When Brad Lees first picked up a paddle, he had no idea it would change the dynamic of his entire family. What started as a "stupid little game" he tried with his kids in the neighborhood quickly spiraled into something much more. Today, Brad is a DUPR Coach, RPPK Master Instructor, and proud dad to a crew of five highly rated pickleball players.

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A Family That Pickleballs Together

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"We have five kids; my daughter is my mixed partner, and my sons coach as well,” Brad shared. “One's a 5.7 DUPR, the other is a 5.0 and my daughter is a 4.5"

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Even cooler? Their pickleball skills helped them to transition to other sports. It took his daughter only 6 months to learn tennis and become #2 on her high school team, qualifying for the State Championship. According to Brad, the transition was seamless. "She picked up volleys and quick hands from pickleball. That gave her the confidence to rush the net in tennis while others stayed back."

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Calling out the "Anyone Can Teach" Myth

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"Anyone can teach... But not everyone can teach well," Brad joked.

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What separates a great coach from a decent player, he explained, is patience, strategy, and an actual framework.

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A lot of high-rated players think they can coach—but playing well doesn’t always translate to teaching well. “We need structure in this sport,” Brad explained. “Certification ensures you’re not passing down bad habits or outdated strategies.”

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How DUPR Ratings Changed the Game

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Brad doesn’t just coach—he rates. As a DUPR Coach, Brad runs multiple rating sessions each week, using them not only to help players get started, but also to build long-term relationships.

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“A lot of the Picklr facilities are DUPR-limiting their leagues and open plays. If someone doesn’t have a DUPR, they can’t even get into those events.”

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More and more clubs are making having a DUPR rating a requirement, and that gives certified DUPR Coaches like Brad the chance to connect with players right from the beginning.

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“Players meet you during the session and see how you coach. It’s a great way to build relationships—and grow your coaching business.”

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Once a player has a rating, the journey doesn’t stop there. Brad works with many players whose goal is simple: raise their DUPR.

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“I have several athletes that I work with who are always trying to raise their DUPR. That’s their ultimate goal. So we’re coming up with strategies, matches, and game plans that can help them get there.”

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For Brad’s students, coaching goes beyond technique—it’s about access. To better matchups, more competitive events, and a better overall experience. And it all starts with the right rating.

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“Everyone thinks they’re better than they really are."

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“People sign up for tournaments thinking they’re a 3.5, then get trashed and only play two games after paying a lot of money,” Brad noted.

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That’s why getting rated by a DUPR Coach matters. It’s the fastest, fairest way to figure out where you actually stand—so you can start in the right bracket, have a great time, and build from there.

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Why Arizona Is Leading the Pickleball Boom Right Now

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According to Coach Brad Lees, Arizona’s rise as a pickleball hotspot comes down to three key factors: great weather, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a rapid increase in courts and events.

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The state regularly hosts major tournaments like PPA and Major League Pickleball, drawing large crowds and growing interest at every level. Arizona is also home to many local pro players, adding to the region’s competitive energy.

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“There are five Picklr facilities in the Valley already,” Brad shared, “and there are even plans for a new indoor facility with 50 courts.”

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 With more events, more courts, and more talent, it’s no surprise amateur participation is surging across the state.

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Why Coaching Education Matters

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Coach Brad Lees believes structured programs like RPPK are essential for growing the sport the right way. “If you’re making up your own curriculum every time, players get inconsistent instruction—and that’s not good for anyone,” he shared. 

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While it’s natural to adjust lessons for different players, a strong foundation helps ensure that players learn the right habits from day one and can actually progress.

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RPPK Isn’t Just About Curriculum

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Beyond the teaching framework, Brad pointed out the practical perks of certification—like liability insurance, which is often required at parks and facilities. “If you’re coaching without insurance, you’re taking a big risk. Accidents happen—better to be covered.”

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RPPK also gives coaches credibility, structure, and tools that help them deliver more consistent, effective instruction—and stand out in a growing field.

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The Future: DUPR + RPPK as the Standard

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Brad envisions a future where every club and league uses DUPR ratings and RPPK certification as the norm.

“We’ve never had one clear coaching standard in pickleball. But with RPPK’s structure and DUPR’s reach, we finally could. That’s how we build long-term growth—and do it the right way.

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Want to learn more about becoming a Master Instructor? Click here to explore your next step.

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