Pickleball Coach
Certification Program
A hands-on coaching certification designed to make you more confident, more skilled, and more effective on the court — tested with real students in real situations.
Program at a Glance
- 4 certification levels — Foundation to Master
- Hands-on, court-tested training
- Free for HPA coaches
- Covers all player types — kids to seniors
- Learn to teach groups, clinics & privates
- Built by Hawaii Pickleball Academy®
Invest in your craft. HPA coaches receive this certification as part of their affiliation. Non-HPA coaches can join at $197 — a complete coaching education that pays for itself with a single lesson.
About the Program
Real Court.
Real Students.
The HPA Certified Coach Program is unlike a simple online certification. This program requires coaches to test their knowledge in real court situations with actual students — applying what they've been taught, improving their communication, and dialing in their teaching skills after the training ends.
Every group of players has different needs, abilities, and limitations. This course gives coaches the tools to adjust their teaching style for kids, seniors, beginners, and competitive athletes — creating better learning experiences and elevating their overall coaching expertise.
Not just a certificate.
A real coaching standard.
Your Certifying Coach
Certified by
Honza Hroch
This program is led and certified by Honza Hroch, a coach with thousands of hours of teaching experience working with players of all ages — from young children to adults at every skill level.
Through years of hands-on coaching, Honza has developed a core belief that shapes everything about this certification: there is no single "right way" to teach pickleball. Instead, there is only the right way to teach the specific person in front of you.
That philosophy is built into every level of the HPA certification. Coaches don't just learn techniques — they learn how to read their students, adapt their approach, and find what actually works for each individual player.
No single right way to teach —
only the right way for that player.
What Honza Brings to This Program
"The best coaches help students become the best pickleball players they possibly can be."
— Honza Hroch, Lead Certifying Coach
By the Numbers
Built to Elevate
Every Coach
Four levels of certification, each building on the last — from your first beginner lesson all the way to leading your own academy program.
Coaches learn by doing —
not just by watching.
Certification Levels
Four Levels.
One Standard.
Coaches may begin at Level 1 and grow through each level as they gain experience, complete additional training, and demonstrate their ability to teach effectively on court.
Foundation Coach
This level is for new coaches or players who want to start teaching pickleball. Coaches learn how to work with beginners, explain the basic rules, teach safe movement, and create a positive first experience for new players.
Development Coach
This level is for coaches who want to work with beginner-to-intermediate players and help them improve faster. Coaches learn how to identify player mistakes, create better drills, and adjust their teaching style for different learning types.
Performance Coach
This level is for coaches who want to train more serious and competitive players. Coaches learn advanced strategy, game analysis, and how to help players perform better under pressure.
Master Coach
The highest level is for experienced coaches who want to lead programs, mentor other coaches, and represent the Hawaii Pickleball Academy coaching system at the highest level.
The Certification Path
Grow at
Your Pace
There's no rushing through this program. Coaches advance by demonstrating real ability — completing hands-on training, coaching real students, and showing they can teach safely, clearly, and effectively using the HPA coaching system.
Complete Level Training
Attend the hands-on training for your current level with HPA-certified instructors and real students on court.
Demonstrate Your Skills
Show you can teach safely, clearly, and effectively in a real coaching environment — not just in a written test.
Earn Your Certification
Receive your official HPA Certified Coach designation and the credentials to teach at your certified level.
Advance to the Next Level
As you gain experience and develop your coaching skills, continue through each level up to Master Coach.
What Each Level Requires
Get Certified
Ready to Become
an HPA Coach?
Whether you're brand new to coaching or an experienced instructor looking to formalize your skills — the HPA Certified Coach Program is built for you. HPA coaches join for free. Non-HPA coaches can enroll for $197.
Reach out to our team and we'll get back to you with everything you need to get started — including upcoming certification dates and what to expect from the program.
Questions? We'd love
to hear from you.
Apply Now
Start Your Certification
Email us to express interest or ask any questions about the program. We'll follow up with available dates and next steps.
Email Us → support@hawaiipickleball.com