KEEPING FIT & WELL: Coaching a new pickleball group

My career and business was based on coaching, focusing mostly on life and leadership. I offered to help set up a new pickleball group for my local U3A working with David the Treasurer, hoping that I could get Alan a certified coach from my club to assist. However, distance and other commitments put pay to that so I had to take on the challenge, if the new group was to get off the ground. 

Sowing the seeds

So for starters we organised a taster session with one court to get a group of 12 people interested and at the end of the session everyone expressed a desire to get the group going. Next we ran a two court session at the Surrey Sports Park on the outskirts of Guildford. We struggled a bit with the scoring but by the end of the two hour session they were getting it and more important starting to get 'hooked' on the game. We even had two badminton players from a nearby court watching, seeing everyone having fun, so they have joined the group. The health warning (as can be seen in the video) is that pickleball is addictive.

Step by step coaching

I consult Alan my club coach every week and he gives me sound advice on how to tackle the challenge. I have also asked my friendly AI CoPilot and this is what came back.

Coaching a new pickleball group of senior players who are new to the game requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some tips to help you guide them effectively:

1. Understand Their Background:
• Identify the Types of New Players: Recognise the different types of new players you might encounter:
• Athletes from Racket Sports Background: Some seniors may have experience with other racket sports.
• First-Time Racket Sport Players: Others might be trying pickleball as their first racket sport.
• Casual Players: Some seniors may have recently heard about pickleball and want to give it a try.
• Common Challenges: Be aware of the areas that often pose difficulties for new players:
• Two-Bounce Rule: Explain the rule regarding serving and returning.
• No-Volley Zone: Help them understand the ins and outs of this critical area.
• Scoring: Clarify the scoring system.

 

2. Active Learning:
• Hands-On Approach: Encourage active learning by getting them on the court as soon as possible.
• Play Exhibition Matches: Start hitting the ball and playing exhibition matches with them. Learning by doing is essential.
• Embrace Learning Opportunities: Even if they struggle initially, emphasize that their first games are valuable learning experiences.

 

3. Effective Communication:
• Be Positive and Encouraging: Use positive reinforcement. A simple “nice shot” or “good effort” goes a long way.
• Avoid Authoritative Language: Instead of saying, “You should do this,” try, “You might want to try…”
• Focus on Basics: Have them concentrate on returning the ball deep. “Deep and in the middle” is usually a good shot.
• No-Volley Zone Awareness: Remind them about non-volley zone violations. Encourage them not to step into the kitchen during volleys.
• Don’t Stress About the Score: Winning will come with time; for now, let them enjoy the game and learn.

 

4. Paddle, Return, Position (PRP):
• Teach them the importance of being well-positioned for the next shot.
• Explain that they should duck or move out of the way if the server serves directly at them.

Remember, coaching seniors involves patience, encouragement, and adapting to their unique needs. Enjoy the process and foster their love for pickleball! 🏓🌟

Happy coaching! 🎾

For our next session

Alan my club coach has suggested that we start our next session by focussing on learning to dink. Then always use a short dinking exercise as a warm up session before starting to play games.