DebMascarinPB.com
For the Summer season 2023, Deb has returned to Petoskey, for her third season, as Bay Harbor Yacht Club's Pickleball Professional.
The best way to contact her is via e-mail (dlmm10s@yahoo.com) or cell/text (231-730-9660).
What Players are
saying about Deb...
Your instructional workshop gave me more confidence and I had a great time yesterday with my students. They hung around afterwards and played for quite awhile. They loved “squirrel” with me on a regular pb game! Thanks so much for all your help! I have started a weekly hour “drill” session with 3.5-4.0 women in Verandah followed by a round robin. Our goal is to improve our technical and tactical skills as a group, and form a competitive local travel team to play other Florida communities in the Fall! You have really motivated me to be the best I can be!
--- Joan Wedekind , April 4, 2023
The Veranda Club, Fort Myers, FL
I really enjoyed my first pickleball camp. The time went by so quickly!
I appreciated the high level instruction that I received. I liked having a pro on each court and getting individual feedback from all the pros. It was nice to have the opportunity to ask questions. Everyone was approachable and made me feel at ease and relaxed. It all added up to a fun time learning new techniques and skills! Thanks again to you and your team for a great experience!
--- Angela Pupek , March 12, 2023
Pickleplex, Punta Gorda, FL
Thank you Deb,
It was truly a pleasure learning from you. PPR has a true gem in you being the face of what a true clinician, but more importantly, a true example of leadership and love in the game looks like. Thank you for your time and investment in not only me, but the many you bless daily.
---Jon Hopkins, Feb. 24, 2022
Naples, FL
Thank you again for an amazing day and so much great information! We will highly recommend your clinics to all of our fellow pickleballers!
---Pedro Penteado, Feb. 22, 2022
Apollo Beach, FL
Deb,
I can't thank you and your team enough! You put on a great clinic Saturday, Feb.12th! Loved the student to teacher ratio, your ability and enthusiasm to get to and oversee the four courts. I appreciated your going back to the fundamentals. Your encouragement and suggestions were definitely running through my mind as I played this morning.
Thank you and I hope to be a student of yours again! All my best to you!
---Karen Lux, Feb. 13, 2022
Englewood, FL
Deb is gifted in her ability to analyze and breakdown a student's stance, grip, balance, footwork, and every possible detail that goes into hitting an efficient shot. She is an excellent communicator. She provides positive feedback that makes everyone feel more confident in their ability to improve. And we all do improve with her astute insights. She is a phenomenal coach and teacher. She doesn't just make pickleball more fun, she makes it exciting. So we can't wait to get back on the court and play better. What a sport! What a community! What a teacher!
---Tom Ward, Jan. 19, 2022
President, Peace River Picklers
I was so excited when I heard Peace River Picklers was offering an educational program by Deb Mascarin. The quality that Deb and her team provided today was top notch. The consistency Deb's team provides in their teaching helps volunteer teachers learn to become more consistent and we were given great tips in providing the proper tools needed for the volunteer teachers. Thank you Deb Mascarin for a great session today, look forward to learn more.
---Lin Coe, Jan. 2, 2022
Punta Gorda, FL
All I can say is WOW! The session was excellent. Deb, you did an outstanding job demonstrating correct form and cues for pickleball skills, but what I really appreciated was your emphasis on communication skills. It was thought provoking and I intend to incorporate many of your suggestions. As a first time teacher, I am filled with confidence and excitement for the upcoming classes. Thank you again,
---Deb Downing, Jan. 3, 2022
Punta Gorda, FL
Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I enjoyed your PPR Workshop today. I know you're a great player but the love of the game shows through your teaching. The fact that you ran over your scheduled time to make sure we had all the information needed showed me that it's about teaching and not just a job. As a former tennis players, isn't it amazing to be able to play and teach this fantastic exploding sport at a high level. For me, since I retired from working last year, it has given me a new life so that I feel like I'm living my childhood, Jr. college and pro tennis days again. Again, thanks for the most enjoyable day.
---Ken Friedman, Jan. 8, 2022
West Palm Beach, FL
Deb,
Thanks again for the lesson. You are a fantastic teacher. It was delightful meeting you.
