Beginner players.
I teach brand new adult players how to properly learn and play pickleball while having fun.
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Russ Lombardo
Pickleball Coach in Cary, NC
Helping new and experienced players learn and improve your game, focused on the Cary, NC area, including Durham, Raleigh, Apex, Morrisvillle
5.0(127 ratings)
194+ lessons taughtI help pickleball beginners build confidence and learn the game, while helping experienced players sharpen their skills, strategy, and consistency. Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or working toward a stronger all-around game, I create personalized lessons around your goals and the areas you want to improve. I am a PCI-certified Pickleball coach with five years of coaching experience, and I bring a relaxed, welcoming energy to every session.
5.0
127 ratings
194+
Lessons taught
5
Years experience
11
Locations
I Help Beginners Build Confidence and Experienced Players Sharpen Their Game
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.
Teaches: Adults, Seniors
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Background Verified
Who I coach
Intermediate & Advanced Players
I help experienced adult players learn new, advanced techniques as well as fix nagging problems that are preventing them from leveling up.
Private Lessons
Book a single lesson or save with a pack. Every session is personalized to your skill level and goals.
Processing fees are added at checkout · New students only, applied at checkout
Ages: Adults, Seniors · Beginners, Intermediates, Experts · Gear provided
Can't train in person? See Russ's online lessons
Parties & Events
Usually replies within a day.Up to 8 people
Birthday parties
A private group session built around the birthday kid, with games for every level and a coach who runs the show.
Explore pickleball birthday partiesCustom pricing
Corporate events
Team-building clinics for your group, at your venue or a court near the office.
Explore pickleball corporate eventsCustom pricing
Send an inquiry with your details — Russ replies with availability and a quote before anything is booked.
Online lessons with Russ
Live video sessions — your coach sends the call link before your lesson.
First lesson freeFirst lesson free
Free Player Assessment
This is a FREE, 30-minute session using Microsoft Meet, where you and Coach Russ 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.
30 min
1 lessonAges: Adults, Seniors · Beginners, Intermediates, Experts · Gear provided
$1Free
See Coach Russ Lombardo in Action
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“Russ is a great coach! He is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and brings great energy, focus, and sense of fun to every lesson. He is great at explaining the “why” behind various pb skills. I’ve benefitted greatly from working with him.”
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Elizabeth
What Students Say
5.0(127 ratings)
SD
Sanjay D.
1 lesson
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.
JP
Joanna P.
17 lessons
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.
TS
Tim S.
9 lessons
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.
SR
Stefanie Reed
1 lesson
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.
S
Steve
1 lesson
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
E
Elizabeth
Russ is a great coach! He is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and brings great energy, focus, and sense of fun to every lesson. He is great at explaining the “why” behind various pb skills. I’ve benefitted greatly from working with him.
Plus 75 more ratings from students.
Ready to start?
Mornings are usually best for me, but afternoons can work too. Try to avoid evenings since courts are usually packed at that time.
Choose a packageWeekly Schedule
Mon
8AM - 5PM
Tue
8AM - 5PM
Wed
8AM - 5PM
Thu
8AM - 5PM
Fri
8AM - 5PM
SatUnavailable
SunUnavailable
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking with Russ.
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.
Where to train
I teach at various locations throughout Cary, North Carolina, and nearby communities. Choose a location that's convenient for you.
Booking policies
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your lesson.
Expiry
Prepaid lessons expire 12 months after purchase.
Rescheduling
Reschedule any time up to 24-hours before the lesson.
Good to know
In the case of rain, we will communicate before the lesson to reschedule.