10 Lesson plan for intermediate to Advanced players with Johm Gill Lesson Plan for Intermediate to Advanced Pickleball Players Lesson 1: Advanced Footwork and Court Positioning Review of proper stance and movement techniques. Strategies for efficient court coverage. Drills for quick lateral movement and split-step timing. Lesson 2: Mastering the Third Shot Drop Importance of the third shot in setting up the point. Techniques for effective third shot drop placement. Live drills and match simulations to apply the skill. Lesson 3: Offensive and Defensive Dinking Refining control and consistency in the dink game. Recognizing when to attack versus when to reset the point. Drills focusing on sharp angles and spin. Lesson 4: Advanced Volleys and Net Play Mastering soft and punch volleys. Blocking fast-paced shots and counterattacking. Quick reaction drills at the non-volley zone. Lesson 5: Power and Spin in Groundstrokes Developing topspin and slice forehand/backhand shots. Using depth and pace to pressure opponents. Partner drills to build consistency and accuracy. Lesson 6: Serve and Return Strategies Maximizing power and accuracy in serves. Targeting deep and strategic returns. Variations like spin serves and high lob returns. Lesson 7: Advanced Doubles Strategy Effective partner communication and positioning. Poaching techniques and stacking strategies. Live gameplay analysis and adjustments. Lesson 8: Mastering the Transition Zone (Mid-Court Play) Handling attacks in the “no man’s land.” Effective resets and counterattacks. Drills to improve balance and control in mid-court exchanges. Lesson 9: Mental Toughness and Match Play Strategy Managing pressure situations and staying focused. Reading opponents’ weaknesses and adjusting strategies. Competitive game scenarios with coaching feedback. Lesson 10: Tournament Readiness and Match Simulation Simulated tournament play with coaching. Strategy refinement based on live play. Review and goal-setting for continued improvement.

Preferred equipment or I can provide anything you need

Water, and snacks to maintain energy levels during our lessons

Bring your pickleball paddle along with tennis shoes, a hat and some water to hydrate.

I have trained children as young as 8 years old and really keep them engaged as much as possible, making sure they have fun along the way.

When teaching kids pickleball, I focus on making lessons fun, interactive, and engaging while building their fundamental skills. Instead of traditional drills, I incorporate games, challenges, and storytelling to keep their attention. Short, high-energy sessions with lots of movement help match their attention spans, so I break lessons into quick 5-10 minute segments. Instructions are kept simple, with plenty of demonstrations and hands-on activities. I also modify equipment and rules as needed, such as using lower nets, allowing drop serves, and even using foam balls for younger players. The emphasis is on hand-eye coordination, basic rallying, and fun footwork exercises rather than strict technique. Serving challenges involve hitting big targets instead of focusing on perfect placement, and cooperative rally games encourage teamwork and sportsmanship. I also introduce basic doubles strategies through playful exercises while fostering a positive environment where kids cheer each other on. By blending skill development with engaging activities, I create a learning experience that keeps kids excited to play and improve.