Members of Richmond and Wellfield Pickleball Club enjoyed a major boost to their game last Friday when they welcomed Rob Williams for a full day of specialist coaching.
Williams, who serves as Head of Coaching Development for Pickleball England and coach of the England team, spent seven hours working with 32 club members at Catterick Leisure Centre, offering expert guidance and practical tips designed to sharpen their skills.
The club was founded two years ago by Julie Vickerman after she discovered the sport while visiting her daughter in Vancouver.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for 32 members of the club to learn some great tips to improve their game,” said Julie Vickerman. “Rob was with club members for seven hours, which allowed for in-depth coaching.”
The day was split into three sessions, with two groups of eight receiving three hours of instruction each, followed by a one-hour session for a larger group of 16 players.
Williams tailored each session to the needs of the participants, covering techniques such as the two-handed backhand and different ways of applying spin. His coaching style combined technical expertise with humour.
One memorable exercise saw players practising the delicate “dink” shot while balancing a cone on their heads — a light-hearted but effective way to reinforce the importance of hitting shots while properly balanced.
Club member Dave Wray described the coaching as “excellent”, while Judith Roberts said it was “game-changing”.
Julie Vickerman and Kieron Pearce, both qualified Level 1 club coaches, will now work with members to build on the ideas introduced during the sessions.
Their focus will include helping players prepare for this year’s English Open.
Both coaches bring impressive credentials to the role. Julie Vickerman is a reigning gold medallist at the 2025 English National Championships, while Kieron Pearce won silver in the men’s doubles at the 2025 English Open.
The club, based at Catterick Leisure Centre, offers sessions for players of all abilities. Beginners are welcome, although those with experience in other racket sports may find they adapt quickly.
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, is played on a badminton-sized court using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Easy to learn and highly addictive, it appeals to players of all ages and skill levels.
