The Pickleball Lab

Level Up Beyond 3.0!

The Pickleball Lab gives you a structured, 2.0 – 3.0 level‑specific system (video lessons + video drills + checkpoints) plus access to real, high level coaches and a community of players your level on the same journey as you, so you can move up from that 2.0 – 3.0 level faster than with random YouTube videos or local lessons.

The result? A structured pathway for pickleball improvement to get you past 3.0 and onto that next DUPR level!

Start Your Journey Today!

Get Started!

Step 1 – Sign Up

Purchase the 2.0 – 3.0 course (one‑time fee), then join Monthly Coaching (ongoing cost) for explosive growth. Once you’re signed up, hop in The Lab, start your course and follow your proven 2.0 – 3.0 path!

Step 2 – Take Your Course

Your 2.0 – 3.0 course is laid out in the exact order you should improve. Watch each lesson in sequence, and when a lesson has a drill, watch the drill video to see exactly what you’ll do on court for practice. Then it’s time to hit the court and drill, hitting your checkpoints (like “200 balls” or “200 reps”) along the way. Don’t move on until you’ve hit your checkpoints—so you’re not just watching videos, you’re actually leveling up with every step in the course.

Step 3 – Monthly Coaching

Stay completely immersed in your progress via Monthly Coaching. Ask your coaches questions any time in your paid 2.0 – 3.0 Chat Channel, upload match or drill clips for detailed feedback, join our “Weekly Live Coaching Sessions” for 2.0 – 3.0 and more. Through these you are also constantly engaged in the 2.0 – 3.0 Monthly Coaching community of fellow players taking the same course as you, all of which keeps you motivated to keep improving. Monthly Coaching keeps you in a constant flow of pickleball growth—so your skills skyrocket ahead week after week in a way that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

Purchase Course!

Our Reviews

Read reviews from real pickleball players about The Lab and your 2.0 – 3.0 Coach ➡️

Susan Washam 2 weeks ago

Josh is an excellent pickleball instructor. Through his in person lessons, and in his videos, Josh explains the mechanics of a shot so that it is easily understood. He adapts to his student’s abilities and is patient and encouraging throughout the lesson. His online lesson review greatly helps the student remember exactly how to implement what was taught in the lesson.

...

Linda Kerr 3 weeks ago

Training with coach Josh Mackens has truly leveled up my game. His deep knowledge of the sport shows in every session—from breaking down technique to explaining strategy in a way that finally “clicks.” He coaches with incredible patience, always giving thoughtful corrections without ever making me feel rushed or overwhelmed.

I also really appreciate the clear coaching structure Josh brings to each lesson. Every drill has a purpose, and I can see how each session builds on the last. Because of that, my footwork, consistency, and confidence on the court have improved more than I expected.

I’m genuinely grateful for the guidance and highly recommend Josh to anyone wanting to grow their skills and play smarter, stronger pickleball.

...

Nancy Phipps 3 weeks ago

Working with Josh over the past year my pickleball game has improved significantly. He’s been instrumental in helping me develop more effective techniques and develop a clear strategy for my game. Working with him on specific skill development has given me more confidence and technical ability to become more competitive. Josh’s ability to communicate and educate has made the learning process fun and enjoyable and most importantly, effective.

...

Cherie Coletta Arthur 3 weeks ago

Coach Josh is a fantastic instructor, and I feel grateful to have connected with him for pickleball! He is so knowledgeable about all skills and the game. I have learned the basics, helpful strategies and ways to improve my personal play. Josh is incredibly encouraging and so positive while providing specific feedback! He genuinely wants to help his players learn, grow and succeed. Josh is an amazing person and coach. I would recommend him to all for pickleball!

...

Keaghan Will 4 weeks ago

Josh’s attention to detail and thoughtful game plans for advancement in the game are very impressive. Straight shooter. Do the work, or don’t expect to get better. He takes teaching to another level and his HONEST feedback is refreshing.

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Carrie Barryhill 7 months ago

The things I’ve learned from Josh I probably would’ve never learned. His lessons are invaluable and a great price point.

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Lollie Gomez-Lebario 8 months ago

Josh is knowledgeable with the mechanics of Pickleball! He is kind, patient and efficient with the time spent with his players! I highly recommend Josh!

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Ben Weber 1 year ago

Josh is a top tier coach. I've known Josh for about a year now, and his attention to detail is hard to match. He does a great job of understanding the finite details but keeping it at a high level for the player. If you want to improve your game at a steady or rapid pace, Josh can accommodate both. The systems he has in place for himself are impressive, and because of this, he has done all the hard leg work on understanding what it takes to truly level up. Josh has great drills and is very personable. I could go on and on, but I will digress. Take the leap and see Josh’s expertise for yourself.

