The Flying Pickle Academy

The Flying Pickle Academy

Pro-Led Skill Systems: Technical Masterclasses, Tactical Drills & Mindset Coaching

The Flying Pickle Academy is a premier pickleball instructional platform delivering pro-level coaching to players of all levels. With over 11,800 subscribers and more than 1 million views on YouTube, TFPA has become a trusted resource for pickleball education, guided by the philosophy that "pickleball is better when you don't have to learn it on your own."

Led by professional pickleball player and coach Susannah Barr, alongside professional coach and commentator Dominic Catalano and professional pickleball and tennis coach Maria Lopez, the academy provides high-level strategies, drills, and insights through structured coaching content. Their "Practice Like a Pro" and "From a Pro Drilling Session" video series offer viewers behind-the-scenes access to professional training methods, covering essential skills from third shot drops and counters to aggressive dinking and midcourt play.

The Flying Pickle Academy (TFPA) is a comprehensive online training hub led by world-class professional player Susannah Barr alongside elite coaches Dominic Catalano and Maria Lopez. This channel serves as the video library for their "living training system," focusing on structured player development through technical precision, high-level strategy, and the psychological edge needed to succeed in 2026.

What you will find on this channel:

  • Technical Masterclasses: Deep dives into fundamental and advanced mechanics, such as the two-handed backhand, topspin lobs, and balanced footwork.

  • Systematic Drill Plans: Step-by-step practice routines—including survival scrambling and volley target practice—designed to make high-level shots repeatable under pressure.

  • Mindset & Performance Coaching: Expert guidance from Maria Lopez on staying calm, confident, and focused during tight match situations.

  • Strategic Blueprints: No-nonsense tactical breakdowns from Dominic Catalano that focus on speed-ups, counters, and mid-court aggression.

  • Pro Tour Vlogs: Behind-the-scenes content documenting Susannah Barr’s life on the pro circuit, offering insights into the training habits of elite athletes.

Is this channel for you?

  • Growth-Minded Players: If you believe "pickleball is better when you don't have to learn it on your own" and want a structured community-driven approach to improvement.

  • Technical Students: Ideal for those who want clear, concise tutorials that skip the fluff and focus on biomechanically sound foundations.

  • Tactical Learners: Players looking for the specific "chess moves" required to neutralize aggressive opponents and control the kitchen line.


We Don’t Recommend This Shot… But Here’s How to Hit It
The Flying Pickle AcademyMay 01, 202600:08:59

We Don’t Recommend This Shot… But Here’s How to Hit It

The drop volley might be the most controversial shot in pickleball. Most coaches don’t recommend it, and for good reason: ❌ Low margin for error ❌ Often invites your opponent forward ❌ Easy to execute...

From Wristy to Weapon in 5 Minutes: One-Handed Backhand Counter (Coached by a Pro)
The Flying Pickle AcademyMarch 01, 202600:09:42

From Wristy to Weapon in 5 Minutes: One-Handed Backhand Counter (Coached by a Pro)

Can you really fix a one-handed backhand counter in 5 minutes? Pro Pickleball Coach Billy Buchhauser has a great backhand counter. In this video he teaches his counter technique and works with a real ...

You’re Hitting Overheads Wrong (Do This Instead)
The Flying Pickle AcademyFebruary 17, 202600:08:38

You’re Hitting Overheads Wrong (Do This Instead)

Most players miss overheads for one simple reason: they’re hitting them wrong. In this overhead masterclass, Coach Dominic Catalano, along with pro coaches Susannah Barr and Maria Lopez, break down ho...

How to Hit a BIG Serve in Pickleball
The Flying Pickle AcademyFebruary 16, 202600:00:49

How to Hit a BIG Serve in Pickleball

Want to hit a bigger, more aggressive serve in pickleball? In this 47-second breakdown, pro coach Billy Buchhauser walks you through his full serve technique From his striking stance to contact point ...

Stop Playing it Safe on Your Serve! Mindset + Mechanics for a BIG Serve in Pickleball
The Flying Pickle AcademyFebruary 08, 202600:09:56

Stop Playing it Safe on Your Serve! Mindset + Mechanics for a BIG Serve in Pickleball

Most players treat the serve like a formality. The best players treat it like a weapon. In this video, pro coach Billy Buchhauser breaks down how to build a serve you can trust under pressure. A serve...