Mission of the Pickleball for Juniors Academy

The fastest growing sport in America has landed at the new and expanding Junior Pickleball Academy located within the Rockin’ Protein Pickleball Center at Arizona Athletic Grounds.

The Pickleball for Juniors Academy has a clear mission: to provide training and support to junior players in order to equip them for competition with other juniors in pickleball. Pickleball is a healthy sports alternative that offers juniors the chance to compete in middle school, high school, and possibly college, as well as throughout their lives. We want the sport of pickleball to grow by offering more options such as training, clinics, and tournaments that are specifically geared to the junior player.

The Academy’s new JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM will prepare students to play the game of pickleball through the use of an innovative mix of skills, drills, and games that prove the best kind of learning happens while you’re having fun.

Whether students are just starting out or seeking to take their game to a competitive level, the Pickleball for Juniors Academy is all about getting students onto the courts and playing pickleball as quickly as possible. This quick shift from learner to player builds confidence and promotes a desire to keep learning and growing.

Speaking of helping students continue to improve, the Academy’s Practice and Play perks give players and their families exciting special privileges such as free court time as well as discounts on leagues, clinics, and lessons. These opportunities keep our players working on their game beyond the time spent in our classes. We want our students and their families playing as much pickleball as possible!

Coaching by touring pros and pros at a 5.0+ level, a tested and proven curriculum, access to the largest pickleball facility in Arizona, and a community passionate about junior pickleball – these are just a few reasons why the Pickleball for Juniors Academy is one of the best junior programs around!

The Academy's Three Junior Development Program Options:

Junior Development – One:
$149 per month | 12 sessions
Age 7-11 (*Younger players may be approved by coach)
1:8 coach to player ratio
Skills covered:
scoring, groundstrokes, serves and returns, volley, dinks, introductory play
Emphasis on the fundamentals of pickleball

Junior Development – Two:
$149 per month | 12 sessions
Age 12-18 (*Younger players may be approved by coach)
1:8 coach to player ratio
Skills covered:
dinking, groundstrokes, serves and returns, volleys, 3rd shot drops, 3rd shot drive, lobs, general tactics, singles, doubles round robins,
Emphasis on social and recreational play

Junior Development – Elite:
$225 per month | 6 Sessions | 15 hours of training
6th through 12th grade (*Younger players may be approved by coach)
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. / Tuesdays and Thursdays
1:4 coach to player ratio
Training by tournament pros at the 5.0+ competitive level
Skills covered:
Improvement of fundamentals (serves and returns, groundstrokes, drops, and dinks)
Performance training, with an emphasis on footwork, speed, and endurance
Tournament tactics
Mental coaching
Competition development (up-down ladder / challenge courts
Placement in Elite’s adult leagues, clinics, lessons for further development
Support in registering and playing in tournaments
*Player admission to the Elite Player’s Academy is based on coach recommendation, an on-court evaluation, a 2.5 minimum rating, and an approved application.

Academy Practice and Play Privileges:

All Pickleball for Juniors Academy students enjoy Practice and Play privileges at the Rockin’ Protein Pickleball Center. These include:

  • Free Junior Open Play on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Family members may play for free during the time that their students are participating in Junior Development or Elite Academy classes.
  • Academy JD students always play for $2 (drop-in fees).
  • Academy Elite students received a FREE Legacy Pickleball Family Membership.
  • Academy JD – Elite students receive 10% off Pickleball Store.
  • Multiple student/family discounts. 2 or more students/family receive an additional 10% off JD One & Two and 10% off JD Elite prices.

Academy Staff:

Sorin Gowa, Academy Director and Elite Academy Head Professional

Elite Academy Teaching Professionals:
Adam Cox & Sorin Gowa

Academy Coaches:
Laurie Johnson, Rush Hartzell, Grahm Glauser, & Lincoln Dale