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Alan Gardiner 1 year ago

Josh is an exceptional instructor who brings a perfect blend of knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm to the game. He has a deep understanding of pickleball and a true talent for teaching.

Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to take your game to the next level, I highly recommend Josh as your instructor!

...

Purchase 2.0 – 3.0 Course ($99 Beta!)

Your 2.0 – 3.0 online video course: structured lessons, drills, and checkpoints. A clear path to know what to work on next and guarantee progress to 3.0+ ➡️

🚨 Get the 2.0–3.0 Beta Course now for just $99! You’ll receive instant access to 56+ lessons, drills, and checkpoints (25+ hours of practice/13,000 practice balls), plus all future updates (65+ more lessons, drills & checkpoints) added weekly. The price is increasing to $200 soon, so secure your lifetime access at this special beta rate today!

🎥 Video Lessons

Your course is built to cover everything you need to know for your 2.0 – 3.0 level—no fluff, no gaps. Every lesson is taught by high‑level coaches who have actually been where you are and know what it takes to break through past 3.0. You’re not guessing if the information is right or relevant—it is. Lessons are short, clear, and practical, so you can watch, understand exactly what to do, and take it straight to the court with confidence.

🎯 Drill Videos

Most lessons stop at explanation. We take the next step with drill videos so you can see exactly how to take each lesson onto the court and use it to change your game—no guesswork, no “now what?” For key lessons, you’ll get clear, step‑by‑step drills you can do with a partner, a ball machine, or even against a wall, plus other variations to match your situation. You’ll finally know how to practice and feel confident getting out there and able to make real improvement in your game.

☑️ Checkpoints

How do you know if you’re truly getting better? Our checkpoints give you clear, measurable goals (like “X reps” or “X balls”) to hit before you move on in the 2.0 – 3.0 course. These aren’t just suggestions—they’re your proof of progress. By completing each checkpoint, you’ll build skills systematically, reinforce good habits, and gain undeniable confidence that your game is actually leveling up. The checkpoints guarantee progress and help you be confident you’ve absorbed the skill before moving to the next lesson.

🛣️ Structured Pathway

The beauty of our 2.0 – 3.0 course is that with YouTube or local coaches, there’s no real pathway for you. You either get random tips that may or may not be for your level or a local coach asking you what you want to work on. Our 2.0 – 3.0 course fixes that by giving you a clear, level‑specific sequence where every lesson builds on the last. Instead of guessing or chasing the latest tip, you follow a proven structure designed to develop the right skills in the right order—so you always know what to work on now, what comes next, and how it all fits together to move you up past 3.0.

🙋 Built‑in Q&A

Every lesson, drill, and checkpoint has its own comments section, so you can ask questions right where you’re at and get direct answers from your coaches. You’ll also learn from the insights and questions other players have already asked, giving you extra angles, clarifications, and coaching you might not have thought to ask for yourself. We also update and refine the course based on Q&A—so the training you get keeps getting clearer, sharper, and more effective over time.

🏋️‍♂️ Comprehensive Training

The 2.0 – 3.0 course is loaded with real training volume: 30+ lessons, 13+ drills, and 80 checkpoints—adding up to 25+ hours (or 13,000 balls) of focused practice and that’s just in BETA! You’re not just getting a handful of tips; you’re getting a complete training system for the 2.0 – 3.0 level, with more than enough guided work to meaningfully change your game.

♾️ Lifetime Access

When you buy a course from us, you get lifetime access — that means every new lesson, drill, and checkpoints at your level are added for you for free. As we refine the system and create new training, it’s automatically included for you at no extra cost. That means your course keeps getting more valuable over time, while you only ever pay once.

💲 One-Time Fee

Your 2.0 – 3.0 course is a simple, one‑time investment. You pay once and keep lifetime access to all the lessons, drills, and checkpoints at your level. That means you can pick it up and set it down whenever life gets busy, and always come back to revisit the training whenever you’re ready to sharpen your skills again.

🎁 Free Coaching Month

When you purchase the 2.0 – 3.0 course, you also get your first month of Monthly Coaching free. That means you’re not just getting the training system—you’re getting direct access to coaches, feedback on your game, and support while you work through your lessons, drills, and checkpoints in that first month. You can cancel the Monthly Coaching ($60 per month) anytime before it renews and you won’t be charged—and canceling never affects your lifetime access to the 2.0 – 3.0 course itself.

