During his visit to Italy for a pickleball clinic, we interviewed Miguel Enciso, pickleball director at the Californian clubs in Westlake and Sherwood Country, near Los Angeles.

How did you discover pickleball?

Through my family, back in the late ’80s. We were sports enthusiasts and had a small basketball court in our backyard. My brother discovered pickleball at a YMCA club and came home excited. From then on, we played in our backyard, where the basketball court used to be, for several years. At the time, there were obviously very few players in the area. For a few years, I stopped playing, but when my son came back from college in 2014, I started playing again with him and the local pickleball community. Ten years ago, it was a small group of players, but now there are many players and courts.

What’s pickleball like in California?

There are plenty of outdoor courts, thanks to the mild climate in the southern U.S., but fewer indoor courts. The downside of non-dedicated indoor courts—those set up in gyms also used for volleyball and basketball—is the wooden flooring. The bounce is fine, but concrete is better. Years ago, pickleball sometimes took over tennis courts since tennis was on the decline. This happens less now, and there’s less tension between tennis players and pickleball players. In fact, at clubs, tennis players often notice the social and fun atmosphere among pickleball players, which helps them appreciate the sport’s appeal.

Right, some tennis players switch to pickleball. But they’re often the ones who hit fewer dinks and go for fast, flat shots. In a word, “bangers.” How can we convert them to dinks?

You handle bangers by using resets and slowing the pace. And by convincing them that hitting hard might score some points against intermediate players, but at higher levels, a banger usually loses. Even a former tennis champion like Jack Sock, who play pro pickleball now, started as a banger but is progressively adopting a dink-and-drop style of play.

Is this your first clinic abroad?

Yes, and I’m thrilled. I connected online by chance with the founders of Pickleball Italy Trips (an organization offering pickleball travel and clinics), and we clicked right away. Thanks to their invitation, I’ll be in Puglia and Basilicata in June and in Piedmont in September. I’ve been coaching beginners for several years, but the clinic is a great opportunity for intermediate and advanced players to learn more sophisticated drills and techniques – whether for tournaments or just for more exciting friendly matches.

In the U.S., is being a pickleball coach a full-time profession?

In some cases, it is, although it’s rarely the only source of income. Unlike tennis, pickleball requires fewer lessons to start playing and having fun, so many players just take a few lessons at the beginning and stop there. That said, there are certified instructors for various skill levels, certified by different organizations.

You come from a TV background. Is that why your pickleball videos are so popular?

Definitely. Having worked as a production director for TV shows most of my life makes it easier for me. Plus, I enjoy making them. I try to create playful and lighthearted videos that help people practice drills and improve their pickleball game while reminding them that pickleball is all about fun and joy. Pickleball has become central in my life – not so much as a profession, but as a passion. When I’m at the clubs where I direct pickleball activities, I’m surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, meeting new people, and having fun. What could be better?

Will pickleball become a TV sport?

Personally, I watch pickleball on www.pickleballtv.com, but it’s true that, for now, its audience on TV and at tournaments isn’t comparable to more established sports. In my opinion, becoming an Olympic sport will be a turning point for pickleball. It’s unfortunate that pickleball wasn’t included in the 2028 Olympics, which will be held here in Los Angeles. But it’ll happen eventually.

What paddle do you use?

I use a kevlar-made Komodo paddle, usually the Katana model. Sometimes, I switch to carbon fiber models. Kevlar, if you’re sensitive, adds something in terms of precision and is a great weapon against bangers.