---Pat Oldenkamp, June 18, 2021
Harbor Springs, MI
Deb is a one-of-a-kind talent. She is that rare combination of a national level player who can also coach. And coach extremely well. Even more rare is that she is equally adept at teaching a beginners’ group of 10 in their introduction to this great game, as she is coaching, one-on-one, any advanced player. Her knowledge, coaching, and teaching technique is both physical—how to hit a forehand drive, a dink, a volley, a serve, as well as, mental—where, when and why you should hit a specific shot.
Whether you are just learning the game, or whether you are trying to get to the 5.0 level, Deb is the best choice.
--- Bob Bowman, June 11, 2021
Harbor Springs, MI and Naples, FL
Deb Mascarin not only plays and wins at the national level, she also has a incredible talent to teach and instill her enthusiasm for the game in you. I am most thankful for having her in my life.
--- Dave Creamer, June 8th, 2021
Harbor Springs, MI
Dear Deb, What a joy you are! You definitely have a calling and you fulfill that calling so perfectly. I was on cloud nine after my lesson today. Felt like turning pro LOL. Thank you for all of your help and for making PB so much fun.
--- Tom Ward, March 16, 2021
Punta Gorda, FL
Deb's instruction has really resonated with me. She is a master technician and clinician and her method of teaching is like non-other. I walk away from each lesson and clinic with a total understanding of how I should be hitting the shot, when I should be executing it and why!! Deb has definitely brought my game to a higher level of play. I look forward to each and every lesson. Thank you Deb for your patience, and your teaching gift. Can't wait until our next session!!
---Deb Sarkisian, March 1, 2021
President of Peace River Picklers, Punta Gorda
Deb has taken my game to the next level! She is a great communicator and observer. Her drills are spot on and I walk away with just enough info to work on. I never feel overwhelmed and look forward to the next lesson.
----Judy Robertson, February 7, 2021
Sarasota, FL
Deb,
Observing you teach pickleball for over a year now, I am constantly amazed at how quickly you zero in on each players needs and patiently coach them. I am so fortunate to now be able to be a part of your weekly Punta Gorda lessons and clinics. All of us have gained so much insight into mechanics, shot selection, strategies and specialty shots. You are bringing us up to a higher level of play and we all are enriched by your coaching. You really are a great teacher and my group cannot wait for our next session!!
----Maureen (Mo) Parker, February 6, 2021
Punta Gorda, FL and Boyne City, MI
Deb, you are by far the best Pickleball instructor we have had. (We all agree on that). Thank you for your time and patience.
----Bobbie Little & Glena Kidwell, December 21, 2020
Fort Myers, Florida
I can't thank you enough for your lessons at Birchwood and Petoskey this past summer. It has helped me so much to know and understand the rules, fundamentals, and strategies of the game. Your beginners clinic drills really got that muscle memory working! And it has finally clicked.
----Lisa Jones, December 23, 2020
Evansville, Indiana
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed our Pickleball lessons. While having endless patience, making the lessons fun, you were also "relentless" (your word) in trying to help me learn the correct strokes, which I appreciated. I don't have all it all together but definitely have more tools in my pickleball game, and will continue to improve on what you have taught me.
----Mary Greene, November 19, 2020
Savannah, Georgia
It has been an amazing year for Pickleball at Birchwood Farms Country Club because of you. I've been coached and have coached myself and without a doubt, your approach, demeanor, supportive nature and phenomenal skills put your at the top of all those I've worked with.
----Gary Gauthier, September 22, 2020
Harbor Springs, MI
We had two fantastic clinics with Deb Mascarin today! If you have not had a chance to train with Deb, you are really missing something special. We are so appreciative of her coming to our area to teach.
----Susie Burton, July 29, 2020
Epic Sports Lodge, Independence, Missouri
USAPA Ambassador
If you are looking for the perfect Pickleball Pro, you’ve come to the right place. Deb Mascarin is not only an awesome pickleball player herself, but she can actually teach the game to anyone from beginner to a solid 4.5+ player. Her teaching skills are phenomenal. Deb is positive and inclusive to all her students. I am fairly new to the game and I have improved ten fold with lessons and clinics I have taken with Deb. I can’t say enough about Deb Mascarin.........you will have to see for yourself.
