Best Pickleball Coaches in Fort Collins, CO

Finding the right pickleball coach can transform your game. Whether you're learning to hold a paddle for the first time or refining your third-shot drop for tournament play, Fort Collins offers a solid lineup of instructors who can meet you where you are.

This guide highlights five hand-picked coaches with verifiable credentials, clear contact methods, and a strong local presence. You'll also find two clubs that offer group clinics and structured programs. Every recommendation is backed by certification, community involvement, or pro-level experience—no guesswork required.

Why This List (and How We Chose)

We prioritized coaches who are easy to reach, actively teaching in Fort Collins, and have credentials you can verify. That means certification through organizations like Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), USA Pickleball Ambassador status, or documented pro experience. We also looked for transparent pricing, public reviews, and a track record of working with players at multiple skill levels.

If a coach is listed here, they've earned it through consistent community engagement, media features, or club leadership roles. This is a curated resource.

Quick Picks

Coach Spotlights

Peter Wang (Fort Collins)

Peter works with players from beginner to advanced competitive levels. His TeachMe.To profile shows clear pricing, available time slots, and more than 30 public reviews with a 5.0 rating. He's background-checked and regularly teaches at local public courts like Twin Silo Park and Overland Park.

Sessions are available as private or semi-private lessons, and you can book directly through his TeachMe.To profile or reach him at peterpuwang@gmail.com. His teaching style emphasizes fundamentals and strategy, making him a strong choice for players who want consistent, measurable improvement.

Jay Readinger (Fort Collins)

Jay has been teaching and organizing pickleball in Fort Collins for years. He's known for his patient approach and ability to break down technique into manageable steps. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or working on consistency at 3.5+, Jay tailors his sessions to your goals.

You can reach him directly at (207) 557-0456 or jayreadinger@gmail.com. He typically teaches at various local courts and can help you connect with leagues and open play groups.

MaryLou Gallup (Fort Collins)

MaryLou is a USA Pickleball ambassador for Northern Colorado and has been a fixture in the local pickleball community for years. She's especially effective with beginners, returning players, and seniors who want a supportive, clinic-style environment.

Her teaching focuses on building confidence and understanding the flow of the game. You can reach her at (970) 825-2178 or gallupml@gmail.com.

Russ Cowart (Fort Collins)

As president of the Fort Collins Pickleball Club, Russ is deeply connected to the local scene. He's been featured in local media discussing facility development and growth of the sport in Northern Colorado. His coaching goes beyond technique—he can help you plug into leagues, ladders, and club events.

If you're looking for a coach who understands the community side of pickleball as well as the technical side, Russ is a great fit. Contact him at russ.cowart@gmail.com.

Eli Steiner (Fort Collins / NoCo)

Eli is the Pro in Residence at Zero Zero Two, Fort Collins' premium indoor pickleball facility. He works primarily with intermediate to advanced players and performance-minded beginners who are serious about progression. His coaching style is detail-oriented and focused on competitive play.

You can learn more and book lessons through his website or reach out via Instagram at @elisteiner.pb. His sessions are held at Zero Zero Two, which offers a climate-controlled environment and high-quality courts.

Where to Book Lessons in Fort Collins

Most coaches listed here can be contacted directly. Peter Wang offers instant booking through his TeachMe.To profile, which also includes visible pricing and availability. Jay, MaryLou, and Russ prefer direct phone or email contact, and Eli handles bookings through his website or Instagram.

If you want to browse multiple coaches at once, platforms like TeachMe.To and Global Pickleball Network list instructors by location and skill level. You can filter by price, reviews, and availability to find someone who fits your schedule and budget.

Club & Facility Options for Clinics

Zero Zero Two (ZZT) is located at 4401 Innovation Dr in Fort Collins. The facility opened in 2025 and offers coaching, classes, and leagues. It's home to Eli Steiner and provides a premium indoor experience with climate-controlled courts. Check their website for class schedules and membership options.

The Picklr – Fort Collins is at 1841 Jessup Dr #100 and features 10 indoor courts. The grand opening is set for November 22, 2025. The facility will offer leagues, clinics, and coaching. For questions or to get on their contact list, email fortcollins.co@thepicklrfranchise.com.

What to Expect to Pay (Local Snapshot)

Private lesson rates in Fort Collins typically range from $50 to $100+ per hour, depending on the coach's experience, certification level, and whether you're booking indoors or outdoors. Group clinics generally cost less per person and are a good entry point if you're new to coaching.

Factors that affect pricing include:

• Coach credentials (PPR certification, pro experience, DUPR ranking)

• Court rental fees (indoor facilities usually cost more)

• Session length and format (private, semi-private, or group)

• Time of year (outdoor lessons may be weather-dependent)

You can view exact rates on platforms like TeachMe.To, where many coaches list their pricing upfront.

How to Choose the Right Coach (Fort Collins Specifics)

Start by identifying your goal. Are you working on serve consistency? Dink placement? Tournament prep? Different coaches specialize in different areas, so match your needs to their strengths.

Ask about certification. Coaches certified through PPR or PCI have completed structured training programs. If you're tracking your progress with DUPR, ask if your coach is familiar with the system. Video feedback is another useful tool—some coaches record your sessions and break down technique frame by frame.

Location matters, too. If you prefer outdoor play, coaches who teach at Twin Silo Park or Overland Park are ideal. If you want year-round consistency or dislike weather interruptions, look for instructors who work at Zero Zero Two or The Picklr. Ask about backup plans for rain or extreme heat.

FAQs

Do I need to bring balls or a paddle?
Most coaches provide balls. If you don't own a paddle yet, ask your coach—they may have a demo paddle you can borrow while you figure out what works for you.

How many lessons does it take to see progress?
Most players notice improvement within three to five sessions, especially if they practice between lessons. Consistency matters more than volume.

Private or group clinics in Fort Collins?
Private lessons offer personalized feedback and faster skill development. Group clinics are more affordable and great for meeting other players. If you're brand new, a few private sessions can give you the foundation you need before joining a clinic.

Where are the easiest public courts to meet a coach?
Twin Silo Park and Overland Park are popular spots for lessons. Both have multiple courts, good lighting, and easy parking. Many coaches default to these locations unless you request otherwise.

Sources & How We Verified

All coaches listed here have been verified through directory listings, club announcements, media features, or direct contact. We cross-checked credentials with USA Pickleball, TeachMe.To profiles, and local news coverage. Facility information was confirmed through official club websites and public announcements.