Hi, I’m AJ Parfait, a pickleball coach, competitor, and contributor at PickleTip.com based in the New Orleans area. I began playing a few years ago and quickly became obsessed with the process of improving: long court sessions, repeated drilling, live match play, and learning what actually helps players get better under pressure. That mix of coaching and competition shapes how I teach and how I write.
Certification: IPTPA Level 2 Instructor
Competitive Background: Tournament experience across multiple skill divisions, with first-place finishes and podium results in local events
Based In: New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana
My work centers on player development, shot mechanics, drilling, and practical strategy. On PickleTip, I write with a coach’s eye for the details that change points: footwork, timing, technique, decision making, and how to build repeatable habits instead of chasing random hot streaks. I want players to leave with advice they can actually use in real games.
As an IPTPA-certified Level 2 instructor, I work with players at different stages of development, from beginners learning the fundamentals to more experienced players sharpening patterns and mechanics. My approach is direct, practical, and built around clear feedback. I believe improvement happens faster when players understand not just what to do, but why it works and when to use it.
I contribute to PickleTip to help players improve with instruction shaped by real court experience. Whether I’m breaking down a shot, explaining a drill, or writing about progression, my goal is to make the game easier to understand and more rewarding to play.
Learn how to fix your backhand flick with better spacing, contact, wrist timing, and ball selection. This guide breaks down real mechanics, common miss patterns, and the drills that make the shot hold up in games.
The Ronbus Ripple V2 brings back the power and spin players loved—this time with full USA Pickleball approval. Discover why it’s a legal weapon in 2025.
If your backhand counters arrive late, float too high, or break down when the speed-up is already on you, this guide shows you how to fix the mechanics, train the right drills, and hold the shot together in real kitchen-line exchanges.
A Pattern Library for real matches: learn trigger cues, predict the next ball, and use If/Then scripts to choose the right counter. Includes a Pattern Ladder, a quick Pattern Audit, and scoring drills tied to each Pattern ID
Easy Dinking: Master Controlled Shots for Winning Pickleball Rallies I used to think that easy dinking in pickleball looked downright simple, almost silly, before I ever set foot on the court. Then I tried dinking against higher level pickleball players. In a flash, I understood why it’s considered one of the hardest shots to master:…
Joola Pro 4: Pioneering Pickleball Performance for Every Player I always look forward to the latest Joola paddles hitting the courts. Among the most anticipated launches is the Joola Pro 4 lineup. My dad and I regularly test new paddles, and I keep returning to the Joola brand for my personal favorite. I even competed,…
Why Learning How to Dink Matters in Pickleball Imagine stepping onto the pickleball court, paddle in hand, ready to face your opponents. The sun is shining, the crowd is buzzing, and every move counts. For pickleball players, knowing how to dink isn’t just a casual tap over the net. The dink is a strategic weapon…
2024 Joola Pickleball Celebration: Team Underage Dinking’s Journey to Gold The 2024 Joola Pickleball Celebration from August 30 to September 1, 2024, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, was an event to remember. We didn’t come to play in the kiddie division. Instead, we entered a three-day tournament that was…
Pickleball Coach: The Art of Building a Winning Community In the world of pickleball, the role of a Pickleball Coach is more than just teaching techniques or strategies. While many players search for the “secret” to improving their game, the reality is that these secrets are not in the drills or tactics alone. The real…
Beatnik Space Blade Kevlar Pro Series Pickleball Paddle Review The Beatnik Space Blade represents the pinnacle of pickleball paddle design, blending cutting-edge engineering with expert player input. According to the manufacturer, it is crafted with a Kevlar Heart and high-end 12K Carbon Fiber Face, delivering unmatched power, control, and spin. It’s recommended for aggressive, advanced…