Coach Spotlight: Dynamic Duo Chuck Arnold & Janet Johnson

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Chuck Arnold and Janet Johnson are two standout coaches at RT.12 Pickle, recognized for their unique dual coaching approach. With Janet having played pickleball for about five years and Chuck for three, both transitioned into coaching after earning their PPR certifications a year ago. Their shared backgrounds as school teachers and competitive tennis players naturally led them to coaching, combining their love for teaching with their passion for the game. As Chuck puts it, “it’s a perfect marriage of two passions.”

Their newly developed Successful Teamwork Strategies clinic is a particular favorite for both coaches. This clinic focuses on helping pairs of students develop as a team—a process Chuck and Janet know well from their own experience as playing partners. “It really allows us to take that experience that we have and share it with students and give them the benefit of everything that we've learned as partners together, having played tournaments and as partners for five years now,” Chuck explains.

Both coaches are strong advocates for drilling as a path to improvement. Janet emphasizes, “the more techniques you can improve, the more shots that you can perfect, you're going to become a better player.” Chuck agrees, adding, “in order to play more naturally, ingraining the skills that we're teaching into muscle memory will allow you to not only play better, but have more fun.”

For Chuck and Janet, the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing their students grow and enjoy the game. Chuck loves watching newcomers develop a passion for pickleball and become regular players, while Janet finds it especially gratifying when students return for more clinics and share their excitement after playing well.

Janet is inspired by pro player Megan Fudge, recalling, “I got to see her play, and meet her in person, and she's a real class act on the court,” while Chuck admires tennis legend Andre Agassi, reflecting his own roots in tennis.

Pickleball, they note, is always evolving. “Over the last couple of years, in terms of how it's played, there's a lot more pace and speed in the game now than maybe there was a couple of years ago, and that has resulted in some changes to the way the game is taught,” says Chuck. To stay current, they tap into social coaching networks, USA Pickleball resources, PPR communities, their fellow Rt.12 coaches, and outside coaches.

On the court, Janet loves to take advantage of her height for a powerful Overhead Smash, while Chuck’s signature move is the Backhand Drop Shot. “I enjoy hitting it and take every opportunity to. I'm one of the few people who will run around a forehand to hit a backhand,” he said.

Together, they bring passion, experience, and teamwork to every clinic at RT.12 Pickle.