Nanaimo BC
To schedule a lesson please contact Ken at kenholman@outlook.com