The Professional
COACHING of PICKLEBALL
About Doug Dvorak Certified Pickleball Coach and Instructor
Doug Dvorak loves playing pickleball, and his passion for the game comes from a series of life challenges he says he overcame by taking up the popular sport.
Doug has earned success and notoriety as a motivational speaker and leadership trainer, presenting to more than one million people in more than 140 countries on 5 continents over three decades. “It’s such a high honor and privilege to have organizations call on me to help,” he says. “As it’s said, find something you like to do and do it for the rest of your life and it won’t seem like work.”
That’s true, but the rigors of travel took its toll a few years ago. Although he had a great career and a supportive wife, being on the road and alone in a hotel up to 44 weeks a year left him lonely. “I had some predispositions to alcoholism and drugs, and then my dad died a violent death followed by a cancer diagnosis. Those three factors forced me to really look at my life, my behavior, and my attitudes. The only way out was through.”
The man who had helped thousands of others had work to do on himself, and he found an unexpected ally to help reshape his life – pickleball. “Albeit it was the worst period of my life, in retrospect those were the greatest gifts besides losing my Dad,” he says. “I unpacked all areas of my life and kept what was adding value, joy, happiness, and health. Pickleball was just a natural way to fill the void from the unhealthy habits.”
Doug is clean and sober now, and three surgeries have kept his squamous cell carcinoma at bay. “I am still ultra-vigilant about it. People call me The Mummy when I play because I wear gloves, a hat and wear long sleeves and leggings for protection.”
Seven years ago, He attended a pickleball clinic in Boise conducted by famed walker and motivational speaker Robert Sweetgall and realized he had gone to one of his seminars years before. “We laughed that we found each other after 12 years. Robert brought me into the game.”
Doug enjoys playing with all ages but discovered a new world when he qualified at the Idaho Senior Games and then competed in this year’s National Senior Games. He played 60-64 doubles with his regular partner Ken Kester. Doug and Ken also qualified and competed in The Huntsman World Senior Games, culminating in a bronze and gold medal in men’s doubles and earning a world title.
“The State, National and World Senior Games experience is so different from the typical pickleball tournament. The sense of community, of sharing and belonging among an all-senior group is powerful,” he observes. “I’ve been able to build friendships that extend outside of the sport that allow me to share and talk about life issues. That’s what I get out of Pickleball and Senior Games.”
As a reward for his makeover, Doug decided to treat himself to a unique experience. “In January of 2024 I’ll be going into space with a company called World View Ventures,” he says. “It’s not a rocket, it’s a balloon with a pressurized cabin that goes up 100,000 feet. Two hours up, four hours enjoying watching the curvature of the Earth, and then back down. I’m excited!”
Coaching
Professional Pickleball Coaching and Instruction
Doug Dvorak is recognized as one of the top senior players and instructors in Pickleball. He is the Head Pickleball Teaching Professional at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, ID where he lives and plays. Doug is one of the first instructors certified by PCI – Pickleball Coaching International.
Doug has won numerous regional, national and world tournaments as well as being a gold medalist in the Idaho State Senior Games and the Huntsman World Senior Championships.
Doug has worked with individuals, partners, groups, clubs, and several Pickleball publications, catering to a variety of skill levels and group sizes. Doug is bringing his experience and expertise to several local clubs and resorts in the US and across the world! Doug has immense passion for teaching and enjoys helping others improve their skills and achieve their goals in Pickleball.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Doug Dvorak as your professional pickleball coach and instructor
Choosing Doug Dvorak as your personal pickleball coach guarantees an unparalleled learning experience. With his extensive background in professional coaching and a deep passion for the sport, Doug brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to each session. His proven track record of elevating players’ skills and strategies is a testament to his commitment to your improvement.
Doug’s personalized approach ensures that your goals and strengths are prioritized, fostering rapid progress and a profound understanding of the game. With Doug Dvorak as your coach, you’ll not only refine your pickleball abilities but also gain a lifelong appreciation for the sport’s intricacies.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pickleball Coach
Hiring a professional pickleball coach offers a range of benefits that significantly enhance your playing abilities and overall experience. A skilled coach brings personalized guidance, helping you identify and improve specific weaknesses in your game.
They offer expert insights into strategy, technique, and positioning, accelerating your progress. Coaches create structured training plans tailored to your skill level and goals, optimizing your practice sessions.
They provide real-time feedback, correcting errors and refining your form. Moreover, a coach boosts your motivation, keeping you accountable and dedicated to consistent improvement. Ultimately, investing in a professional pickleball coach not only enhances your performance on the court but also deepens your enjoyment of the game.
Take Your Pickleball to The Next Level
Elite pickleball training and coaching with World Champion and certified coach, Doug Dvorak
Doug Dvorak is recognized as one of the top senior players and instructors in Pickleball. He is the Head Pickleball Teaching Professional at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, ID where he lives and plays. Doug is one of the first instructors certified by PCI – Pickleball Coaching International.
Doug has won numerous regional, national and world tournaments as well as being a gold medalist in the Idaho State Senior Games and the Huntsman World Senior Championships.
Doug has worked with individuals, partners, groups, clubs, and several Pickleball publications, catering to a variety of skill levels and group sizes. Doug is bringing his experience and expertise to several local clubs and resorts in the US and across the world! Doug has immense passion for teaching and enjoys helping others improve their skills and achieve their goals in Pickleball.
