Pickleball Coach in Boynton Beach, Florida at Young Mens Christian Association of South Palm Bea

Position Summary

The Pickleball Instructor is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading pickleball programs for youth and senior adults. This position focuses on developing athletic skills, promoting physical activity, encouraging social interaction, and creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for participants of all skill levels.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, patient, dependable, and passionate about helping individuals improve their skills while promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, and healthy living in alignment with the YMCA's mission and core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging pickleball lessons, clinics, drills, and recreational activities for youth and senior adults.
• Teach the fundamentals of pickleball, including rules, scoring, serving, court positioning, paddle control, and game strategy.
• Adapt instruction to accommodate different ages, abilities, fitness levels, and experiences.
• Create age-appropriate activities that promote skill development, coordination, confidence, and sportsmanship among youth participants.
• Provide senior adults with safe, enjoyable opportunities for physical activity, social connection, balance, coordination, and recreation.
• Foster a positive environment that emphasizes respect, inclusion, encouragement, and fair play.
• Monitor participants during activities and ensure proper use of equipment and facilities.
• Set up, inspect, and maintain pickleball equipment, nets, paddles, balls, and playing areas.
• Follow YMCA safety procedures, emergency protocols, and applicable youth protection policies.
• Communicate professionally with participants, parents, caregivers, volunteers, and YMCA staff.
• Track attendance, monitor participant progress, and provide feedback when appropriate.
• Assist with program registration, special events, tournaments, and recreational leagues as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming program environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the sports director or program director.

Qualifications

• Previous experience playing pickleball or participating in racquet sports preferred.
• Experience teaching, coaching, or leading recreational activities for youth and/or senior adults, preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with participants of varying ages, abilities, and skill levels.
• Patience, enthusiasm, reliability, and a commitment to providing excellent participant service.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications preferred or required by YMCA policy.
• Ability to complete required YMCA background screening and youth protection training.
• Ability to safely set up and handle program equipment and demonstrate basic pickleball skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around a pickleball court for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate basic pickleball techniques and participate in physical activities as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move program equipment, including nets and equipment bags.
• Ability to respond appropriately to participant needs and potential emergencies.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Work Schedule

• Part-time hours based on program needs and registration.
• Availability for weekday, evening, and/or weekend programming as scheduled.
• Hours may vary depending on youth clinics, senior recreation sessions, leagues, and special events.

YMCA Mission and Core Values

The pickleball instructor is expected to support the YMCA's mission by helping individuals reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body. The instructor will demonstrate the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while creating meaningful recreational experiences for youth and senior adults.

Success in this role is measured by participant engagement, skill development, program safety, positive feedback, and the ability to create an enjoyable and inclusive pickleball experience for all.