News
Latest updates from our club
8 March 2026
Pro Coaching with Sam Basford
On Sunday, 8th March, the local pickleball community witnessed a transformative day of sport as Sam Basford, one of the most influential figures in European pickleball, hosted an exclusive, day-long pro coaching session.
Sixteen promising players gathered for the intensive workshop, designed to bridge the gap between "good" and "elite." Under Sam’s expert guidance, the atmosphere was one of high energy, razor-sharp focus, and a shared passion for the fastest-growing sport in the world.
A Pedigree of Excellence
Bringing a coach of Sam Basford’s calibre to the courts is no small feat. Known as a true pioneer of the game in the UK, Sam’s credentials read like a "who’s who" of pickleball achievement:
Master Teaching Professional: Sam was the first person in the UK to achieve the prestigious IPTPA Master Teaching Professional status, the highest level of coaching certification globally.
Curriculum Architect: He co-authored the official Pickleball England Club Instructor curriculum, literally writing the book on how the sport is taught across the country.
The "Youngest" Trailblazer: From being the youngest ever Tournament Director for the English Open to becoming the youngest coach in the World Pickleball League (WPBL), Sam has consistently shattered age barriers in the sport.
Founder of SB Pickleball: As the mind behind the UK’s first dedicated pickleball company, Sam has spent years traveling the globe, from local community centres to international "Pickleball Escapes," refining the skills of thousands.
From Good to Great
The Sunday session focused on more than just the basics. Basford pushed the 16 participants through a rigorous schedule of high-level drilling, tactical court positioning, and the "mental chess" required to dominate at a professional level.
The impact was immediate. By the afternoon sessions, the rallies were longer, the "kitchen" play was more disciplined, and the smiles on the faces of the exhausted players told the story of a day well spent.
Sam said:
“I was so proud of the players for their efforts and openness to learning new things and implementing them from the get go. 6 hours of intense pickleball drills, gameplay and discussion is not easy but it was so great to see the growth not only in the players’ games but their understanding of the sport itself.”
A Bright Future
The success of Sunday’s clinic underscores the booming popularity of the sport and the hunger for high-quality instruction. For the 16 players involved, the day wasn't just a lesson; it was an inspiration. With a Master Professional like Sam Basford leading the charge, the future of the local game has never looked brighter.
Sixteen promising players gathered for the intensive workshop, designed to bridge the gap between "good" and "elite." Under Sam’s expert guidance, the atmosphere was one of high energy, razor-sharp focus, and a shared passion for the fastest-growing sport in the world.
A Pedigree of Excellence
Bringing a coach of Sam Basford’s calibre to the courts is no small feat. Known as a true pioneer of the game in the UK, Sam’s credentials read like a "who’s who" of pickleball achievement:
Master Teaching Professional: Sam was the first person in the UK to achieve the prestigious IPTPA Master Teaching Professional status, the highest level of coaching certification globally.
Curriculum Architect: He co-authored the official Pickleball England Club Instructor curriculum, literally writing the book on how the sport is taught across the country.
The "Youngest" Trailblazer: From being the youngest ever Tournament Director for the English Open to becoming the youngest coach in the World Pickleball League (WPBL), Sam has consistently shattered age barriers in the sport.
Founder of SB Pickleball: As the mind behind the UK’s first dedicated pickleball company, Sam has spent years traveling the globe, from local community centres to international "Pickleball Escapes," refining the skills of thousands.
From Good to Great
The Sunday session focused on more than just the basics. Basford pushed the 16 participants through a rigorous schedule of high-level drilling, tactical court positioning, and the "mental chess" required to dominate at a professional level.
The impact was immediate. By the afternoon sessions, the rallies were longer, the "kitchen" play was more disciplined, and the smiles on the faces of the exhausted players told the story of a day well spent.
Sam said:
“I was so proud of the players for their efforts and openness to learning new things and implementing them from the get go. 6 hours of intense pickleball drills, gameplay and discussion is not easy but it was so great to see the growth not only in the players’ games but their understanding of the sport itself.”
A Bright Future
The success of Sunday’s clinic underscores the booming popularity of the sport and the hunger for high-quality instruction. For the 16 players involved, the day wasn't just a lesson; it was an inspiration. With a Master Professional like Sam Basford leading the charge, the future of the local game has never looked brighter.
Have News to Share?
Got a story about your pickleball achievements or want to contribute to our club news? We'd love to hear from you!
Get in Touch