🎉 Bonus Perks

When you join purchase the 2.0 – 3.0 course, you also unlock even more perks to support your long‑term progress:

🚀 Buy the next level course as soon as you’re ready
💰 30% off all future course purchases
🌐 20% off all private 1-on-1 virtual lessons
🎟️ 20% off in person lessons (if you’re ever in Indianapolis)

Purchase Course!

Monthly Coaching ($60/month)

Your 2.0 – 3.0 course gives you the structure. Monthly Coaching ensures you stay on track and advance to that 3.0+ level even faster ➡️

🧑‍🏫Coach In Your Pocket

Monthly Coaching means you have a coach beside you for your entire 2.0–3.0 journey. Have a question about technique, strategy, or anything else? Ask in your 2.0 – 3.0 Chat Channel! Have a specific question about something in game? Upload a clip for feedback. Want real time coaching? Jump in your Weekly 2.0 – 3.0 Live Coaching Session! You’ve got a real “coach in your pocket” for anything and everything that comes up, so you can always be confident you’re moving forward in your game at the fastest speed possible.

💬 2.0 – 3.0 Coach Chat

As a part of your Monthly Coaching, you get access to the private 2.0 – 3.0 chat channel. In this chat channel you’ve got a true “coach in your pocket” for everything that comes up in your 2.0 – 3.0 pickleball journey. Any time a question or issue pops up, head to the 2.0 – 3.0 chat channel and get clear, targeted guidance from your coach. You’ll also get “extra coaching” by seeing how they answer other 2.0 – 3.0 players’ questions, giving you a constant feed of real, on‑court insights that accelerate your progress even faster.

📤 Personalized Video Feedback

Don’t just describe what’s happening—show it. Upload clips into the 2.0 – 3.0 private chat channel from your rec games or drilling, add your question, and your coaches will break down exactly what’s going on, what you’re doing well, and what needs to change. Instead of generic tips, you get precise, personalized feedback on your actual play, so you can make real, personal adjustments to your game.

💻 Weekly Live Coaching Sessions

Meet with your coach live each week via video—alongside other players in your private 2.0–3.0 group—for deeper coaching and real progress check‑ins. During the sessions, your coach can check in on your progress, answer specific questions, adjust your technique, keep you accountable to your course, check your game film and help you stay on track, giving you clear, real‑time guidance on what to do. You’ll learn from your own feedback and from the coaching your fellow 2.0–3.0 players receive, so you’re moving much faster toward that next level than you would otherwise.

🤝 Motivating Player Community

You’re not alone on this journey. Connect with your private community of other 2.0–3.0 players who are on the exact same path as you. Learn from their questions and clips, join discussions, share wins, get encouragement, and learn from each other’s experiences. This supportive environment keeps you motivated, accountable, and makes the process of improving your game more fun and most importantly, effective.

👉 Most players don’t stop at the course — they join Monthly Coaching for faster, lasting progress. You won’t find this much hands-on coaching access anywhere else for just $60/month.

Get Started!

Your 2.0 – 3.0 Coach

Joshua Mackens

DUPR: 4.96
Years playing: 2.5
Started coaching: in 2023
Tournament results: multiple medals in 3.5/4.0/4.5/5.0/Open
Courses Coached in The Lab: 2.0 – 3.0 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 3.5 – 4.0 | 4.0 – 4.5

Josh feels like he knows how to help players get better, no matter the level, no matter the type of player. He attacks getting better at the game with high level methods for improvement and he brings those same methods to the court for his students, helping them progress in their pickleball game at an uncommon rates. Josh is also an accomplished pickleball tournament player having won multiple medals in 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and Open divisions. He has taken a step up recently competing in his first PPA qualifier in 2025.

From 3.5 – 5.0 in 12 Months

When I first started playing pickleball, I did what everyone does: watched YouTube videos, took local lessons, and hit balls for hours — but I wasn’t progressing as quickly as I wanted.

YouTube videos gave me a lot of tips but I didn’t know which tips to focus on first and couldn’t get detailed answers to my finer questions. Local coaches lacked the depth I needed, and even a PPA pro I worked with couldn’t give me a structured path. Nobody could tell me what to work on,how much, or in what order.

So I just did it myself.

In short, I built the progression system that I needed in the beginning, the progression system that the pickleball community was lacking.

I filmed my matches, tracked my errors, pinpointed my weaknesses, designed drills to fix them, and organized it all into a clear pathway. With structure and focus, my progress took off — in one year I went from a 3.5 to a 5.0 player*.

