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Master Your Game with Expert In-Person Coaching

Premium Pickleball instruction for all skill levels in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, and Noblesville. From beginner basics to high-level strategy.

Elite One-on-One Lessons

Experience the most direct path to improvement. Private sessions are designed for players who want 100% of the coach’s attention. We focus on your specific mechanics, footwork, and strategy to eliminate bad habits and build a championship-caliber foundation.

Note: To maximize your investment, I often refer students to “The Lab” for foundational concepts so we can spend our court time on high-level execution.

Pricing Options:
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Private Slots Remaining

I intentionally keep a very small private roster so that every student gets the level of preparation and attention required for rapid progress.

Dynamic Group Coaching

The best way for me to coach you is to see you play. Group lessons provide a live-game dynamic, allowing me to observe your decision-making and positioning in real-time. This feedback is the perfect bridge to your one-on-one training, giving us a clear roadmap for your development.

Beginner Clinics & Local Partners

While we are currently taking a pause from hosting our own beginner clinics, we are committed to helping you find the right foundation. We expect to resume our signature clinics in a few months, but in the meantime, we have vetted the best local options to get you on the court today.

Recommended: IPC Beginner Program

For those ready to start their journey immediately, we highly recommend the introductory programs at Indianapolis Pickleball Club. Their staff and facility provide an excellent environment for mastering the basics before you join us for advanced performance coaching.

More Beginner Clinic Options

The "Complete Player" Framework

While in-person lessons are available as standalone sessions, they are best utilized in conjunction with The Lab. By mastering the theory and drills online, we don’t have to waste expensive one-on-one time on basic explanations. We use the court for what matters most: feedback, correction, and live play.

Meet Your Coach

Joshua Mackens

DUPR
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Competing
OPEN/
PPA
Coaching Since
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The Coaching System That Took Me from 3.5 to 5.0 in 1 Year

When I started playing pickleball, I did what everyone does: I watched endless YouTube videos, took local lessons, even taking a virtual lesson from a Top 40 PPA Pro. But it wasn’t working. YouTube gave me random tips with no context—in the same video you’d see a 5.0 tip and then a 3.0 tip, with no idea how to bridge the gap between them. Local coaches were even more frustrating; they lacked the knowledge, structure and follow-through I needed—there was no blueprint for what to work on next or follow up and feedback to see if I was progressing.

I was tired of guessing. I wanted to get better, and I wanted to do it fast.

So, I stopped looking for a path and started building one. I began filming every session and cataloging my errors to find exactly where my game was breaking down. I studied pro film to see how the best in the world solved those same problems. Then, I created specific, level-appropriate drills to laser-target my weaknesses and worked that plan relentlessly.

The result? I went from a 3.5 to a 5.0 in just 1 year.

I created The Lab to bridge the gap I fell into. I’ve taken my hard won elite-level knowledge and distilled it into a system that actually translates to your game. You get the Lessons to understand the ‘why,’ the Practice to build the ‘how,’ and the Coaching in someone who has been in your shoes and knows exactly how to course-correct your progress in real-time.

No more guessing. No more stunted growth. Just the high-level knowledge, structured practice, and expert coaching you need to reach your full potential.

Students I Work Well With

I coach a wide range of skill levels. What matters most isn’t your rating—it’s how you approach improvement.

If the points below sound like you, we’ll work extremely well together. And if they don’t, that’s okay—truly.
I just might not be the best fit as your coach.

A great fit if you…

This is usually not a good fit if you…

If you want maximum efficiency…

If you want maximum efficiency, The Lab + In-Person lessons is the system. Many students use The Lab to master the foundational concepts and drill structures on their own. This allows us to use our expensive court time for high-level execution, personal tweaks, and real-time correction rather than basic explanations.

Reviews

Read reviews from real pickleball players about The Lab and your Coach
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Cindy Miller profile picture
Cindy Miller
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Josh is an excellent pickleball Instructor. I have learned so much from him the past several months. I love the individual analysis he provides to us via drills drill homework available on his app, written analysis etc. My top spin shots, 3rd shot drops, and decision making has improved very much with his guidance. Looking forward to improving my game with Josh’s instruction.
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Susan Washam profile picture
Susan Washam
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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.
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Linda Kerr profile picture
Linda Kerr
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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.
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Louise Tetrick profile picture
Louise Tetrick
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Josh is passionate about player development and improvement! He gives pickleball “homework”, and once a skill set is established, he then adds additional suggestions and drills for continued improvement. He points out one’s successes and offers valid encouragement. I find him to be a very caring and involved coach.
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Nancy Phipps profile picture
Nancy Phipps
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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.
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Cherie Coletta Arthur profile picture
Cherie Coletta Arthur
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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!
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Keaghan Will profile picture
Keaghan Will
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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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CoCreate FIlms profile picture
CoCreate FIlms
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Really enjoyed getting to know the rules and more importantly implementing them in a two on two match with guys of equal ability. Josh is a born encourager and a gifted teacher too!
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S Wright profile picture
S Wright
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Josh is an excellent instructor. He has great teaching style. He provided a beginners class for our group that I know will be a valuable foundation. We also watched more advanced players and Josh offered lots of insights on the game and techniques.
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Ron Stohler profile picture
Ron Stohler
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Had an awesome beginner lesson with Josh with two of my friends. He clearly explained the rules, then we applied them, and had a great time. He also demonstrated some key strategies through a few games we played. Had a total blast. Will definitely check out his online training!

Local Lessons for Every Player

Locations

Serving the greater Indianapolis area including Fishers, Carmel, and Noblesville.

Skill Levels

From 2.0 beginners to advanced players looking for professional refinement.

Flexibility

Prefer to stay off-screen? In-person only coaching is always an option.

FAQ

2.0 – 3.0 is actually so good it can get you to 3.5. Top spin course available, which is for everyone all the way up to 5.5 and builds foundational knowledge. Join at the accelrated level and the personal coaching you’ll get through that (weekly sessions, monthly pod coachings breaks down to $20 per session. That’s still a great deal. Join at the elite level and we’ll personally coach you through it and build the course while we do so. Or maybe even at advanced.

That’s where you get even more value out of your subscription because you’ll be the one getting coached the whole time! You can use this as a way to get one on one coaching without having to pay for the higher tier!

Eventually, every level will have its own coach. For the moment, Coach Josh is the coach for every level. Any interaction with a coach mentioned on this page, will be with him.

Absolutely not. You can just take the courses and learn how to play the game. However, if you want us to be honest with you: to truly get better at a rapid rate, you will need to practice. It’s the #1 reason people don’t get better. It may just be that you come back later and practice when you’re ready.

Ready to Step Up Your Game?

My schedule for private and group sessions fills up quickly.
Contact me today to discuss your goals and check current availability in your area.