Will Tams

Coaching and Pickleball Tours

About Will Tams

I am a PPR (US) and DUPR / RPPk (International) certified Pickleball Coach and have been coaching various sports since 2002. Of all the sports I’ve ever coached or played, Pickleball is the most fascinating. On one hand it’s like a subtle game of three dimensional chess where you are trying to create certain advantageous geometries on the court. On the other, it’s an often high-paced and intense physical sport where the smaller size of the court accelerates the action. I absolutely love helping other players to find and unlock their hidden potential and the pickleball court provides an unmatchable laboratory to do that.

A bit on my background

I’ve been playing Pickleball for about six years, participating in tournaments nationwide, including the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Pickleball Nationals. In 2023, I secured gold in mixed doubles and singles in Mesa, Arizona, earning Golden tickets to Nationals. At Nationals in Nov 2023, I finished 6th out of 40 teams in Men’s doubles and 7th in singles. But beyond medals and finishes, my true passion lies in coaching and helping others improve. Pickleball, to me, is an exploration of learning and potential, where the court becomes a space for experimentation and self-expression within the sport’s boundaries.

Most of all, I absolutely love this game and my student’s say that my enthusiasm is contagious and helps energize them to succeed in their journey.

Coaching Approach

My teaching program, Road to 4.0, mirrors the path my men’s doubles partner, Chuck Temple and I took to surpass a 4.0 rating. Each clinic focuses on key skills and concepts essential for reaching this level. Through a series of strategic drills, games, and one-on-one focus, I strive to help simplify the different facets of the game for my students to help them accelerate their learning.

Central to my approach is harnessing the joy of Pickleball itself, with drills gamified for added fun. Through longer rallies and increased touches, players enter a “virtuous cycle” of skill development where they improve by playing more; and as they improve the game becomes even more fun, which drives them back out onto the court for more. Above all, my passion lies in helping others unlock their potential and enjoy the journey of improvement within the game of Pickleball.

A bit on my background

I’ve been playing Pickleball for over five years, participating in tournaments nationwide, including the 2022 and 2023 Pickleball Nationals. In 2023, I secured gold in mixed doubles and singles in Mesa, Arizona, earning Golden tickets to Nationals where I finished 6th out of 40 teams in Men’s doubles and 7th in singles. But beyond medals and finishes, my true passion lies in coaching and helping others improve. Pickleball, to me, is an exploration of learning and potential, where the court becomes a laboratory for experimentation and self-expression within the sport’s boundaries.

Most of all, I absolutely love this game and my student’s say that my enthusiasm is contagious and helps energize them to succeed in their journey.

Testimonials

“I personally never thought I could do what I am able to do now after every session with you. It is wild! I have never seen myself as the athletic type... but slowly I am discovering I am capable of holding my own space on the court and I play more intentionally. I believed in YOU as a coach, and now I know you ROCK as a coach!"

Your passion for coaching pickleball is so contagious and positive to watch.

“(Ever since our first lesson together,) random people come to me to tell me how much better I’ve gotten….and more importantly, I’m having even more fun! On Saturday someone told me she could not believe I was the same person. She thought maybe I was a body snatcher!”

"Thank you for the coaching and positive feedback. Your encouragement blended with the principals and foundation of the game is a great recipe....I'm super happy to say we played today and we implemented your coaching concepts. We all had a really a good time. Not as much slamming and driving like we usually do. Some very exciting games. "

"Will and Chuck’s Road to 4.0 has been instrumental in advancing my pickleball skills and success....The classes have laid the foundation for my current focus and future progression. Both Will and Chuck are excellent coaches and know how to drill down to the basics of what is important for each set of skills, how these skills integrate into the larger picture, while keeping the class fun and engaging."

"I took a recent clinic with Will. During this session he gave in-depth training on how to improve the 3rd shot drop/drive, positioning after the return, dink drills, and paddle position. Within a week I am seeing a positive impact on my game..."

I just did the court positioning and shot selection clinic and I thought it was both fun and valuable! Will struck a nice balance between talking through / demonstrating concepts and allowing us to practice them for ourselves.