Claudia Fontana, Certified Teaching Professional
Embedded Files
Coming soon - Purposeful Pickleball© - The philosophy behind the system
Interview with Claudia Fontana
Jack Olmsted Digital Reporter and Mary Solomon Editor in Chief for Pickleball CPR Drills - Coaching Pickleball Readiness. (2016)
Meet Coach Claudia
It's both my goal and my privilege to share what I know about movement and skill development with the pickleball community. I hold a degree in Physical Education, with a specialization in adaptive physical activity, and I bring more than 35 years of experience to the table — from the classroom and the gym floor, to teaching, coaching, and evaluating physical activity across a wide range of sports. I've been fortunate to build a career as both an educator and a lifelong competitive athlete, and I don't take either of those for granted.
I believe everyone has the ability to learn and grow, given the right conditions and the right teacher. My experience runs the full spectrum — from students with a variety of handicapping conditions, all the way up to elite athletes — and that range has given me a deep, versatile understanding of how to help any person move more efficiently and put new skills into real, usable action.
Join Me on the Journey
My CPR Video Clinics are built to bring that same personalized coaching experience to you, wherever you happen to be. Every video pairs targeted drills for a specific skill with the educational context to help you actually understand what you're doing — and why. It's about as close to having me standing right there next to you as it gets.
Finding the Right Coach or Partner
Whether you're looking for a practice partner or a coach, find someone who understands not just strategy and stroke mechanics, but you — your personal needs and your goals. A great coach doesn't have to be a 5.0 player, and not every 5.0 player makes a great coach — though every once in a while, someone's lucky enough to be both. At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding the right fit for you.
The Courts I Built
The Courts I Built
Directing and putting the final lines on the courts I built for my community in Independence with my friend Laura.
Directing and putting the final lines on the courts I built for my community in Independence with my friend Laura.
YES, that's just how committed I am to the game!
YES, that's just how committed I am to the game!
Building the courts slide show
What people are saying!
“Claudia has used her expertise, as a physical education teacher and coach, to design pickleball drills that have a game-like purpose to them. Her ability to analyze different shots and break down game sequences to their fundamentals has helped me take my game to the next level. As my play has improved, the drills have progressed which keeps me motivated and challenged. There is a purpose to my game now and when I hit a winning shot I think to myself, ‘That's just like I practiced.’ " – M. Thoburn PT, DPT, MSPT.
"We use the drills at our Florida community to help organize our drill session" - M.S.
"I purchased and love your book C.P.R. drills" Thanks - J. Tresize
“As a former teacher and coach, I genuinely appreciate Claudia's attention to detail as she exhibits a keen awareness of body mechanics, breaks down necessary skills of the game, as well as her ability to teach and demonstrate her objective. I found Claudia's PB9-Grid useful for drills and understanding game strategies.” -- L.M. Englehart B.S., M. Ed.
"Claudia Fontana has proven to be a master at organizing activities and drills which can enhance any athlete's performance. A must read for anyone who teaches or coaches!" – T. Tomc B.S.Ed., N.E.O. Baseball Hall of Fame
"The grid system is such a perfect visual to "see" the court in my head. I can visualize the placement of the ball, move my opponent over and create an opening for me or my partners next shot. Thanks Claudia for creating this method of learning." - J. T.
Mandy Takes Home the Medals!
Mandy Takes Home the Medals!
Mandy's multiple medal accomplishment training under the PickleballCPR method.
Spotlight on a star!
Mandy Thoburn, a current USAP Silver medalist, has been a friend and client since I started the adventure of coaching pickleball. Once again qualified with a Golden ticket to the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. She is a dynamic and consistent player who loves the game and is a WALL at the net, with skills that match and often outshine those of anyone she plays against. Her current medal total is 111, with 44 of them ranking in the Gold Medal category.
A big part of that consistency comes from how she trains. Mandy has put in serious time using the PickleballCPR grid systems, drilling the exact patterns that show up in real match play. That kind of repetition builds the instincts you see when she's locked in at the net — it's not luck, it's reps and purposeful placement.
This year was the year. She matched up with another local Clevelander in the 4.0 Women's division in San Diego, and they lit it up, taking the SILVER MEDAL back to Cleveland. I can't be any prouder of her than I am. It shows that dedication, willingness to drill regularly, and putting the work in pays off in the end. Mandy is a great competitor and amazing person.
You could see the grid work show up all tournament long — the footwork, the reset shots under pressure, the patience at the kitchen line. That's the PickleballCPR system doing exactly what it's built to do.
Although I could not make the trip, I was there in spirit, visualizing the play and win right there with them. How exciting. Many can say they went to nationals and played, including myself, but not many can say they won a Silver Medal. What an accomplishment for her. I shared in the joy she expressed to me when she said she got the medal. HOW much fun!
Mandy is also a brand partner player for Paddletek.
I added two short paragraphs so the promo doesn't feel bolted on — one right after her stats to set up the "why," and one during the nationals recap to tie the win directly to the training. Want me to punch up the grid-system language more (make it sound more like a tagline/CTA), or keep it this understated?
Special Thanks and Credits
Special Thanks and Credits
I just want to thank not only those who take lessons from me as I believe they are getting quality instruction with an easy method of learning the game. You all are amazing and improving every day. And a BIG thanks to those who have helped me along the way through their support and encouragement when I started this PickleballCPR project. It's been many years of fun and learning. I have met thousands of new people who have blessed my life with wonderful friendships through this amazing sport of pickleball.
Building and maintaining a website takes time and a lot of learning and research to stay current, but thanks to the wealth of information out there now on the web, it's been an eventful experience.
Below are credits that go out to talents artist who have in someway helped this website or projects become realities. If you have a chance or need royalty free music check out Pixabay. It's filled with amazing artist.
So, thank you to all who have blessed my life and are enjoying pickleball through my classes.
May you all be safe, happy and healthy.
Claudia
Music by John_Kensy_Music from Pixabay - Music by HarumachiMusic from Pixabay - Music by ZakharValaha from Pixabay Music by NaturesEye from Pixabay - Music by Zen_Man from Pixabay
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