Beginner training plan
Your first lesson•
Initial Assessment: Begin by evaluating each player's current skill level, knowledge of the rules, and goals. This will help you tailor the lessons appropriately.
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Basic Rules: Go over the basic rules of pickleball as needed.
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Fundamentals: Focus on teaching fundamental shots, including serving deep and returning deep. Emphasize the two-bounce rule.
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Basic Strokes: Teach the proper technique for forehand and backhand strokes.
Lesson 11+•
Live Ball: Incorporate live ball drills to improve endurance and quick reactions.
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Poaching: Introduce the idea of poaching in doubles play.
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Cross-Court Dinking and Erne: Teach cross-court dinking and introduce the Erne.
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Net Play: Focus on controlling the game at the net with aggressive positioning, smart shot selection, and quick reactions.
Lesson 4-10Intermediate Level Class Plan:
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Building on Fundamentals: Continue to reinforce the basic strokes and rules, ensuring consistent execution.
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Soft Game/Kitchen Game: Introduce drops, resets, the transition zone, and basic offensive shots. Focus on the "soft game" or kitchen game, with isolated drills for each.
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Shot Placement: Work on refining shot placement skills to gain an advantage on the court. Practice aiming for specific areas like the corners, sidelines, and kitchen line.
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Dinking: Teach dinking strategies that disrupt opponents and create winning opportunities.
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Volleys: Work on volleys, especially fast volleys at the net.
Lesson 2-3•
Drills: Start with basic drills like "serve and stay" and "return and run".
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Transitioning to the NVZ: Teach beginners how to move effectively from the baseline to the kitchen line.
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Placement: Begin practicing how to place shots effectively to control rallies and cover the court with confidence.
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Footwork Introduce footwork techniques like split stepping, pivoting, and reaching.