----Beth Varner, July 8, 2020
Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, Harbor Springs, MI
Deb Mascarin has taught Pickleball to our residents this summer (first time) and our program’s participation has increased tremendously. We’ve enjoyed our clinics and lessons with her. She teaches all levels of players with patience and she’s easy to understand. She’s upped our program and increased interest in Pickleball. Great ideas for teaching techniques. So grateful to have Deb with us this summer!
----Laurie Glissman, July 9, 2020
Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club - Harbor Springs, MI
Deb certifies pickleball trainers across the country but she has a very special gift teaching all levels of play. As the link will show, she was awarded the 2019 Clinician of the Year Award through PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry). I have taken individual and “3-and-me” classes with her and I can attest to her competence, instructional style, positive approach and also her ability to hone in on and drill with her clients in areas of need. She loves to teach. She is working with pickleball beginners to 4.5 level players here. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is amazing.
----Deb Hebert, May 10, 2020
(Remarks from a client at Riverbend Motorcoach Resort, LaBelle, Fl)
Hi Deb;
I think to date I've worked with six different coaches/instructors. Anyway, you are hands-down the very best coach and instructor that I've received coaching from. Your instruction, your style, social cues, flow of lessons, professionalism, technique, and the way you're able to identify, explain and demonstrate is an incredible gift as a coach and instructor for pickleball.
Thank you personally for your instruction and teaching me such solid fundamentals.
---Jen Sorber, January 22, 2020
Hi Deb;
Vinnie Brascia here from the Seal Beach workshop. Just wanted to say that I earned the professional designation! Thank you so much for the great workshop. I find myself using many of the things I learned on a daily basis on the courts both in lessons and when playing. We recently went on a Holland America cruise and I was actually giving some instruction to folks on the ship because there was so much interest.
---Vinnie Brascia , November 29, 2019
(Professional Pickleball Registry Certification Clinic - Seal Beach, CA)
Hi Deb;
Thank you for all you do for me and so many others. I am so happy and lucky to have found you to help me advance my PB game. You have it going on for sure.
----Brian Geissinger, June 20, 2019
Remarks regarding the Grand Reveal of Pickleball at the Prestigious Chicago Union Club:
We had never offered pickleball at our club before and reached out to the USA Pickleball Association to see if someone could help us out. They referred us to Deb, and the rest was more than we could have asked for or wanted. We were doing an open-house style event where our members could come and see what pickleball was all about in an open, welcoming environment where they didn't feel bound by a scheduled time they needed to be on the court. Deb was very helpful via email and over the phone as we worked to plan the event and stayed in contact to make sure we all of our needs were met. The day of the event, she showed up several hours early to help us prepare and give some one-on-one coaching to our team on-site to make sure we felt prepared. Our members, our staff and even our executive team were amazed at how easily Deb interacted with people of all ages and levels of play. The members were sad to hear that she wasn't staying on as our "resident pickleball pro" and everyone hopes she will return for future events. She is truly an amazing person and skilled coach.
---Eric Carpenter, Activities Director, Chicago Union Club, May 7th, 2019
Hi Deb;
Thanks for letting the Rodgers brothers help out with the clinic. Your organization skills, communication skills and PB skills made the entire process run smoothly. The participants were engaged and trying enthusiastically to practice what was taught despite the weather. They all seemed to have a great learning experience and had fun - GREAT JOB!
----Dave Rodgers, Spring Lake Clinic, May 28, 2019
Deb,
Thank you so much for the class today! I never played before nor have I ever watched it played, but I think I’m hooked! I loved it and learned so much. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion!
----Janet Taylor - Spring Lake - May 28, 2019
Hi Deb;
I wanted to thank you again for a great workshop. I learned so much and need to correct a bunch of things videos have given me incorrectly. It is very important to me that players are taught correctly. After 45 years of teaching, I am a pretty good judge of teaching methodology. You did a great job.
Thanks again,
----Bob Schodorf, Skokie, Il PPR Certification Clinic, March 31, 2019
The workshop on Saturday was great! Deb did an outstanding job and I learned a lot.
----Mir Rahm, Skokie, Il PPR Certification Clinic, March 26, 2019
Hey Deb,
I really enjoyed last night and would have loved to have gone for a drink afterwards. I got home and immediately got out a bigger piece of paper and started writing down things that you had talked about. I don't hear the word fundamentals very often when I attend pball sessions and it disturbs me that I don't. It seems so obvious that it must come up in the conversation right from the start. Of course you did that and so you had my attention quickly.