Players started noticing, asking how I improved so quickly, then asking me to coach them. I saw the same system work for them that worked for me — fast, noticeable progress.

And now I’ve brought that same system I used to you via “The Lab”. It’s everything I needed when I started:

level‑specific lessons
proven drills
checkpoints
and coaching support

If you’re tired of being stuck or, not knowing what to work on, how to work on it, and are ready to see real results, get started with The Lab today!

*Results vary. My personal journey was accelerated, but the structure is what makes fast progress possible.

More About Josh

On his passion for coaching pickleball:

“I just love watching players watch themselves get better at the game. The joy they feel when everything starts clicking, they hit that shot they’ve been working on, they start to make better decisions in those split second moments as a pickleball is flying at them…it all leads to that look on their face of pure joy. And that feeling they exude is just contagious. It’s what keeps me going.”

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Take a Tour!

Take a look inside at The Lab ➡️

2.0 – 3.0 Course Curriculum

See exactly what you get in the course below—every lesson, drill, and checkpoint ➡️

Below is the full 2.0–3.0 course curriculum—every lesson, drill, and checkpoint laid out in the exact order you’ll follow inside The Lab. Browse through it to see how we take you step‑by‑step from beginner fundamentals to confident, consistent 3.0+ pickleball.

Legend:

✅ = video is live now
⏳ = coming soon

🎥 Basics2 Videos

✅ Welcome!
2:35

✅ Don’t Play Away From Net
12:52

⏳ Shots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc.
-:–

⏳ Target = Over the Net
-:–

⏳ Target = The Feet
-:–

⏳ High Ball/Low Ball Review
-:–

⏳ Get Balls Down
-:–

🎥 Serve4 Videos + 5 CPs (Checkpoints)

✅ Serve Strategy
6:24

✅ Serve Mechanics – How to Serve
5:20

✅ Serve Mechanics – Paddle Angle
4:15

✅ Serve Mechanics – Paddle Angle – Drill
3:30

✅ Serve Mechanics – Paddle Angle – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

⏳ Serve Rules
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Watch the Ball
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Watch the Ball – Drill
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Watch the Ball – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Strike Zone
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Strike Zone – Drill
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Strike Zone – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Weight Transfer
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Weight Transfer – Drill
-:–

⏳ Serve Mechanics – Weight Transfer – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

🎥 Return5 Videos + 15 CPs

✅ Return – Strategy
11:49

✅ Return – Drill
6:03

✅ Return – Drill Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

✅ Return and Run
19:49

✅ Return and Run – Drill 1
7:09

✅ Return and Run – Drill 1 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

✅ Return and Run – Drill 2
6:24

✅ Return and Run – Drill 2 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

⏳ Return Mechanics
-:–

⏳ Return Mechanics – Drill
-:–

⏳ Return Mechanics – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

⏳ Backhand Return
-:–

🎥 Transition1 Video

✅ Introduction
8:27

🎥 Transition - Serve Side/Offense8 Videos

✅ Introduction
3:49

✅ 3rd Shot
11:38

✅ 3rd Shot Options – Drive or Drop
12:28

✅ 3rd Shot Drive
23:44

✅ 3rd Shot Drop
15:52

✅ 5th, 7th, 9th, etc.
22:43

✅ When to Move Up
23:39

✅ When to Attack
13:08

⏳ Hit Person In Back
-:–

🎥 3rd Shot Drop Mechanics12 Videos + 20 CPs

✅ Introduction
4:50

✅ Progression
3:28

✅ What a Good 3rd Shot Drop Looks Like
18:04

✅ Mechanics
1:33

✅ Lock Wrist & Elbow
8:20

✅ Lock Wrist & Elbow – Drill
6:17

✅ Lock Wrist & Elbow – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

✅ Stance
2:49

✅ Stance – Drill
7:53

✅ Stance – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

✅ Let Ball Come Down From Apex
5:26

✅ Let Ball Come Down From Apex – Drill
7:45

✅ Let Ball Come Down From Apex – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

✅ No Backswing
3:30

✅ No Backswing – Drill
8:09

✅ No Backswing – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

⏳ Upload Your Drop Shot
-:–

⏳ Backhand Drop
-:–

⏳ Passing Grade
-:–

🎥 Dinking5 Videos + 5 CPs

✅ Introduction
5:15

✅ Strategy
18:47

✅ Mechanics
6:05

✅ Apex On Your Side of the Net
13:17

✅ Apex On Your Side of the Net – Drill
6:52

✅ Apex On Your Side of the Net – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
5 Checkpoints

