Hi, I’m AJ Parfait, a 22-year-old pickleball enthusiast based in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana. Although I only began playing about three years ago, I’ve thrown myself into the game so completely - often logging 6 hours of court time on weekdays and 10 hours on weekends - that I’ve made progress most players achieve in five to ten years. My ultimate goal? Go pro as soon as possible.
🎯 4.8+ DUPR Rating (hit 4.0 in my first year!)
🥇 Gold at Money Hill Advanced & 2024 Joola Celebration
📍 Favorite Spot: Pontiff Playground, Metairie
In just 36 months, I’ve soared to a 4.7+ rating, taken first-place finishes at the 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 levels, and earned a string of second- and third-place results in local doubles events. Along the way, I’ve explored some of New Orleans’ top venues - Elmwood Pickleball, Ochsner Fitness Center, Pontiff Playground, and especially Mike Miley Playground - which is my favorite spot for high-level competition.
As an IPTPA-certified Level 2 instructor, I’m dedicated to helping players of all skill levels fall in love with pickleball. My coaching style blends core fundamentals with tailored drills that help you improve quickly while having a great time on the court. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your tournament-level strategy, I look forward to guiding you on your pickleball journey and showing you just how rewarding, competitive, and fun this sport can be.
The difference between the JOOLA Dual Certified 3S and the Pro IV isn’t just price. It’s legality, spin technology (grit vs. dwell time), and the Pro IV’s TFP core refinement. Stop scratching your head: understand the trade-offs in feel and durability before you buy.
Dive into a terrifying pickleball ghost story inspired by the new CORE Pro 4G paddle! At Camp Rougarou, the midnight ladder has a price, and the court remembers every shot. Can the players escape the fog, or will they have to play just one more game? Read the chilling tale now!
Improving Your Pickleball Game: Intermediate Clinic Already know the fundamentals of pickleball but looking to take your game to the next level? The Intermediate Pickleball Clinic at Elmwood Pickleball is perfect for you. This welcoming clinic, led by experienced Level 2 Certified Pickleball Instructor AJ Parfait, is designed to help you identify your weaknesses and significantly improve your…
Stuck between timid drops and wild drives? The hybrid drop drive is your answer. This isn’t just a shot; it’s a disguised attack that forces errors, disrupts rhythm, and helps you own the net. Discover how this weaponized middle path offers spin, disguise, and control, transforming your third shot from a weakness into your biggest advantage.
Stop blaming your technique when your paddle’s smoother than a jellyfish. You don’t need $300 gear, but you do need the right gear.
Most drop shot mistakes aren’t physical — they’re mental. Trust the drop. Learn how to dominate on PickleTip.
These are the best drills for pickleball to improve faster, from beginner dinks to pro-level chaos games that truly elevate your play.
Unlock the secrets to developing lightning-fast hands in pickleball. This comprehensive guide provides expert insights, key drills, and strategic tips to boost your reaction time and dominate critical kitchen line exchanges for immediate improvement.
Master the game with 12 essential pickleball tips — from better footwork to sharper dinks and improved serves — each linking to expert-backed guides on PickleTip.com for deeper learning and more wins.
Discover how to hit a pickleball harder with pro-level tips on body mechanics, paddle selection, and topspin — without losing control.