Expert Coaching.
Real Results
Every Level
EPC's certified coaches are here to make you a better pickleball player - with tiers of structured, purposeful coaching designed for every stage of the game.
All Levels
Beginner to Elite
3 Locations
of Premium Courts
Certified
EPC Instructors
Introduction to Pickleball
- Start Your Game
Curious About Pickleball?
Come discover what all the buzz is about in our Introduction to Pickleball Clinic—the perfect starting point for anyone brand new to the sport!
This fun, friendly 2-hour session is designed to teach you the fundamentals, give you confidence, and get you playing in no time. No experience? No problem. Our instructors are here to help every step of the way in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
What You’ll Learn: How the Game Works, How to Hit, Basic Positioning and Strategy.
Paddles are provided for the clinic (no need to bring your own). You bring your shoes and a positive attitude.
Meet Our
Coaching Team
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Karen Shapka
karen.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Karen
Karen started playing pickleball in early 2023 and began coaching just eight months later. Now an NCCP Level 2 certified coach, she continues to grow right alongside her students.
Her passion for the sport comes through in everything she does. Karen creates a supportive, confidence-building environment where students can learn the fundamentals, understand the game, and feel at home on the court from day one.
She is especially passionate about her Women's Programming, where she helps women develop smarter shot selection, stronger fundamentals, and greater trust in their game.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $80/hour
2on1: $95/hour
3on1: $110/hour
4on1: $125/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Kim Wismer
kim.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Kim
Kim specializes in helping emerging pickleball players build a strong foundation of fundamental skills and confidence on the court. As an NCCP Certified Coach, Kim takes a practical and patient approach to teaching, breaking skills down into simple, easy-to-understand techniques that players can apply directly to their game.
Kim believes everyone can learn to play pickleball, and loves helping players develop the skills, confidence, and understanding they need to enjoy the game and keep improving.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $75/hour
2on1: $90/hour
3on1: $105/hour
4on1: $120/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Jeff Holm
jeff.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Jeff
NCCP Level 1 & 2 certified coach and multi-category tournament medalist. Jeff blends a lifelong passion for learning with competitive experience to mentor players and help them elevate their on-court performance.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
hIGH-LEVEL COACH
John Huk
john.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know John
Edmonton local, tournament competitor, and 4.5+ player with 18 years as a Strathcona County firefighter. John brings a mentorship-driven, community-focused approach to coaching players of all ages and skill levels.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
RATINGS SPECIALIST
Cam Comeau
cameron.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Cam
High-level competitor known for his calm court presence and tactical shot-making. Cam focuses on establishing rock-solid fundamentals, strategic awareness, and building player confidence across every skill tier.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Lester Lim
lester.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Lester
Playing since 2021, Lester is an NCCP Level 1 & 2 certified instructor and accredited referee. His coaching focuses on sharing his passion for the sport while building solid fundamentals, court confidence, and a positive environment for all skill levels.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
PICKLEBALL COACH
Tyson Tsen
tyson.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Tyson
Competitive 4.5+ player with 10+ years of badminton experience and 3+ years of coaching. Tyson brings an analytical, technical eye to instruction, delivering clear adjustments that quickly elevate player mechanics and strategy.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Jill Bjornson
jill.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Jill
Active 4.5+ tournament competitor and proud Filipino. Jill focuses on helping players refine solid stroke technique, execute smarter tactical strategy, and develop the mental game and confidence needed to compete at their best.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Ken Dentzien
ken.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Ken
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Ernesto Palomino
ernesto.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Ernesto
Originally from Colombia with a competitive tennis background, Ernesto brings a genuine love of sports to pickleball instruction. His gentle, encouraging style helps players build confidence, refine technique, and enjoy every moment on court.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
NCCP CERTIFIED COACH
Keith Bienert
keith.thecenters@gmail.com
Get To Know Keith
Active tournament player and certified instructor with 19 years of racquet sports coaching experience. Keith is an enthusiastic, patient coach dedicated to helping players improve their technique, strategy, consistency, and confidence while having fun on court.
Private Lesson Rates
1on1: $70/hour
2on1: $85/hour
3on1: $100/hour
4on1: $115/hour
Meet Our
Pickleball Director
Ewan Fagan
From building Pickleball clubs in England to running youth programs in New York, Ewan has followed his passion for Pickleball around the world. He focuses on cultivating structured learning paths for all skill levels, and establishing an elite instruction squad to grow your game.
ewan@thecenters.ca
Pickleball Lessons
- Grow Your Game
“Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”
Why Coaching Matters
At The Center’s, our programs are designed for fun, but our Coaching is designed for growth.
