Beginner training plan
Your first lessonDiscuss their goals. Learn about what brought them to pickleball. Why they like it enough to want to improve their game. Learn about relevant athletic experience. Injury history and any relevant physical limitations. Assess movement. Hit every shot-drop serve to backhand overhead or to as appropriate to their level.
Lesson 2-3The high-level, seasonal goals. High-level plan to address the lowest-hanging fruit skills that improve their social games now. Start to explain big concepts like the no volley zone/kitchen and how that impacts shot selection. Subsequent lessons are all based upon a minimum shot repertoire that when executed well results in winning pickleball.
Youth players
Working with kidsIf kids are under 8, it’s about engagement and having fun. Lots of encouragement, making each shot part of a noncompetitive game. Ages 8-13 is when skills training is ideal. Can be the most intensive age where a child wants to develop their game and needs lots of repetition with hitting partners of similar ability.
Working with teenagersI’ve never worked with teenager pickleball players, but ideally I would try to book groups. Teenagers could pick up the rules and enjoy the social aspects of doubles within the first lesson.
