About Coach Linda

About Coach Linda

Author | JOOLA Sponsored Coach | PPR-Certified Pickleball Instructor | Competitive Player | U.S. Army Veteran

Hi, I'm Coach Linda, founder of The Pickleball Essentials and author of The Pickleball Essentials: Navigating the Game, the Courts, and the Culture.

I know how confusing pickleball can feel when you're new. Learning the rules is only the beginning. There's scoring, equipment, open play, court etiquette, finding partners, understanding the culture—and figuring out where you fit in.

That's why I created The Pickleball Essentials.

My goal is simple: help new players navigate pickleball with more knowledge, confidence, and enjoyment.

Some of the most useful things I've learned about pickleball didn't come from a certification—they came from actually playing, competing, coaching, traveling to tournaments, making mistakes, asking questions, and spending time in the pickleball community. Through The Pickleball Essentials, I share what I've learned to help make your journey a little easier.

Whether you're learning how to keep score, trying to understand open play, choosing your first paddle, figuring out court etiquette, or simply wondering “Am I ready to play with other people?”—you're in the right place.

Ready. Set. Play.

GET THE BOOK
Linda Conrad wearing a red top and smiling for a professional portrait

Coach Linda’s journey

My Story

Serving in the United States Army taught me discipline, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of never giving up. Those values continue to guide me both on and off the pickleball court.

What started as a new hobby quickly became a passion. Today, as a retiree looking for purpose, I enjoy competing, teaching, writing, and encouraging others to discover everything this amazing sport has to offer.

As I progressed in the game, I realized that beginners often struggle with the same questions: Where do I play? What paddle should I buy? What are the rules? How do I stay healthy and avoid injuries? How do I improve my game?

I created The Pickleball Essentials to answer those questions in one place and help make learning pickleball simple, enjoyable, and less overwhelming.

The journey so far

From Service to Pickleball

  1. U.S. Army

    Service taught Coach Linda discipline, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of never giving up.

  2. Retirement

    Retirement opened a new chapter and a search for meaningful ways to serve, teach, and encourage others.

  3. Discovering Pickleball

    What began as a new hobby quickly became a passion for competition, friendship, and community.

  4. Tournament Medals

    Coach Linda competed in local, regional, and national events and earned gold, silver, and bronze medals.

  5. Coaching

    Coach Linda became a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach focused on helping beginners build confidence.

  6. Author

    Coach Linda wrote The Pickleball Essentials: Navigating the Game, the Courts, and the Culture.

  7. JOOLA Sponsored Coach

    JOOLA sponsors Coach Linda as she teaches, competes, and supports pickleball players.

  8. Guinness World Record Applicant

    Coach Linda applied for Most Pickleball Dinks While Switching Hands in One Minute.

  9. YouTube Creator

    Coach Linda shares practical beginner education through The Pickleball Essentials YouTube channel.

Experience you can trust

Career Highlights

  • U.S. Army Veteran
  • PPR Certified Pickleball Coach
  • JOOLA Sponsored Coach
  • Author of The Pickleball Essentials: Navigating the Game, the Courts, and the Culture
  • PPA Tour Women’s Singles Gold Medalist (Age Division)
  • PPA Tour Women’s Doubles Bronze Medalist
  • National Veterans Golden Age Games – Women’s Doubles Gold Medalist
  • National Veterans Golden Age Games – Mixed Doubles Silver Medalist
  • Multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist in local, regional, and national pickleball tournaments
  • Guinness World Record Applicant – Most Pickleball Dinks While Switching Hands in One Minute

On and off the court

Photo Gallery

More of Coach Linda’s teaching, tournament, service, and community photos will be added as they become available.

Linda Conrad standing on a professional pickleball tournament podium
Coach Linda on the professional tournament podium
Pickleball players celebrating together with tournament medals
Celebrating tournament medals with fellow players
Photo coming soon
JOOLA sponsorship
Photo coming soon
Coach Linda holding her book
Linda Conrad coaching pickleball players
Coach Linda coaching players on the court
Photo coming soon
Guinness World Record attempt
Photo coming soon
Coach Linda’s Army service

Practical guidance

What You’ll Find Here

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to improve, these resources make the next step clearer.

Learn the Fundamentals

Build a clear foundation before stepping onto the court.

Start Here

Rules, Scoring & Etiquette

Understand how the game works and feel more prepared for open play.

Learn the Game

Stay Healthy

Find practical guidance for injury prevention, training, recovery, and wellness.

Stay Healthy

Find Your Community

Connect with a welcoming pickleball family that celebrates beginner progress.

Join the Community

A note from Coach Linda

My Promise

I believe pickleball is much more than a sport.

It’s an opportunity to improve your health, build lasting friendships, challenge yourself, and have fun at any age.

Whether you’re playing your very first game or working toward your next tournament, I hope you’ll find encouragement, trusted resources, and practical guidance here.

My goal is simple: Help you Play Safer. Longer. Stronger.

I look forward to being part of your pickleball journey.