IPTPA course – why? Because pickleball is growing at an impressive pace. More and more people are taking up the sport, clubs are looking for qualified instructors, and players want to train with coaches who can teach professionally, safely, and according to a proven methodology.

This is the perfect time to take the next step and earn an internationally recognized instructor certification from IPTPA — International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association.

On September 19–20, 2026, in Warsaw, we will host the IPTPA Level I and Level II certification programs for those who want to develop as pickleball instructors, coach players, run training sessions, and build their professional position in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

This is not just another training course. It is a certification program conducted according to international IPTPA standards — one of the most professional and widely recognized organizations providing pickleball instructor education worldwide.

If you play pickleball, love the sport, already help others on the court, or are thinking about running training sessions, workshops, private lessons, or club programs — this is an opportunity worth taking.

Why take an IPTPA course and earn certification?

An IPTPA certificate is much more than a document. It confirms that you understand a professional teaching methodology, know how to structure lessons effectively, and understand how to develop players step by step.

By becoming certified, you gain:

• greater credibility and confidence on the court as an instructor,
• internationally recognized confirmation of your skills,
• a clear structure for planning and delivering lessons,
• a competitive advantage in a market that is still developing,
• an opportunity to build your own coaching brand,
• practical tools you can use when working with players.

Why IPTPA?

IPTPA is one of the most respected and established organizations certifying pickleball instructors worldwide.

Its programs are designed to ensure that instructors teach consistently, safely, and effectively — regardless of the country, the level of the players, or where the lessons take place.

IPTPA course gives you a structured teaching methodology. You no longer teach based on intuition alone. You learn how to plan a lesson, explain technique, identify and correct mistakes, and guide players in a way that produces measurable progress.

This is extremely important because being a good instructor is about much more than simply being a good player.

A good instructor knows how to observe, explain, correct, motivate, and build confidence in their students.

That is exactly why professional instructor education has become so important as pickleball continues to grow.

Alliance with the EPF – European Pickleball Federation

On July 10, 2026, a joint European training program — “EPF × IPTPA Level I” — was officially announced.

In its official communication, the EPF describes IPTPA as:

• a “global leader” in pickleball coach certification, demonstrating its international credibility,
• the organization behind one of the most widely recognized certification systems in pickleball,
• an organization whose certifications are recognized worldwide, in more than 90 countries,
• an international standard for coach education,
• an organization with a proven methodology, quality assurance procedures, and rigorous professional standards.

IPTPA Course Level I

Level I is the foundation level of IPTPA certification.

It teaches you how to work with beginners, explain fundamental strokes, organize training sessions, and build good habits from the very first minutes on court.

It is an ideal choice for people who want to:

• begin their journey as a pickleball instructor,
• teach beginner players,
• help new players at their club,
• organize pickleball workshops or events,
• gain a better understanding of technique and teaching methodology,
• earn a certificate recognized outside Poland.

The certification process includes:

1. Online Course – 12 hours

You study at your own pace.

The program covers IPTPA teaching methodology, drill progression, lesson planning, safety, and the fundamental principles of conducting pickleball training sessions.

The online component should be completed approximately one week before the practical session so that every participant has enough time to become familiar with the material and practise the most important elements.

This means you do not arrive on court without preparation. You already understand the theoretical foundations and IPTPA methodology, allowing you to focus on practical application, technique correction, and instructor skills.

2. On-Court Assessment – 4 hours – September 19, 2026

Candidates work under the supervision of an IPTPA Master Teaching Professional or an authorized Level I evaluator.

The assessment focuses on the candidate’s ability to apply IPTPA methodology in real-life coaching situations.

Maximum number of participants: 20.

3. Online Exam

The exam confirms the candidate’s knowledge of teaching methodology, fundamental coaching concepts, and the rules of pickleball.

After successfully completing all stages, the candidate receives the IPTPA Level I Certificate, which qualifies them to introduce new players to pickleball and conduct beginner-level training sessions according to IPTPA standards.

Age Requirements

Candidates must be at least 14 years old.

Participants under the age of 18 may obtain certification; however, until they turn 18, they must remain under the supervision of an active IPTPA Level II instructor.

Until then:

• all lessons must be conducted under the supervision of a Level II mentor,
• the young instructor may not conduct sessions independently,
• finding a suitable mentor is the candidate’s responsibility.

Once the instructor turns 18, they may conduct lessons independently.

Registration and Fees

• USD 320 — payable directly to IPTPA,
• retaking the online exam: USD 40,
• additional administrative fee: PLN 500, payable to Polska Formacja Pickleballa:

Bank account:
18 1140 2004 0000 3802 8593 9836

The first year of IPTPA membership is included in the certification fee.

Each participant must register directly through the IPTPA website, complete the relevant registration form, and make the payment in USD.

Payment of the administrative fee to Polska Formacja Pickleballa is also required in order to participate in the certification process.

Refund Policy

Once a participant has progressed beyond the introductory part of the online course, the certification fee is non-refundable.

The participant may only receive credit to be used toward a future on-court assessment.

This also applies if the workshop is cancelled by IPTPA.

IPTPA Course Level II – The Next Step in Your Coaching Development

Level II is designed for instructors who hold an active Level I certification and want to take their coaching skills to the next level — by conducting more advanced sessions, analyzing players’ games more effectively, and helping them develop their skills in a more structured and professional way.

