Tony Fratini
Shireen Kolarik
The Quail Creek Pickleball Club has a new IPTPA rater, Tony Fratini. IPTPA stands for International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. The IPTPA develops teaching standards in the sport of pickleball, including covering specific strokes, strategies, and shot selections specific to pickleball. IPTPA-certified instructors pass a rigorous testing program and continue improving their teaching skills through yearly training requirements.
Tony started his pickleball journey when he and his wife moved to Quail Creek in 2020. Before that, they spent a couple years traveling in their RV, looking for a second home. They settled in QC, citing the pickleball courts (only 16 at the time), mountain views, Green Valley community, and, coming from Illinois, no snow.
New to the sport, Tony took advantage of the club’s player development programs and many volunteers. He started playing at Open Play and then joined a couple round-robin groups. A year later, Tony passed the IPTPA 3.5 test. Another year later, he passed the 4.0 test. This was achieved with much practice and drilling with others.
Wanting to give back, Tony started volunteering with player development. He then decided to certify as a coach and IPTPA rater. He earned a coaching certification with Pickleball Coaching International, the IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist, and the IPTPA Level 1 Instructor. The certifications took time and effort, but Tony says the experience was worth it.
Not in it for the money, Tony says the benefits are personal. He meets many interesting players of all skill levels. He also finds it rewarding to see students develop and their excitement when they pass a test or learn a new skill.
As an IPTPA instructor, the rating program requires time, patience, management, and computer skills. Tony must also gather volunteers to help with recording and rating play. But Tony says the excitement, smiles, feedback, and friendships make it all worthwhile.