It was a week that transformed the quality of play!

Aaron Trost — professional coach, 5.0 DUPR-rated player, and founder of the non-profit organization Pickleball Planter, which promotes the sport in communities around the world, visited Ukraine for the second time.  Pickleball Planter Facebook

Over the course of six days in Kyiv, 6 training sessions took place, involving more than 50 players from different cities across Ukraine.
Among them were war veterans, wheelchair players, players with prosthetics, civilian beginners, and others who had only recently discovered pickleball

Special attention was given to

  • Techniques for mixed teams (wheelchair and standing players)
  • Rules and adaptations for players with prosthetics
  • Approaches to inclusive coaching
  • Communication in doubles when players have different mobility levels

Aaron dedicated a separate block of sessions to helping beginner players improve their game. Together, they

  • Reviewed essential rules and strategies.
  • Worked through common mistakes, such as:
  • uncontrolled hitting instead of smart rallies
  • underestimating the third shot drop
  • improper court positioning after a serve
  • stepping into the kitchen (non-volley zone) while volleying
  • Learned modern teaching methods used in leading American pickleball academies
The most powerful impression is the atmosphere of support and equality. It doesn't matter if you have a prosthetic or use a wheelchair — you are part of the team,
participant from Kyiv region

Aaron’s visit was not only a boost in professional skill, but also a significant social step in building an inclusive pickleball community in Ukraine.

It also sends a strong signal of international solidarity — a clear demonstration that the global pickleball community stands with Ukraine in its pursuit of recovery, rehabilitation, and growth through sport.

Learn more about Aaron’s mission