Meet PicklePong Deb: The Coach Who's Shaping the Future of Pickleball
When it comes to learning pickleball — whether you’ve never picked up a paddle or play every weekend — there’s one name you’re bound to hear: Deb Harrison, aka PicklePong Deb.
With a background in competitive athletics, a passion for coaching, and a treasure trove of instructional videos, Deb has become one of the most respected and beloved instructors in the sport. If you’re looking to improve your footwork, shot selection, or court strategy, her insights are second to none.
From Field Hockey Star to Pickleball Pioneer
Deb’s journey into pickleball is rooted in a lifetime of leadership and competition. Originally from Walpole, Massachusetts, she captained the University of Massachusetts field hockey team and was selected for the U.S. Field Hockey Squad from 1968 to 1972.
After earning her master’s degree from East Stroudsburg State College, she coached at Mount Holyoke and the University of Bridgeport — building a legacy of high-performance coaching long before she ever picked up a pickleball paddle.
Then, in 2004, Deb found her next great adventure: pickleball.
A Champion On and Off the Court
Since stepping onto the court, Deb has earned over 120 medals, including multiple golds at events like the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships and the National Senior Games. In 2018, she was named Florida Senior Games Female Athlete of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors.
But Deb’s impact goes far beyond the podium.
She is also a certified IPTPA and PPR instructor who offers clinics, private lessons, and online tutorials to help players develop better mechanics, smarter strategy, and real confidence.
YouTube's Go-To for Pickleball Instruction
Deb Harrison teaching a group of women on court.
Deb Harrison’s YouTube channel is one of the most-watched and trusted resources in the sport. With over 200 pickleball instructional videos, she breaks down skills and strategy in a way that’s practical, digestible, and engaging.
Whether you’re searching:
Best pickleball drills for seniors
How to improve your pickleball footwork
Pickleball paddle grip tips
Pickleball strategy for beginners
…chances are, Deb has a video for that.
→ Explore her channel here: PicklePong Deb on YouTube
Building a Stronger Pickleball Community
While Deb is known for her sharp eye and no-nonsense coaching style, her real superpower is building community. Based in The Villages, Florida — one of the largest pickleball communities in the country — Deb works with players of all skill levels and backgrounds.
Deb Harrison on the pickleball court.
Whether she’s coaching in local parks or leading national clinics alongside players like Simone Jardim, she creates welcoming, inclusive spaces where players feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
Her mantra?
“It’s more about the whack than the yack.”
And yet, the way she communicates — clearly, confidently, and kindly — is exactly what keeps players coming back.
Why Deb Harrison Matters in the World of Pickleball
In a sport growing at record pace – more than 36.5 million players in the U.S. and counting – people are looking for credible, approachable instruction. Deb delivers.
Whether you're an active senior, a former athlete looking for your next challenge, or someone aiming to level up, Deb Harrison offers a path forward built on experience, excellence, and heart.
From medals to mechanics to mindset, PicklePong Deb will help you get there. One whack at a time.
