Empower Pickleball in Turks & Caicos with Neil Friedenberg

Each morning there will be drills and instruction with pro teacher Neil Friedenberg. In the afternoon there will be plenty of time to enjoy the beach and resort (or just keep playing pickleball if you want!).  In the early evening there will be open play and Neil will be jumping in, giving tips and advice to everyone playing!

Sessions will be all encompassing instruction covering proper mechanics, drills, and fun games focused on improving most shots and strategies in pickleball. 

Participants can expect to work on:

• Dinking – Mechanics, strategies, and spin use: technique, strategy, out of the air and of the bounce, movement, and partner motion
• Serves/Returns – Utilizing varieties of serves/returns, when to use them while manipulating the tempo of the game in your favor
• Court Awareness – Footwork strategies, readiness, tracking, court positioning
• Kitchen Line Technique and Strategy – Aggressive and opportunistic shot selection, resetting, patience, defensive, and lobbing the opponent from kitchen
• 3rd Shot Drives and Drops – Mechanics of drops, drives, consistency, and placement
• 5th Shot/Transition Zone – Using the 2-step process, drop shots, resets, and shorthops

Neil Friedenberg first learned the sport of pickleball in the late 1980s in Federal Way, Washington, at the Weyerhaeuser headquarters, his father Mark’s place of work. There was a single court adjacent to the racquetball court in the fitness center, where Mark taught Neil the basics of the game and strategies for competing against various types of opponents. Mark, known affectionately by the nickname “Yoda,” earned this title for his unparalleled skill, wisdom, and profound contributions to the sport. His achievements included founding the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA), writing instructional books, and winning hundreds of tournaments, including a National Championship. Mark’s induction into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in its inaugural year highlighted his extraordinary impact on the game. Pickleball runs through his veins, and he continues to be a driving force behind the sport’s evolution.

In 2011, Neil took the helm of Prolite, a prominent pickleball paddle manufacturer, after purchasing the company from his father. He moved Prolite’s operations to Wisconsin and set about expanding the business. Under Neil’s leadership, Prolite entered a new era of growth and innovation. He expanded the company’s product line by developing over 40 unique paddle models, each designed to cater to athletes from diverse sports backgrounds and their specific equipment needs. Additionally, Neil pioneered the launch of a Prolite grip division, along with a wide range of apparel, sports bags, and other pickleball accessories, further establishing Prolite as a key player in the industry.”

Neil shares his father’s passion for the game, but also brings his own vibrant, fun-loving personality to the business. His enthusiasm for pickleball goes beyond just the game itself—he is deeply committed to helping players develop their skills and improve all aspects of their game, empowering them to become better athletes. Neil often speaks about the deeper impact of pickleball on people’s lives, emphasizing how the sport can promote physical and mental health, while fostering a strong sense of community. “Pickleball can shape someone’s life for the greater good. It adds years to your life, can save lives, and creates the ultimate social atmosphere,” he says, highlighting the game’s profound impact. In Neil’s eyes, pickleball offers more than just a fun activity—it’s a way to boost overall well-being and bring people together. When you play pickleball, you’re checking off benefits for your social, physical, and mental health. Check, check, and check!

Neil is a dedicated and accomplished athlete with a strong competitive spirit! His bronze medal at the US Open 5.0+ levels highlights his skill and commitment to his sport. His quote, “The competitive fire never leaves an athlete, no matter what sports background they came from,” reflects a mindset that many athletes share—regardless of the sport, the desire to compete and excel remains a key part of their identity. Whether he is drawing from past experiences or continuing to refine his abilities, Neil’s perseverance and passion for competition are evident in his ongoing success.

Neil continues to promote pickleball around the globe and continues to follow his passions….teaching and playing pickleball!