BY ALLON ROCK, SOUTH AFRICA
The journey to where I stand today in the world of Pickleball actually began on a humble concrete slab exactly 48 years ago. I was just an eight-year-old at primary school, getting my first taste of tennis through what we called a “tennis set.” It was essentially a mini-introduction to the game, featuring portable nets, wooden bats, and tennis balls. Looking back, it’s striking how much that setup mirrored the actual mechanics of Pickleball.
That early spark ignited a lifelong passion. My tennis journey carried me through primary and high school, where I competed in various tournaments and found success in both phases. When it came time for my national service in the South African Army, tennis was my constant companion; I played all around the country while in uniform.
Following my two years in the army, I headed to the United States to Washington College. I spent a year studying and playing for the Shoremen, an experience that deepened my technical understanding of the court. Upon returning home in 1991, I knew my future lay in the game. I enrolled in coaching courses and joined an academy as an apprentice, meticulously working my way through every certification level until I officially became a Professional Coach in 1996.
For decades, I coached across various venues in Johannesburg, but the landscape shifted in 2021. That was the year Darren Zidel introduced me to the wonderful sport of Pickleball. Darren brought the sport to South Africa and founded Pickleball South Africa (PSA) at a time when there were only three established clubs in the entire country.
I dove in headfirst. In 2022, I completed my Level 1 course with the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP). By the end of that year, I was guiding and instructing PSA’s own level certification rollout, training a new wave of prospects to become Level 1 coaches.
However, 2024 brought a change in the tide. Major shifts within the national association caused coaching courses to halt. Not wanting to see that momentum lost, I joined forces with partners Ismail Schuster and Mouhamiem “Moe” Larbi, a highly qualified tennis and strength and conditioning coach. Together, we formed Elite Global Pickleball Coaching.
Our mission was clear: if we couldn’t certify through the national association, we would produce our own world-class programs. We have since designed and launched Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications, along with a specific strength and conditioning program. Our goal is to provide coaches worldwide, from those working with beginners to those training advanced players, the comprehensive knowledge they need to excel in the sport we all love.
Now, as we move through 2026, the future looks incredibly bright. For Elite Global and the entire coaching “Pickleball clan,” this year promises to be our most impactful yet as we continue to professionalise and grow the game on a global scale.
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Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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