My Story

My name is Kadhom Al-Abbas (pronounced "Kadoom"), and pickleball has been a huge part of my life since 2019.

Ironically, I wasn't the one who discovered the sport. In 2019, when I first started dating Brittany, she spent a lot of time playing pickleball with her family. I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, so she gave me a choice: learn how to play pickleball or get used to watching from the sidelines. So I picked up a paddle, stepped onto the court, and the rest is history!

What started as a way to spend time together turned into a shared passion. We studied the game, streamed a lot of professional matches, followed the evolution of the game strategies and equipment, and spent countless hours dinking on the court. During the pandemic years, pickleball became more than just a hobby. It gave us a healthy way to stay active, challenge ourselves, and stay connected with our community.

Back then, the pickleball scene in Oregon looked very different. Indoor courts were almost non-existent, players were hard to find, and opportunities to compete were far less common than they are today. Those challenges pushed me to learn as much as possible about the game. I even took lessons with local coaches, studied top local players techniques, competed in tournaments, and worked to improve every aspect of my game.

Today, I compete in local cash-prize tournaments, have earned medals in numerous tournaments, and have competed at larger events including APP and PPA tournaments. I currently hold a 5.0+ DUPR rating and have had the honor of being drafted to play in the Oregon Men's Cup in 2025 and 2026.

While I love competing, coaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my pickleball journey. I started coaching because I genuinely enjoy helping others improve. I've experienced the frustrations, plateaus, breakthroughs, and excitement that come with learning this sport, and I enjoy helping players navigate that same path.

My coaching combines both the strategic and technical sides of the game. Understanding where to hit the ball is important, but understanding how to move, position yourself, and execute shots efficiently is what helps players reach the next level.

Whether you're brand new to pickleball or striving to become a more competitive player, my goal is simple: help you improve, build confidence, and enjoy the process. If you have a passion for the game and a desire to learn, I'd love to be part of your pickleball journey!

When I'm not on the court, you'll usually find me watching soccer, spending time with my dog Boba, enjoying the outdoors with Brittany and friends, and appreciating the community that makes pickleball so special. Some of my closest friendships today started on public pickleball courts, and that's just one of the things I love most about this sport.

  • Certified through the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), demonstrating knowledge in teaching pickleball fundamentals, player development, and effective coaching techniques for beginner and recreational players.

  • As a Level II IPTPA certified instructor, I bring advanced coaching skills, proven teaching methods, and a deep understanding of game strategy to every lesson. This certification reflects comprehensive training in technique breakdowns, biomechanics, drill design, and progression planning for players from beginners to competitive athletes. Practical, safety-minded, and results-driven, I tailor each session to meet individual goals and accelerate players’ growth.

  • CPR Certified in emergency response and life-saving care, prepared to act quickly in urgent situations.

  • Selected in consecutive years to compete in the Men's Cup, recognizing a high level of competitive play and performance within the pickleball community.

  • An advanced-level player with extensive competitive experience, bringing high-level strategy, technique, and game insight to every lesson.