Lesson 1: Introduction to Pickleball
Objective: Familiarize students with the game, equipment, and basic movements.
Content:
- Brief overview of pickleball (history, rules, scoring).
- Court layout and boundaries.
- Equipment demonstration (paddle, ball).
- Basic safety and etiquette.
- Fundamental grip and ready position.
- Simple forehand and backhand strokes practice.
- Basic serve demonstration and student practice.
Lessons 11+: Advanced Skills and Competitive Play
Objective: Refine techniques and put skills to the test with guided game play. .
Content:
1) Advanced strokes:
- Spin control on serves and groundstrokes.
- Power smashes.
2) Game strategy:
- Managing the third shot (transition shot from defense to offense).
- Advanced doubles tactics (stacking, poaching).
Mental game and adapting strategies mid-play.
3) Gameplay practice:
- Simulated games with specific focuses (e.g., serve consistency, net control).
- Tournament-style games with scorekeeping and analysis.
- Ongoing individual feedback and drills tailored to student progress.
Lessons 4-10: Intermediate Play and Strategy
Objective: Develop more advanced skills and introduce strategy.
Content:
1) Stroke development:
- Volleys (hitting the ball mid-air).
- Drop shots and lobs.
- Advanced serving techniques (spin, depth control).
2) Movement and positioning:
- Transitioning from baseline to the non-volley zone (kitchen).
- Proper spacing in doubles play.
3) Strategy:
- Targeting opponent weaknesses.
- Effective communication in doubles.
- Controlling the pace of play.
- Regular practice games with feedback on positioning, shot selection, and rules.
Lessons 2-3: Foundational Skills
Objective: Build consistency with basic strokes and understanding of gameplay.
Content:
- Review of grips and ready positions.
Drills for:
- Forehand and backhand groundstrokes.
- Serving and return of serve.
- Dinks (soft shots near the net).
- Basic footwork and positioning.
- Introduction to rules for serving (diagonal direction, standing behind baseline).
- Mini-games focusing on getting the ball over the net and into play.