Introduction to the Sport, Learn Technique, and Understand the Game
In the first lesson, the goal is to introduce the fundamentals of both tennis and pickleball, including the basic rules, scoring systems, and court layout. Participants will learn proper grips, stances, and swings for each sport, along with essential footwork. The focus will be on ensuring players are comfortable with the mechanics of the racket or paddle, positioning, and movement. We will also introduce some basic drills to help students become familiar with hitting the ball and understanding the flow of the game. This session sets the foundation for more advanced skills, as the players will start understanding the overall game structure while developing initial technique
70% Focus on Live Ball Drills, Incorporating Strategy
By lesson 11, students should be comfortable with the fundamentals, so we’ll shift focus more heavily toward live ball drills (about 70% of the session). This phase emphasizes high-intensity match situations, allowing players to work on their overall game flow, communication (in doubles), and mental toughness. During this time, we’ll also introduce strategies like court positioning, shot selection, and reading the opponent's moves. Players will learn how to develop tactics based on their strengths and the weaknesses of their opponents. In addition, players will be encouraged to make decisions on the fly, adjusting their shots to adapt to different match situations. This lesson aims to integrate technique with competitive play and strategic thinking, preparing students for a real match environment.
Focus 40% on Basket Drills, 60% on Live Ball Drills
Lessons 4 through 10 will offer a balance between repetition and game-like situations. For these lessons, 40% of the time will be spent on basket drills to refine techniques like serving, volleying, and backhand or forehand strokes, with an emphasis on consistent form and precision. The remaining 60% will focus on live ball drills to simulate real-game situations. This portion will allow players to practice what they've learned in a more competitive setting, focusing on rallying, positioning, and shot selection. As students gain confidence, we will incorporate more advanced tactics, like playing with intent—adjusting for placement, angle, and spin. This balance is key to maintaining strong technical foundations while allowing players to experience the flow of a match.
Transition from Basket Drills to Live Ball Drills
By lessons 2 and 3, we will move beyond basic technique into more dynamic exercises. The first step is transitioning from basket drills (where balls are fed to players for them to hit in repetition) to live ball drills (where players actively rally with each other). These lessons will emphasize consistency, timing, and accuracy in real-game scenarios. Players will work on returning serves, controlling the ball during rallies, and making quick decisions on court. The goal is to help students adapt their techniques into more fluid and responsive movements, while also starting to handle the stress of live situations. These lessons set the stage for smoother transitions into more advanced drills.