You are a teacher/coach. That is the best combination. In fact the only combination. The best coaches are also the best teachers. Yep. "drills for the sake of drills are useless" Glad you reinforced my comment. See you later.
----Doug English, Festival Ranch-Arizona, February 16, 2019
Deb,
My wife, Claudia and I recently attended your clinic in Holland for 2.5 and 3.0 players. Just wanted to let you know that the clinic has really helped both of us. The biggest improvement is our stance during play. We strive to maintain a more upright position, with our knees bent, both arms out in front, maintaining a looser grip and relaxing our arms and upper body, etc. It has really helped our balance and has improved our game quite a bit.
We looked a bit mechanical at first, trying to remember everything, but it is now feeling much more natural and comfortable. It actually helps me see the ball and respond more quickly too. We also have been working the other things you taught us and we both have more confidence now.
Thanks,
----Gary & Claudia Lenon, January 5, 2019
Hi Deb;
I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful lesson. I walked away feeling like I can work on so many things as i play. I love your personality.. the way you teach.. and how intuitive you are.
Thank You!
----Cindy Helder, October 18, 2018
Hi Deb,
I wanted to thank you for all the wonderful lessons. I started in your clinics that our club arranged. Then I decided to schedule private lessons and the 3 and me’s with you. I LOVE your teaching style. You are so positive and you immediately see what I need to improve on. In each lesson you have given me new tools, incorporated new drills and strategies showing me you are actually customizing the lesson just for me. I appreciate this. You have been so encouraging that I’m starting to believe in myself and it is showing in my play.
Thank you!!!
----Rose from Ludington, September 2, 2018
Your clinic was terrific – the MOST useful of any that I have ever participated in!! And, as you suggested, I went home and wrote notes on the specific drills and have used the drills for practice with my husband and several of the players who also participated in the clinic.
----Cyndi McKinney, August 10, 2018
Oh my Deb.
You captured the glory of our lesson so nicely.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this all up and send to us. It is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to practice what you preach. You are an amazing “coach” and instruct terrifically with confidence, patience, knowledge and fun.
Thanks again. Paddles up.
----Katie Peterson, July 26, 2018
Deb,
Thank you and the other folks who assisted you with the clinic yesterday. My wife Peggy and I both agreed that it was the best instruction we have received. We have already set times in the next few days to go out and practice the dinking and drop drills that we can do as a twosome. Peg is usually one who prefers to play rather than practice, but she is all-in about working on these drills.
As you suggested, we started writing down what we remembered on the ride home and I finished them up last night. We covered so much ground yesterday that it was good to have two people’s memories to work from. We had a little confusion trying to recall the progression of the 4 dink and tap drills. I have attached a copy of the notes we made, so if you wouldn’t mind glancing at those and letting us know what we have wrong or missed.
----Mike and Peg Kapuscinski, July 26, 2018
Yesterday, we had our third lesson from PRO Deb Mascarin who we met at a free pickleball clinic that was hosted by our friend Cari Draft (EcoTrek Fitness). Thank you Cari!
If you ever have an opportunity to be a part of one of Deb’s clinics (she also gives private/semi-private lessons) we HIGHLY recommend her! The instruction, patience and her ability to teach all levels of skill, are incredible! She’s a ROCKSTAR! Thank you Deb.
----Jen Sorber, July 10, 2018
Thx for helping me. You are very good, plus so positive & encouraging, a million thank you’s.
This game is so much fun! Then throw in the personalities and camaraderie, cannot be beat!
----Lori Harvitt, July 6, 2018
Thanks Deb for such an encouraging assessment of my game. Your clinics are the best thing I have found and I hope you continue teaching.
My feet continue to be a work in progress.
Thanks again. You give me hope!
----Ethel Joslin, June 28, 2018
I have been meaning to write this since Monday, but Ethel and I rode home and talked about all that we have learned in the few weeks or so that we have worked with you. You are the best....but along with all the skills you have taught us, we appreciate the etiquette and manners of the game that you are reinforcing. That is what makes you a class act!
----Joni Cantenese, June 6, 2018