Our Story
Two dads building the program they wished existed for their own kids.
Next Gen was started by two dads, Sam and Amine, building a roadmap for our own kids: structured lessons, a positive culture, and a clear path from curiosity to competition.
We created the place we wanted for our families—a safe, inclusive community where parents, coaches, and kids work as a team, and where “Next Gen” means both the next generation of players and a commitment to being better than yesterday.
Our approach is built on the Parent–Coach–Kid Triangle—a simple operating system that teaches parents how to support growth, play themselves, play with their kids, and set goals together so families grow through the sport.
Meet the Coaches
Sam Morris
Head Coach & Co-Founder
Sam is a former physical education teacher and father to two boys, Kobe and Owen. As Director of Pickleball Programming at Dill Dinkers (North Bethesda and Rockville), he's been playing since 2019 and coaching since 2021. Sam and his son Kobe spend hours each week throwing, catching, chasing, and playing — this purposeful play helped Kobe start pickleball at age 5, playing full games.
- ✓Director of Pickleball Programming, Dill Dinkers
- ✓Former physical education teacher
- ✓Playing since 2019, coaching since 2021
Amine Lahlou
Co-Founder & Coach
Moroccan-born professional tennis player and coach turned pickleball convert, Amine brings elite racket sport fundamentals to every session. A 4.0+ pickleball player himself, he trains alongside his son Ryan—a Next Gen athlete—and channels that father-son dynamic into everything he teaches. Dad of three, Amine understands the family side of youth sports from the inside out.
- ✓Former professional tennis player and coach
- ✓4.0+ pickleball player | trains alongside son Ryan
- ✓Dad of 3 — brings the family perspective to every session
The EASE Framework
Four core values that guide everything we do.
Win with grace, lose with dignity. Sportsmanship isn't optional.
A growth mindset is the foundation. Every miss is a lesson.
Anticipation and positioning before complex mechanics. Smart beats strong.
Not perfection — consistent, measurable improvement every session.
How We Teach
We explain the why, show the how, then practice until it’s second nature.
Clear Pathway
Four color-coded levels (Red → Orange → Green → Yellow) give every player a visible path from first rally to tournament play. Each level builds on the skills mastered in the previous one.
Family Involvement
Parents aren’t spectators—they’re partners. Through our Parent–Coach–Kid Triangle, families learn the game together with weekly drills, goal-setting, and regular progress check-ins.
Join the Next Gen Family
Schedule a free evaluation and see what makes our program different.
Contact Us