Coaches Corner – April 2022

Each month we will feature a bio and a teaching info from each of our coaches in the Vancouver area.

This month we are featuring . . .

Diane’s 10 Tips For Beginners

Diane Dol

I must admit, after being a competitive tennis player for most of my life I was skeptical when I first heard of Pickleball. What’s with the name?  A whiffle ball? Really?  I am a complete convert, my tennis racquet now serves as a reminder of satisfying memories but has not seen the light of day over the last two years.  After plenty of drop-in games at Queen Elizabeth Park and lots of lessons, clinics, drill sessions and tournaments, I was ready to help others learn what has become my favorite court sport.

I am now certified by Pickleball Canada to coach and I am looking to share this social and accessible game with anyone looking to add some fun and exercise to their lives.  You will find that I am approachable and able to adapt my coaching to the skill set with which you arrive.  Whether you have never held a padle or come to pickleball with experience, I will have you smiling and playing in no time.  Don’t be afraid to sign up with your significant other, I have 25 years of experience as a divorce mediator and will be able to coach you through any on-court discord 🙂 . My hours of coaching are geared to those with a flexible schedule or those that are retired.  I work M-F from 8am-3pm with groups of 2, 3 or 4 and offer single lessons as well.   

If you don’t own a paddle yet, no worries.  I am an ambassador for Aniviia Paddles http://www.aniviia.com . I have plenty of paddles available for demo use or purchase.

TESTIMONIALS

Diane is a thorough and thoughtful teacher with a wicked fun sense of humour.  She brings her lightness, skills and genuine love of the game to the pickleball court.  She is creating a convert out of me a few years earlier than I anticipated. I thought I would be saying goodbye to my other sports before pickleball became a part of my life.  How wrong I was ~ pickleball is a great workout, has me thinking strategically, and is the right mix of fun and friendly competition.   By Raine ForbesDiane is the perfect combination of a skilled player and great coach. She intuitively knows how to get you to become a better player. She is tactful in her coaching, has a great sense of humor and you’ll have a lot of fun improving your game with her. Highly recommend! By Holly Keon


It was my first lesson and feeling nervous, apprehensive and quite awkward.  I think I lucked out with Diane, she was patient and gentle with her approach.   Diane was very informative with direction and technique and I found all the drills helpful.   I walked away loving the game and can’t wait for my next lesson.  Thank You!  by Katherine L’Heureux


I met Diane years ago and when I heard she was an instructor I reached out immediately. I knew not only that I’d be taught very well, but that I’d also have a fun time. Diane is a professional and made me feel completely at ease learning a game that was totally brand new to me. She broke things down in a manageable way and challenged me throughout the lessons. She also modified a lesson if I was struggling with a skill or drill. I called Diane because I knew I’d have fun learning a game she quite clearly loves. She just wants to share her love of the game and it shows.  By Marnie  Quarry


I started playing pickleball last year and I love the game! I’m quite competitive although I don’t always win (or win at alI..lol) I thought I better take some lessons to learn the basic and techniques of Pickleball.  With Diane’s coaching my overall play has improved and gave me more confidence. My ground- stroke technique has improved. I’ve learned the value of good foot work and positioning on the court really helped my game!Diane is fun, friendly and patient, her professionalism is top notch!I recommend you try a lesson or two and you’ll start loving the game of PB and finally win a few games!!!  Cheers Connie