We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Connor Basnight a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Connor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Anyone can teach another player how to play pickleball. You don’t have to be an expert. As a coach, I focus on the who, what, when, where and WHY of the game, with my students. Any coach can teach you how to hit the ball. Not everyone focuses on the mental or emotional aspect of the game. My job is to instill confidence in my people, so they believe they can do something.

I never played sports before starting pickleball almost 9 years ago. I started not being able to do anything to sharing the game I know and love, traveling to teach and compete, etc.

When my students can instantly see improvement, that even the most unathletic person, CAN be successful and have fun doing it, that’s the most rewarding thing for me as a coach.

Connor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started playing pickle ball shortly after high school in 2015. I have never played a sport before it was invited by a colleague at a local coffee shop. I went and played, and immediately was hooked. Fast forward to August 2022 when D3 Pickleball was founded. We offer private and group lessons, camps and clinics locally and nationally, and our own line of gear and apparel.

We help elevate our students pickle ball game Through mental and physical training. What sets us apart from others is that we put the “how” last and the “why” first.

Pickleball is my passion and it shows when I’m coaching. My students or playing the game myself. I put my whole heart and 100% effort into everything that I do for myself and my clients.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. My reputation speaks for itself as I provide excellent coaching, and products to my students. If you love what you do, they say you’ll never work a day in your life. I truly love and I’m very passionate about what I do and that shows when I’m on the court with my students or talking about my business to colleagues.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Have someone manage it for you. I was lucky enough to partner with another local business and tagalong onto their social media. We have also partnered with lots of local influencers, and I’ve done giveaways on their pages as well. Participants have to follow or “like” my social media page, as well as the other business to be eligible for giveaway. I gained over 500 followers in less than 24 hours from one giveaway and continue to look for others to partner with.

Search further influencers and see if you can partner or trade services in exchange for a shout out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.d3pickleball.com/
• Instagram: @d3pickleball
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-basnight-557b7b209