Our approach focuses on deliberate practice—breaking the game down into small, manageable mechanics and rebuilding them into high-performance habits. Whether it’s correcting a grip issue or mastering the transition zone, our coaches provide the diagnostic eyes you need to see what you can’t.
- Measurable improvement in win rates and skill ratings.
- Reduction in injury risk through proper mechanical form.
- Clarity on strategy that simplifies complex game situations.
Progression Clinics
- Upgrade Your Game
(Intermediate and Advanced Players)
Our progression clinics are for players who want to test themselves and step up their competitiveness, and focus on technical consistency and court awareness.
2.5 > 3.0
Beginner
This 4-week clinic is designed for 2.5 players looking to grow into confident, consistent 3.0 competitors.
Each week focuses on key skills to build a strong, well-rounded foundation.
Key Areas Practiced: Dinking, Volley, Paddle Control, 3rd Shot Drop, Serves and Returns.
3.0 > 3.5
Beginner - Intermediate
This 4-week clinic is designed for 3.0 players looking to grow into confident, consistent 3.5 competitors.
Each week focuses on key skills to build a strong, well-rounded foundation.
Key Areas Practiced: 3rd Shot Drop & Transition, Serves and Returns, Dinking, Volleys & Paddle Control, 3rd Shot Drive and Smart Offense
3.5 > 4.0
Intermediate
This 4-week clinic is designed for 3.5 players looking to grow into confident, consistent 4.0 competitors.
Each week focuses on advancing your game from one level to the next
Key Areas Practiced: Transition Zone / Resetting, Counter / Roll Volleys, Offensive / Defensive dinking patterns, and Shot Selection and In-Game Mentals.
4.0 > 4.5
Intermediate - Advanced
This 4-week clinic is designed for 4.0 players looking to grow into confident, consistent 4.5 competitors.
Each week focuses on refining shot selection and decision-making in competitive situations.
Key Areas Practiced: Roll Volley, Transitions and Dinking Patterns
Single-Day Clinics
Improve Your Game Quick
Our single-day clinics were designed to improve your skill set in a short amount of time. These clinics are for players who want to improve and challenge themselves.
2.5 > 3.0 Beginner
3.0 > 3.5 Beginner - Intermediate
3.5 > 4.0 Intermediate
4.0 > 4.5 Intermediate - Advanced
Rating Clinics
Our Rating Clinics offer the challenge of proving your skill to move up to the next level. Book a clinic and showcase your skill to one of our coaches
3.0
Test your skill level. Applicants who meet the required standards will earn an official club rating.
At the end of the session, all participants—whether successful or not—will receive constructive feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
3.5
Test your skill level. Applicants who meet the required standards will earn an official club rating.
At the end of the session, all participants—whether successful or not—will receive constructive feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
4.0
Test your skill level. Applicants who meet the required standards will earn an official club rating.
At the end of the session, all participants—whether successful or not—will receive constructive feedback highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
For any coach inquiries, email ewan@thecenters.ca
Coached Play
A fast path to improvement. In an 8-on-1 environment, our coaches can provide analysis on strategy, shot mechanics and other areas to improve your Pickleball game. Book now across all rating levels!
Coached Play
Our expert coaches provide personalized feedback and strategic advice tailored to your needs
Video Review
See Your Game Like Never Before! Our Video Review service offers a unique opportunity to analyze your gameplay from a whole new perspective. By recording and reviewing your matches, we can identify strengths and areas for improvement, offering insights that are often missed in real-time play.
Coaching FAQs
What should I bring to my first lesson?
Please bring court shoes (non-marking), water, and comfortable athletic wear. If you don’t have a paddle, we provide premium rental paddles.
Can I book a private lesson for my own group of four?
Absolutely! This is called a Private Group Session. Contact our coaches for pricing and scheduling.
What is the cancellation policy?
For Clinics, all cancellations are done through the clinic location’s front desk staff, and must be done 7 days in advance.
For private lessons, all cancellations are done through the instructor directly and require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
Late cancellations are responsible to pay the full fee.
Can I choose my specific coach?
Yes, you can request specific coaches for private lessons through contacting them directly.
Do you coach tournament strategy?
All of our instructors would love to work with you and your partner to discuss tournament-style play, including scoring psychology, team strategy, and defensive/offensive strategies.
What locations are coaching available at?
Currently, we offer coaching at all of our Edmonton locations!