It is the natural progression for people who see pickleball not only as a passion but also as an opportunity for further professional development.

Level II certification is particularly valuable for pickleball coaches, PE teachers, coaches from other racket sports, sports instructors and activity leaders, club and academy owners, program organizers, and anyone who sees the rapid growth of pickleball as an opportunity to expand their professional skills and services.

During Level II, you build on the knowledge and skills acquired during Level I.

Greater emphasis is placed on advanced technique, game strategy, effective drill progression, player error analysis, and delivering training sessions for intermediate and more advanced players.

Who Can Take Level II?

To participate in Level II certification, you must hold an active IPTPA Level I certificate.

This also means that you may plan to complete both certification levels during the same training trip.

If you successfully complete Level I, pass the required exam, and your certification is confirmed, you may proceed to the Level II certification process.

IPTPA course Level II Is Not Just a Formality

It is important to understand that Level II is not a short course that automatically results in certification.

It is a genuine assessment of both your playing ability and your coaching competence.

The first stage is a practical skills test.

Depending on the number of participants and the organization of the assessment, it typically takes between approximately 20 minutes and one hour and may be conducted individually or in groups.

After successfully passing the skills test, the candidate moves on to the next stage — an observed lesson, lasting approximately one hour per person.

This is where the evaluator assesses not only whether you can play well, but above all whether you can coach effectively.

You must be able to identify a player’s needs, communicate clearly, select appropriate drills, correct errors, and conduct a training session that delivers genuine improvement.

Level II is a certification for people who do not simply want to teach pickleball, but want to do so consciously, professionally, and at an increasingly advanced level.

The Level II certification consists of two parts:

1. Technical Skills Test
2. Observed Lesson

SKILLS TEST

The skills test assesses whether the candidate can correctly and consistently demonstrate the shots required at beginner and intermediate levels.

The assessment includes, among other things:

• correct stroke mechanics,
• technique and proper movement form,
• consistency,
• directional control,
• the ability to place the ball in designated areas of the court,
• understanding the individual components of each stroke.

The test is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Candidates must achieve at least 80%, meaning they must successfully complete at least 8 out of 10 attempts in each required sequence.

Required Shots

Candidates are required to demonstrate:

• forehand dinks down the line and crosscourt,
• backhand dinks down the line and crosscourt,
• windshield-wiper dinks performed along the NVZ line,
• forehand and backhand drop shots down the line and crosscourt,
• forehand and backhand volleys down the line and crosscourt,
• forehand and backhand groundstrokes down the line and crosscourt,
• returns from both the right and left sides of the court,
• serves from both the right and left sides of the court,
• overhead smashes,
• offensive forehand and backhand lobs played from the NVZ line.

OBSERVED LESSON

During the observed lesson, candidates must demonstrate their ability to effectively conduct both group and individual training sessions using IPTPA methodology.

Results and Retakes

The result is communicated directly to the candidate.

The IPTPA Director then sends the official result and feedback to the organization.

If the candidate does not pass, they receive guidance regarding the areas that need improvement.

The assessment may be retaken no earlier than one week later.

Each additional attempt requires scheduling a new assessment and paying an additional fee.

Level II Fees

• Skills Test: USD 100
• Observed Lesson: USD 100
• Total Level II certification cost: USD 200
• Retaking the skills test: USD 40
• Administrative fee: PLN 500, payable to Polska Formacja Pickleballa:

Bank account:
18 1140 2004 0000 3802 8593 9836

Payment details for Level II will be discussed individually with each participant prior to the certification.

Candidates do not need to be professional players. However, they must demonstrate correct technique, control, and consistency.

Commitment, willingness to learn, a good understanding of the fundamentals of the game, and readiness to work according to professional standards are essential.

The quality of demonstrations is particularly important because it shows whether an instructor can correctly demonstrate strokes to their students in accordance with IPTPA methodology.

Why Shouldn’t You Wait?

Because pickleball in Poland is currently at exactly the stage where getting ahead of the curve can make a real difference.

Soon there will be more clubs, more players, more academies, more tournaments, and more people looking for professional coaching.

Those who gain their qualifications now will have an advantage — experience, certification, recognition, and the ability to start working as demand for qualified instructors continues to grow.

This is the right moment to stop thinking about it and simply take the next step.

If you love pickleball, play regularly, want to develop your skills, and feel that you can help others improve — this course is for you.

Course Language

The course will be conducted in English.

This is an additional benefit for participants — you will learn professional coaching terminology, work according to international standards, and develop the communication skills used by pickleball instructors around the world.

Training Cost

Considering the international nature of the certification, IPTPA’s professional standards, and the fact that the training takes place in Poland — without the need to organize an expensive trip abroad — the certification represents excellent value.

For those who are serious about coaching, working in clubs, organizing training sessions, or building their own instructor brand, it is an investment that can open up new professional opportunities.

Places Are Limited

Due to the practical nature of the certification and the need to maintain a high standard of training, the number of places is limited.

Places will therefore be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are considering joining the course, do not leave your decision until the last minute. Places may fill quickly — particularly as this is one of the best opportunities to earn an internationally recognized IPTPA instructor qualification in Poland.

Registration: kontakt@pfpickleballa.pl

The event is organized by Polska Formacja Pickleballa and PickActive Foundation.