Rich Hughes
Pickleball Coach in Greater St. Louis Area, MO
Strategy Don't Mean A Thing, If You Ain't Got That Swing!
As a former USPTA teaching professional, I bring proven coaching performance to the wild west world of pickleball instruction. Most players think the secret to getting to the next level, or improving their DUPR is a new strategy: “Respect The X”, “The Triangle Offense”, “Dink To Your Opponent’s Inside Foot”. The Truth? Strategy Don’t Mean A Thing, If You Ain’t Got That Swing! Sure, the right court positioning is important, but…proper mechanics are the engine of your game. I’ll help you build a technically sound game and improve your reaction time with repeatable stroke and volley checkpoints that will keep you getting better even between our sessions. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to add a 3rd shot DRIP or backhand flick to your arsenal, I’ll guide your improvement every step of the way. The session pace is always comfortable, encouraging, and challenging. As a senior player, I understand the unique considerations that come with starting or improving later in life, though I genuinely enjoy working with players of every age and skill level. When you book with me, you can count on plenty of balls, paddles (if needed), and a reserved space where we can focus entirely on your improvement without distractions. I teach indoors at Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, or Missouri Pickleball Club—Ellisville. Outdoors at Dwight Davis Tennis Center in beautiful Forest Park. I enjoy group lessons, so book with one, two, or three friends and lower the price per student cost. I will teach at other locations if a court can be reserved and the student handles making the reservation.
5.0
44 reviews
55+
Lessons taught
5
Years experience
3
Locations
The Best Lesson On Strokes You've Ever Had...Or It's Free.
As a former USPTA teaching professional, I bring proven coaching performance to the wild west world of pickleball instruction. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to add a 3rd shot DRIP or backhand flick to your arsenal, I’ll guide your improvement every step of the way. I specialize in meeting each player exactly where they are, and improve or build solid fundamentals through unique stroke mechanic check points. The session pace is always comfortable, encouraging, and challenging. As a senior player, I understand the unique considerations that come with starting or improving later in life, though I genuinely enjoy working with players of every age and skill level. When you book with me, you can count on plenty of balls, paddles (if needed), and a reserved space where we can focus entirely on your improvement without distractions. I teach indoors at Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, or Missouri Pickleball Club—Ellisville. Outdoors at Dwight Davis Tennis Center inside beautiful Forest Park. I enjoy group lessons, so book with one, two, or three friends and lower the price per student cost.
See Rich Hughes in Action
Private Lessons
Choose a lesson package that works for you. Every session is personalized to your skill level and goals.
Four Session Package
Four one-hour sessions to build repeatable stroke and volley checkpoints that keep you improving between lessons. Reserved court and court cost included.
$180 total
Two Session Package
Two one-hour sessions on your stroke mechanics, paid upfront. Reserved court, plenty of balls, paddles if needed, court cost included.
$100 total
One Hour Session
A focused hour on your stroke mechanics. Reserved court and plenty of balls — you'll hit hundreds in a session. Paddles provided if you need one, court cost included.
“I felt the lesson with Rich was quite good, especially since he has better plan than I can think of myself. The best teaching skills he demonstrated really helped me understand some key aspects of pickleball. Though I still need to practice more, I left feeling more confident about my game and look forward to improving further. If you're considering a lesson, I’d say give Rich a try to see what he can help you with.”
Tejaswini Y.
What Students Say
Songie A.
10 lessons
Nice progress from the lesson, and I appreciate the precise feedback. Thanks for accommodating my SwingVision. Forehand work is coming along.
Karen H.
5 lessons
The lesson with Rich was quite helpful, especially with small changes like how to hold the racket, ball while serving and following thru, which actually made a noticeable difference. Still looking forward to continued improvement in my forehand and backhand, but the guidance was pretty clear and practical. If you're into refining your pickleball skills, Rich’s instruction is definitely worth a try.
Kenneth B.
5 lessons
Rich is such a great and fun guy to work with! He shows exactly the techniques he wants you to use and absolutely jam-packs the entire session with practice. He will stop you as he notices your form starting to slip and instruct you before you continue in order to keep practices effective. He truly is a coach in all aspects!
Jeff K.
1 lesson
1. Rich was friendly and comfortable to be with. 2. He is skilled and has a great teaching style. 3. He had a plan for our lesson time and made use of every minute. 4. Rich gave us excellent tips that we will take with us and keep/expand on in the upcoming months. 5. We really appreciated our lesson!
Donna W.
Beginner student
“That lesson kicked off with a clear focus on building foundational skills, and I left encouraged by Rich’s steady guidance, nice push, practical tips, and a sense of progress, hmm, I’m looking forward to testing these in open play.”
Elena A.
Beginner student
“Rich was very good at communicating before the lesson and in the lead up. The lesson was good and tailored to me and what I wanted to work on. Rich seems very knowledgeable and his teaching style is very warm and encouraging.”
Ready to Start?
Rich is available throughout the week for lessons. Pick a time that works for your schedule.
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Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your lesson.