# Coach Russ Lombardo > Russ Lombardo is a Pickleball coach in Cary, NC. Source: https://sites.coach/russ. Every page on this site has a Markdown version at its URL plus `/index.md`, or send `Accept: text/markdown`. ## About - Headline: Helping new and experienced players learn and improve your game, focused on the Cary, NC area, including Durham, Raleigh, Apex, Morrisvillle - Teaches: Adults, Seniors - Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts - Years of experience: 5 - Lessons taught: 194+ - Rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 127 ratings I help pickleball beginners build confidence and learn the game, while helping experienced players sharpen their skills, strategy, and consistency. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or working toward a stronger all-around game, I create personalized lessons around your goals. In Cary, North Carolina, and nearby communities, I coach with a relaxed, welcoming approach that keeps learning productive and enjoyable. I am a PCI-certified Pickleball coach with five years of coaching experience. We can work on grips, serves, returns, dinks, court positioning, shot placement, resets, and handling different styles of play. Each lesson combines targeted drills with gameplay, so you can practice skills in action. As a Selkirk Advocate, I can provide paddles to demo and help you find a good fit. With a 5.0 rating from 113 reviews and 156 completed lessons, I would love to help you enjoy Pickleball and play with greater confidence. Book a lesson and let's get started. ## Packages and prices - **Single lesson**: 1 prepaid 60-minute lesson for $62.63 ($60.00 per lesson, processing fee included). Sold as 1 lesson, 1 to 4 students. One private lesson. Pay as you go. - **5-lesson pack**: 5 prepaid 60-minute lessons for $265.22 ($51.00 per lesson, processing fee included). Sold as 5 lessons, 1 to 4 students. Paid up front. Book them anytime. - **3-lesson pack**: 3 prepaid 60-minute lessons for $168.60 ($54.00 per lesson, processing fee included). Sold as 3 lessons, 1 to 4 students. Best value for committed students. ## Where lessons happen - Piney Wood Park, Durham, North Carolina - McCrimmon Parkway Neighborhood Park, Cary, North Carolina - Morrisville Community Park, Morrisville, North Carolina - Ed Yerha Park, Cary, North Carolina - Apex Nature Park, Apex, North Carolina - NetSports Indoor Facility, Cary, North Carolina - Baileywick Park, Raleigh, North Carolina - Bethesda Park, Durham, North Carolina - Carpenter Park, Cary, North Carolina - Taylor YMCA, Cary, North Carolina ## Weekly hours - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ## Cancellation policy - Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before a lesson. The coach charges no fee for a late cancellation or a no-show. ## Reviews > Finding Russ's lesson pretty helpful overall. He was very knowledgeable, patient, and quite instructive, which made understanding the basics more straightforward. Though there's room to keep developing on racquet technique and strategy, I appreciated his approach and the clear guidance he provided. Still, I’m hoping future lessons will focus more on extra tips for gameplay tactics. If you're interested in solid basics and a thoughtful instructor, you might consider trying Russ. > From Sanjay, 5 out of 5 > The lesson with Russ was quite helpful, especially in working on my pickleball skills at a comfortable pace. The focus on specific mechanics really helped me understand my game better, though I still see room for refinement. I appreciated the calm, clear manner in which he explained things, making the learning process feel natural. Still, I might try more lessons to build on what I covered. If you're looking for thoughtful instruction, I’d suggest giving Russ a try. > From Joanna, 5 out of 5 > The lesson was quite helpful, especially in working on my serve accuracy, though I think I still need to improve my volley game. Russ explained some key strategies clearly and kept things pretty practical, which I appreciated. Still, I’m hoping future lessons will focus a bit more on footwork to really boost my overall play. If you're looking to get a balanced rundown of pickleball skills, you might want to give Russ a try. > From Tim, 5 out of 5 > Russ is an exceptional pickleball coach who combines expertise, patience, and a genuine passion for the sport. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, Russ meets you where you are in your skill level and tailors his advice accordingly. He provides techniques or drills to help you make tangible progress. His easygoing demeanor creates a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. > From Stefanie, 5 out of 5 > Coach Russ Lombardo is a great coach for Pickleball. My wife and I developed true skills given Russ's approach to technique and having fun. His style is encouraging, inclusive and inviting to continue forward. Our PB journey started in early 2022. Having trained under multiple coaches and clinics to help accelerate our skills, my personal favorite by far is Russ. Many thanks > From Steve, 5 out of 5 > I really enjoyed gaining hands-on gameplay experience during the lesson with Russ. It helped me understand how to apply different techniques in real matches. For anyone wanting to improve their pickleball skills in a practical way, Russ’s lessons are a great choice. You’ll get plenty of chances to play and learn at the same time. Give it a try and see for yourself! 👋 > From Rachel, 5 out of 5 > In the spirit of the season wanted to thank you for hosting your original clinic at the Y, all that you taught and most of all your inclusiveness and encouragement. It has been so fun being a part of the pickle ball group at the Y however I’m not sure I would be there without your organization of the GroupMe groups and your “all are welcome” attitude. Big THANK YOU > From Mary, 5 out of 5 > One of the highlights of the lesson was Russ’ patience and encouragement, which made the experience enjoyable and lighthearted. His positive attitude kept things fun throughout. If you’re thinking about trying pickleball, Russ’ lessons are definitely worth a shot. You’ll enjoy the friendly vibe and supportive coaching style. > From Melissa, 5 out of 5 ## Frequently asked questions ### How much do pickleball lessons cost in Cary, North Carolina? My pickleball lessons cost around $50-$60 per 1-hour session, depending on the package you choose. I offer a Beginner 5-Pack and an Intermediate/Advanced 5-Pack option, with each lesson priced at around $51. ### Where can I take pickleball lessons near Cary, North Carolina? I offer pickleball lessons at locations in the Cary area, including McCrimmon Parkway Neighborhood Park and Carpenter Park, as well as other nearby locations in Apex, Raleigh, Durham, and Morrisville, such as Apex Nature Park, Piney Wood, Baileywick Park, and Morrisville Community Park. ### Are your pickleball lessons suitable for beginners? Yes. In beginner lessons, I assess your interests, skill level, and goals, then cover the rules, court layout, grips, serving, returning, dinking, and playing a full game. I keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming while combining targeted drills with gameplay. ### Do I need to bring a paddle to pickleball lessons? You can bring your own paddle if you have one, but you do not need to. As a Selkirk Advocate, I can provide a variety of paddles to demo and advise you on a good fit for your needs. Bring comfortable athletic clothes, court or tennis shoes, and a water bottle. ### What is the rate for a 60-minute pickleball lesson with Russ in or around Cary, North Carolina? My pickleball lessons run around $50-$60 for a single 1-hour session, depending on the package you choose. I also offer a Beginner 5-Pack and an Intermediate/Advanced 5-Pack option, with each lesson priced at around $51. ### What do Intermediate and Advanced pickleball lessons cover in the area of Cary, North Carolina? I begin by identifying the areas you want to improve, such as serve accuracy and speed, court positioning, handling bangers, shot placement, resets, or other techniques and tactics. Each lesson combines targeted drills with gameplay. The Intermediate/Advanced Packs include five or ten 60-minute lessons. ### Can I take a lesson with a friend or family member? Yes, my one-hour pickleball lessons can include up to three students, so you can bring a friend or family member. The price per student decreases as the group gets larger. I personalize lessons around your goals and work with beginners through experienced players, so share your group’s experience and what you’d like to work on when arranging a lesson. ### Do you offer Free lessons? I offer a FREE, 30-minute session using Microsoft Meet, where you and I will discuss your experience level, your personal Pickleball objectives and goals, your areas of concern and problems, and more. Coach Russ will assess each area of discussion and, where appropriate, provide advice, counsel, and recommendations for you, as well as suggest next steps. ## Pages on this site - [Home](https://sites.coach/russ/index.md) - [All services](https://sites.coach/russ/services/index.md) - [Pickleball Lessons](https://sites.coach/russ/lessons) - [Private Lessons](https://sites.coach/russ/private-lessons/index.md) - [Group Lessons](https://sites.coach/russ/group-lessons/index.md) - [Birthday Parties](https://sites.coach/russ/birthday-parties/index.md) - [Corporate Events](https://sites.coach/russ/corporate-events/index.md) - [Lessons in Apex](https://sites.coach/russ/areas/apex) - [Lessons in Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/areas/cary) - [Lessons in Durham](https://sites.coach/russ/areas/durham) - [Lessons in Morrisville](https://sites.coach/russ/areas/morrisville) - [Lessons in Raleigh](https://sites.coach/russ/areas/raleigh) - [Apex Nature Park, Apex](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/apex-nature-park-apex) - [Carpenter Park, Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/carpenter-park-cary) - [Ed Yerha Park, Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/ed-yerha-park-cary) - [McCrimmon Parkway Neighborhood Park, Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/mccrimmon-parkway-neighborhood-park-cary) - [NetSports Indoor Facility, Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/netsports-indoor-facility-cary) - [Taylor YMCA, Cary](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/taylor-ymca-cary) - [Bethesda Park, Durham](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/bethesda-park-durham) - [Piney Wood Park, Durham](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/piney-wood-park-durham) - [Morrisville Community Park, Morrisville](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/morrisville-community-park-morrisville) - [Baileywick Park, Raleigh](https://sites.coach/russ/locations/baileywick-park-raleigh) - [Blog](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/index.md) - [Pickleball Court Positioning Tips For Cary Players](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/pickleball-court-positioning-cary/index.md) - [Pickleball Return Of Serve Tips](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/pickleball-return-of-serve/index.md) - [How to Dink Like A Pickleball Pro](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/how-to-dink-like-a-pickleball-pro/index.md) - [Pickleball Doubles Communication Tips](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/pickleball-doubles-communication-tips/index.md) - [Pickleball Third Shot Drop Tips For Cary Players](https://sites.coach/russ/blog/pickleball-third-shot-drop-tips/index.md) - [Agent instructions](https://sites.coach/russ/llms.txt) ## Book through the API Coach Russ Lombardo sells Pickleball lessons on this site. It is one coach on TeachMe.To, listing id `fbabcd26-e3dd-490b-a74d-35895350b230`. An agent reads this coach, quotes what this site sells, and books it through the TeachMe.To agent API. - [Agent instructions, generated from the live API](https://api.teachme.to/agent/v1/llms.txt): Read this before calling anything. Sessions need no registration. - [This coach](https://api.teachme.to/agent/v1/coaches/fbabcd26-e3dd-490b-a74d-35895350b230): The coach read. `site.packages` are the packages sold here, priced as this site prices them, and `site.cancellationPolicy` is this site's policy. - [Open times](https://api.teachme.to/agent/v1/coaches/fbabcd26-e3dd-490b-a74d-35895350b230/slots): Pass `sitePackageId` and `locationId` with `from` and `to`. - Quotes and bookings: pass `sitePackageId` and `lessons` to `POST /quotes`, then `POST /bookings` with the quote. The booking returns `paymentUrl`; the student pays there, and the booking is readable while they do. Send `policyAccepted: true` after showing the student the policy when `site.cancellationPolicy.agreementRequired` is true. - [OpenAPI 3.1](https://api.teachme.to/agent/v1/openapi.json): The machine contract. The `sitePackageId` and `locationId` values for this site are in [llms.txt](https://sites.coach/russ/llms.txt).