Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about learning pickleball with GoodRally. Can't find your answer? Call us at 416-729-8477.

Getting Started

What can I expect at my first pickleball lesson?
Your first lesson starts with the basics — paddle grip, stance, and the rules of the game. You'll learn to serve, return, and keep a rally going, all at a pace that's comfortable for you. There's no pressure and no experience required; we meet you exactly where you are and build from there.
I've never played pickleball before. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. GoodRally specializes in beginners. Our lessons and clinics are designed for brand-new players and recreational players who want to improve. We start with the fundamentals and build at a comfortable pace so you never feel overwhelmed or left behind.
What skill level do I need to join a GoodRally program?
No skill level is required. Our programs are built for brand-new beginners and recreational players. Whether you've never held a paddle or you've played a few casual games and want to improve, we'll meet you at your level. The Foundations Clinic and Phase 2 are designed for new and beginner players, while Phase 3 helps you put your skills together in real game situations.
Is pickleball suitable for older adults?
Yes. Pickleball is a low-impact, social sport that's perfect for adults of all ages. Many of our students are older adults who enjoy the physical activity and social connection the game provides. Our coaching is paced for each player's comfort level, and the smaller court and underhand serve make it easier on the body than many other sports.
Do you offer programs for kids or youth?
Our group programs are designed for adults and teens aged 16 and up. For younger players, we recommend private or pairs coaching so the session can be tailored to their age and attention span. Contact us at 416-729-8477 to discuss the best option for your family.

Programs & Pricing

What are Foundations Phases 1, 2, and 3?
The GRP Foundations pathway has three levels. Phase 1 (Foundations) covers all the fundamentals for new and beginner players. Phase 2 builds on Phase 1 with a focus on court positioning, partner movement, and smart shot choices during real point play. Phase 3 puts everything together through evaluated drills, coached game play, personalized feedback. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are each 2-hour group clinics. Phase 2 requires completion of the Foundations Clinic or equivalent experience, and Phase 3 requires completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Who is the Foundations Clinic designed for?
The GRP Foundations Clinic is designed for new and beginner-level players, or any player looking to build a stronger foundation. It's a 2-hour group session covering all the fundamentals through expert instruction, demonstrations, and progressive drills. A minimum of 3 players is required to run the clinic, with a maximum of 6 players.
What is Group Coaching?
Group Coaching is a 1 hr session for 3 or more players focused on skills drills, technique, and progressive play learning. It's $40 per person with a 3 player minimum, and court fees are included. Players register their own groups, with each individual registering on the site.
What is Beat the Coach?
Beat the Coach is a 1 hr session where you play doubles with live coaching. We freeze play to analyse decision-making, develop strategy, and give real-time game feedback. It's $35 per person with a 3 player minimum, and court fees are included.
Do you offer private pickleball coaching?
Yes. We offer private one-on-one coaching, pairs coaching for you and a friend or partner, and group coaching for 3 or more players. Each format provides the same beginner-focused, confidence-building approach. Private coaching is $90 per person and court fees are included.
How long are the programs and how big are the groups?
Group Coaching and Beat the Coach sessions run about 1 hr. The Foundations, Phase 2, and Phase 3 clinics are each 2 hours. The Foundations and Phase 2 clinics require a minimum of 3 players and allow a maximum of 6. Phase 3 is a smaller group with a maximum of 4 players so everyone gets meaningful playing time and individual attention. Private and Pairs coaching are 1 hr.
What is the current program pricing?
Our current pricing: Private (Individual) Coaching is $90 per person, Pairs Coaching is $55 per person, Group Coaching is $40 per person (3 player minimum), Beat the Coach is $35 per person (3 player minimum), and the Foundations, Phase 2, and Phase 3 clinics are each $69 per person. Court fees are included in all programs.
Are court fees included?
Yes. Court fees are included in all GoodRally programs — clinics, group coaching, Beat the Coach, pairs, and private coaching. The price you see is the price you pay.
What makes GoodRally different from other pickleball coaching?
GoodRally is the GTA's beginner improvement specialist. Unlike programs that assume you already know the basics, we meet you exactly where you are and build from there. Our head coach Darwin Jurado is a nationally certified NCCP pickleball instructor, and we keep groups small so every player gets personal feedback. We follow a clear learning pathway — Foundations, Phase 2, and Phase 3 — so you always know what comes next.

Equipment & What to Bring

Do I need to bring my own paddle and equipment?
No. We provide paddles and balls for all beginner lessons and clinics, so you don't need to invest in equipment before your first session. Once you're ready to buy your own gear, we're happy to recommend the right paddle for your game.
What should I wear and bring to a lesson?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and court-appropriate shoes (indoor court shoes for indoor sessions). Bring water, and for outdoor sessions bring sunscreen and consider the weather. We provide paddles and balls, so you just need to show up ready to learn.
What paddle should I buy as a beginner?
As a beginner, look for a paddle with a larger sweet spot, a comfortable grip, and a mid-range weight that's easy on your arm. You don't need the most expensive paddle to start. We're happy to recommend options during your lesson, and our blog post on the best pickleball paddles for beginners breaks down what to look for.

Locations & Scheduling

Where do you coach — indoor and outdoor locations?
Our confirmed lesson venues are Smash Sports, 1325 Aimco Boulevard, Unit 2, Mississauga, and TJ's PicklePlus, 1055 Clark Boulevard, Unit 3, Brampton — both independent indoor facilities we coach at. We also use Pickleplex in Vaughan and CAN Sports Center, 1443 Denison Street, Markham, and can arrange coaching at suitable outdoor public courts across the Greater Toronto Area when weather and court availability permit, subject to any permission requirements. For players in Toronto and Etobicoke, the nearest confirmed venue is in a neighbouring city — you're welcome at Brampton or Mississauga, or we can look at a suitable outdoor court.
Do you coach in my city?
We serve the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Etobicoke. Each city has its own page with location-specific details — see our Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Etobicoke lesson pages for more.
Which days and times are available for coaching?
Coaching sessions are scheduled by appointment. Most programs run during daytime hours, with the last sessions starting at 2:00 PM. When you register, let us know your preferred days and times and we'll confirm availability. Contact us at 416-729-8477 to check specific slots.

Registration & Policies

How do I register for a program?
Click 'Join The Fun' or 'Register Now' anywhere on our site to go to our registration page, where you can sign up for any program. You can also call us at 416-729-8477 or email goodrallypickleball1@gmail.com and we'll help you choose the right program and location.
How do I form a group for Group Coaching or Beat the Coach?
Group Coaching and Beat the Coach require a minimum of 3 players. You bring your own group — friends, family, or coworkers — and each person registers individually on our site. Once everyone is registered, we'll schedule the session at a time and location that works for your group.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
To cancel or reschedule a session, please contact GoodRally as soon as possible at 416-729-8477 or goodrallypickleball1@gmail.com and we'll do our best to accommodate the change. We ask for as much notice as you can give so we can offer the spot to another player.
What happens if weather affects an outdoor session?
If weather makes an outdoor session unsafe or unplayable, we'll reschedule at no extra cost. We monitor conditions and will contact you ahead of time when possible. Indoor sessions at our partner facilities are not affected by weather.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help. Call, email, or register online — we'll answer any questions you have about learning pickleball.