Welcome to my website, DinknDrop! My name is Rylan Everest and I’m thrilled to share my passion for pickleball with you. As an advanced player and coach with over 29 years of experience, it’s my goal to help people of all ages and abilities learn proper technique, strategy, and sportsmanship in this fast-growing game.

I grew up in sunny South Florida where I first discovered pickleball as a teenager. I was immediately hooked by the fun, social nature of the game and the blend of skills it requires from tennis, badminton and table tennis. After playing locally for a couple years, I started competing in regional and national tournaments. The more I played, the more engrossed I became in improving my game.

During college, I worked at a sports complex that had dedicated pickleball courts. I taught lessons and clinics to players of all levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players working on specialized shots like the pickleball serve. I loved introducing new players to my favorite sport and helping them progress. It was so rewarding to see their excitement grow as their skills improved. The ability to positively impact others through coaching is one of the main reasons I continue teaching today.

After graduating with a degree in sports management, I became a certified pickleball instructor. I’ve now coached hundreds of hours of private lessons, group clinics, summer camps and after-school programs. My specialty is adapting my instruction style to each student’s individual strengths, weaknesses and learning pace. I break down techniques step-by-step, enforce proper fundamentals, and make drills engaging and fun. Seeing my students achieve their goals, whether recreational or competitive, brings me tremendous satisfaction.

As an avid player myself, I’m always working to take my own game to the next level. I drill for several hours a day, analyze pro matches, and regularly compete in local and pro tournaments. This competitive experience allows me to better relate to students wanting to improve fast and play at a high performance standard. I can demonstrate proper form and strategy, plus provide useful insider tips.

My other great passion within pickleball is testing gear, especially paddles. As an equipment junkie, I love analyzing subtle differences in control, power, grip, sweet spot size and feel. I own over 50 paddles and am constantly experimenting with new makes and models. Through extensive hands-on testing, I’ve developed an in-depth knowledge of what paddle attributes work best for particular playing styles and skill levels. I enjoy sharing my unbiased recommendations with students so they can find equipment that optimizes their performance.

Now, I am beyond excited to combine my two passions of teaching pickleball and reviewing gear through this website. My goal is to create the premier online resource for all things pickleball. I’ll provide step-by-step instructional videos on skills, drills, rules and etiquette. I’ll offer equipment reviews, buying guides, workout tips and more – everything you need to excel at this addicting sport.

For those just starting out in pickleball, I recommend taking beginner group lessons if possible. Learning proper swing technique early on will ingrain good muscle memory and prevent poor habits down the road. Beyond fundamentals, the social aspect of group lessons enhances the fun. Classes build camaraderie while allowing students to practice with a variety of partners. If private lessons are preferred, make sure the instructor assesses skill level early on and creates a customized training plan. Be sure to communicate your goals, whether casual play, fast improvement or competition. Don’t feel intimidated about being a beginner – we all start somewhere! Stay patient through early struggles and celebrate small successes. Above all, remember pickleball is meant to be enjoyed.

For intermediate and advanced players hoping to step up their game, private lessons generally work best. More experienced players need instruction tailored to nuances in their technique and positional play. Weaknesses plaguing your performance can be pinpointed and fixed. Refining specific skills like serving, volleying or dinking requires concentrated effort. I break down every movement piece-by-piece, providing key cues to engrain optimal form. We integrate drills and situational scenarios to build skills under pressure. Your improvement will accelerate with this laser focus on personalized instruction. To supplement lessons, film yourself playing and analyze tendencies. Visual feedback is invaluable. Also watch pro match replays online to learn strategy, footwork patterns and shot selection.

Regardless of skill level, employ a growth mindset. Recognize abilities can always improve through purposeful, disciplined practice. Set clear measurable goals like improving consistency on backhand shots or better anticipating opponent moves. Track progress through video review and data like improved rally length. Embrace failures as opportunities to identify weaknesses and make adjustments. Great players never stop learning. Stay self-aware but don’t dwell on mistakes. Balance self-analysis with keeping perspective and having fun. Remember results often come slower than expected. Stick with the process, work hard and success will come.

I could go on all day about pickleball tips and tricks! For now, I hope this provided an overview of my background along with actionable advice to help you start playing this great game. Please explore my site for tons more instructional content. I want to support your pickleball journey however I can – from beginner skills to pro techniques. Reach out any time with questions. Let’s chat paddles, drills, or even just swap favorite dink shot stories! You now have an experienced pickleball friend and coach on your side.

-Rylan