Meet David
Founder, head coach and active competitor — leading Bayside Pickleball Academy with the same discipline, focus and warmth he brings to every court.
Founder & Head Coach
A decorated player who coaches like one
David is a nationally and internationally decorated pickleball player who built Bayside Pickleball Academy to raise the standard of coaching in his own backyard.
On court he is precise and competitive; off it he is patient, generous and genuinely invested in every player's progress. That combination — real discipline paired with real warmth — is what makes his coaching land, whether you have never held a paddle or you are chasing a podium.
Crucially, David still competes at the highest levels of the sport. His coaching isn't drawn from a textbook or a highlight reel from years ago — it reflects what actually wins points today. When he teaches a shot, a pattern or a piece of strategy, it is because he is using it himself, right now, against strong opposition.
His mission is simple: to grow pickleball across Melbourne's Bayside — Brighton, Sandringham, Mentone and Cheltenham — and to give every local player, at every age and level, a coach worth training with.
An elite competitive record
Honours earned on court — and still being added to today.
Qualified to the highest standard
David holds elite, internationally recognised coaching accreditations — the foundation of the structured, professional coaching that defines the academy.
AAPC Level 3 Master Coach
The highest tier of the Australian Academy of Pickleball Coaching — advanced technical, tactical and player-development expertise.
Pickleball Global Level 2 Coach
Internationally benchmarked accreditation, grounding David's coaching in globally recognised standards and methods.
IPTPA Level 1 Coach
Certified by the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association — a globally respected teaching credential.
Proven where it counts — on the court
David's results read like a serious competitor's, because that is exactly what he is. His honours span domestic and international competition, and across multiple age divisions.
Captain of the Kings
Leads the Kings in the ALL STARS Pickleball League — a role that reflects both his standing among peers and his leadership.
Multiple National Gold Medallist
Repeated gold-medal success at national level across singles and doubles competition.
Multiple International Gold Medallist
Gold-medal performances on the international stage, against strong global fields.
Competing across 35+, 40+ & 50+
Contests multiple age divisions — testament to his range, fitness and longevity in the game.
And this record isn't in the past tense. David continues to actively compete while coaching, keeping his own game sharp and his coaching honest — every lesson informed by the same competition he asks his players to embrace.
Still competing today
How I coach
In David's own words — the four principles behind every session at the academy.
Fundamentals first
"Great players are built on great basics. I make sure your grip, footwork, contact and positioning are solid — because that's what holds up under pressure."
Personalised to you
"No two players are the same. I coach the person in front of me — your goals, your game and your pace — not a one-size-fits-all script."
Honest feedback
"I'll always tell you the truth about your game — kindly, but clearly. You can't fix what no one's willing to point out, and real improvement starts there."
Enjoyable improvement
"Progress should feel good. I keep sessions engaging and rewarding, because players who enjoy their coaching keep coming back — and keep getting better."
Two ways to learn from David directly
Whether you thrive in a small group or want coaching built entirely around you, there's a clear place to start.
Group Coaching
Structured beginner and intermediate programs in small groups — the ideal balance of expert coaching, deliberate practice and social play, all led by David.
- Small group sizes
- Beginner & intermediate streams
- Personal feedback within the group
Private Coaching
One-to-one coaching built entirely around you — from refining a single shot to full tournament preparation with a coach who still competes at the top.
- Fully personalised sessions
- Technique & match strategy
- Tournament preparation
Book Coaching with David
Learn from a decorated, still-competing player who coaches with discipline and warmth. Beginners genuinely welcome — every level, every age.