⏳ Survive 3 Dinks
-:–

⏳ Survive 3 Dinks – Drill
-:–

⏳ Survive 3 Dinks – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

🎥 Volleys8 Videos + 24 CPs

✅ Introduction
16:01

✅ Strategy
7:12

✅ Paddle Ready Position
6:05

✅ Paddle Ready Position – Drill 1 –
5:57

✅ Paddle Ready Position – Drill 1 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
6 Checkpoints

✅ Paddle Ready Position – Drill 2
5:01

✅ Paddle Ready Position – Drill 2 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
6 Checkpoints

✅ Keep The Ball Low
5:43

✅ Keep The Ball Low – Drill 1
6:36

✅ Keep The Ball Low – Drill 1 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
6 Checkpoints

✅ Keep The Ball Low – Drill 2
4:37

✅ Keep The Ball Low – Drill 2 – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
6 Checkpoints

⏳ Attack High Balls
-:–

⏳ Attack High Balls – Drill
-:–

⏳ Attack High Balls – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
-:–

⏳ Paddle Clock
-:–

⏳ Paddle Clock – Drill
-:–

⏳ Paddle Clock – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5/6
-:–

⏳ Hit Down
-:–

⏳ Speed Ups
-:–

⏳ Putaways
-:–

⏳ Putaways – Drill
-:–

⏳ Putaways – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

🎥 Match Breakdowns1 Video

✅ 2.0 – 3.0 Match Breakdown #1
12:07

⏳ 2.0 – 3.0 Match Breakdown #2
-:–

⏳ 2.0 – 3.0 Match Breakdown #3
-:–

⏳Coming Soon: Even More Modules Being Added

We’re also building out additional full modules that will be added to the course over time. All of these new lessons, drills, and checkpoints will be included for free as part of your 2.0–3.0 Beta purchase.

🎥 Lesson Break

⏳ Lesson Break
-:–

⏳ Watch the Ball
-:–

⏳ Watch the Ball – Drill
-:–

⏳ Watch the Ball – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

🎥 Positioning

⏳ Introduction
-:–

⏳ General
-:–

⏳ Serve/Return Positioning
-:–

⏳ Who Takes Middle?
-:–

🎥 Transition - Serve Side/Defense

⏳ Introduction
-:–

⏳ Return and Run
-:–

⏳ Hit Feet
-:–

⏳ Hit Feet – Drill
-:–

⏳ Hit Feet – Drill – Checkpoints 1/2/3/4/5
-:–

🎥 Backhand

⏳ Introduction
-:–

⏳ Backhand = Drop Shots Only
-:–

⏳ Backhand Caveat 1 = Return
-:–

⏳ Backhand Caveat 2 = Volley
-:–

⏳ Caveat Film Work
-:–

⏳ Backhand Mechanics
-:–

⏳ Backhand Mechanics – Film Work & Reference
-:–

⏳ Backhand – Transition Zone
-:–

⏳ Backhand Returns
-:–

🎥 Extras

⏳ Introduction
-:–

⏳ Out Balls
-:–

⏳ Defending Spin
-:–

Peak Inside The Lab

Sample 2.0 – 3.0 Lesson, Drill & Checkpoints ➡️

Want to see how it all works? Here’s a sneak peek inside The Lab, showing you exactly how our lessons, drills, and checkpoints come together. Watch a sample lesson to grasp a key concept, then see how the accompanying drill video translates that directly to the court. Finally, understand how our checkpoints give you clear, measurable goals to ensure you’re truly progressing before moving on. This is the proven structure that will level up your game.

Lesson – 3rd Shot Drop

Drill – 3rd Shot Drop

Checkpoints – 3rd Shot Drop

Why The Lab Works (When Other Options Don’t)

Most players try to improve with a mix of YouTube videos, local lessons, or just hitting balls on their own ➡️

The problem?

YouTube is random.
You get endless, regurgitated tips, but no clear order. It’s easy to waste months on things that don’t apply to your level.
Local coaching lacks structure.
Even good coaches rarely give you a step‑by‑step path forward, drills to master the skill they taught you, or accountability to make sure you’re actually improving between lessons.
Solo practice feels aimless.
Without guidance and checkpoints, reps turn into busywork. You hit balls, but your game doesn’t truly change.

✅ The Lab fixes all of this.
You’ll train with guidance from level‑specific lessons, drills and checkpoints that keep you on track, coaching feedback when you need it, and a community to support your progress. No more guessing. Just a clear, proven system to get better—faster.

Check Us Out On Youtube!