The top 234 pickleball courts in Delray Beach

Observe the technique and refine

Observe the technique and refine

Suggestions Have good tennis shoes, bring fluids to stay hydrated and a towel for the sweat. Visor, or baseball hat, sunscreen if you burn.

Wear comfortable tennis shoes and bring water and enthusiasm 👍

I recommend wearing a cap, sunglasses , tennis or basketball shoes and plenty of water.

I customize every lesson to the skills, abilities, athleticism and patience of the kids.

1. Create a Fun and Safe Environment • Keep it Positive: Use encouragement and celebrate effort, not just success. • Make it Safe: Use lightweight paddles and balls (like foam or practice balls) for younger children to ensure safety and build confidence. • Short Sessions: Keep lessons around 30-45 minutes to match their attention span. 2. Adjust Drills and Games Focus on activities that are fun, interactive, and skill-building: Warm-Up (5-10 min) • Use playful activities like: • “Paddle Tag”: Tap a ball in the air while moving around. • Relay Races: Incorporate running with balancing a ball on the paddle. Skill-Based Games • Serve Practice: • Create targets like hula hoops or cones for kids to hit with serves. • Offer prizes (e.g., stickers or praise) for accuracy. • Dinking Drills: • Play “Kitchen King/Queen”: Kids try to dink and stay in the game while staying near the kitchen. • Groundstrokes: • Simplify by using bounce feeds and encourage rallying for as long as possible. • Play “Ball Bounce Challenge”: See who can hit the ball over the net after one bounce the most times. Mini Matches • Play short, simplified games to keep kids engaged. For example, race to 5 points instead of 11. 3. Focus on Movement and Coordination • Footwork Drills: Make these fun and dynamic, like hopping through cones or jumping over lines. • Hand-Eye Coordination: Use beginner-friendly exercises, such as catching balls with one hand or paddle taps (bouncing the ball on the paddle). • Balance Activities: Incorporate exercises like walking heel-to-toe while holding a paddle. 4. Use Age-Appropriate Communication • Simplify Instructions: Use clear, simple language and break skills into smaller steps. • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate skills multiple times. Kids learn best by watching. • Ask Questions: Involve them by asking, “Why do you think we hit softly at the net?” 5. Make It Competitive (But Friendly!) • Incorporate challenges like: • Target Shooting: Award points for hitting specific zones. • Longest Rally: Celebrate the longest back-and-forth rally. • Team Games: Pair kids up to encourage teamwork and fun. 6. Be Flexible and Playful • Allow Creativity: Let them try their own shots or suggest new games. • Adjust on the Fly: If they seem bored or frustrated, pivot to an easier or more engaging activity. • Add Themed Lessons: For example, have a “Pirate Day” where kids “serve cannonballs” or “defend their treasure.” 7. Emphasize Life Skills • Teach patience, teamwork, and sportsmanship through group activities and team-based drills. • Praise behaviors like cheering for peers or helping others. Example Kids’ Lesson Plan (45 minutes) 1. Warm-Up (5 min): Paddle tag or ball-balance relay. 2. Serve Practice (10 min): Hit targets for points. 3. Groundstrokes (10 min): Partner rally game—count how many shots they can return over the net. 4. Dinking Game (10 min): Play “Kitchen King/Queen.” 5. Mini Match (10 min): Simplified doubles with a fun twist (e.g., serve from a “magic” spot). Tips for Coaches Working with Kids • Stay patient and energetic—kids mirror your enthusiasm. • Keep lessons lighthearted; let them laugh and enjoy. • Use rewards like stickers, medals, or simple praise to keep them motivated. • Involve parents occasionally to cheer or play alongside their kids.