FROM THE USAPA
TRAINING UPDATE:
USAPA
TEACHING
GUIDELINES
NOW
AVAILABLE
START PREPPING FOR THE
BY LYNN & LINDA LAYMON – USAPA TRAINING DIRECTORS
A
fter many months and numerous rounds of edits, the USAPA
Guidelines for Teaching Beginners has been released. The
Guidelines, which are intended to provide standardization and structure
to support those teaching pickleball to beginning and novice players,
can be found on the USAPA website under the Training & Court Info
drop-down menu. The document features information on what to teach
– strokes, technique and strategies – plus prerequisites for teaching,
pickleball etiquette, code of conduct for teachers, on-court safety and
sample lessons for adults and youth. It also contains sections with
suggested drills and stretching/warmup exercises, covers basic rules of
the game, offers advice for setting up a training session, and more.
The Teaching Guidelines are the first step in development of a USAPA
pickleball teacher support program. The next step is creating an
online rules and teaching knowledge test for teachers, followed by
implementation of an online directory of teachers by area, to assist those
seeking pickleball instruction to find a nearby qualified source. Plans
are also in the works to add videos of drills, skills and exercises to the
Guidelines. Those seeking professional pickleball teacher certification will
be referred to IPTPA.
In addition to the Teaching Guidelines, visitors to the Training & Court
Info section of the website will notice that the drop-down menu has
changed. Although some subjects are still under development, much of
the textual content has been updated, expanded and reorganized, and
outdated videos replaced with recent footage featuring tips from top
players and teachers. •
N
ext August 3-6, a major pickleball tournament
will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of
the State Games of America. This is a busy time of the
year in West Michigan with the annual Coast Guard
Festival happening the same week in Grand Haven,
just a few miles to the west, which brings in more than
300,000 people to the coastal town. If you plan on
attending, you may want to reserve your hotel rooms
now.
The 2017 State Games of America is open to
all Michigan residents and only to out-of-state
residents who meet certain eligibility requirements.
To learn more about eligibility, please visit
www.stategamesofamerica.com.
The State Games of America, a property of the
National Congress of State Games, is a national
multi‑sport event, held biennially, for athletes of all
ages and skill levels. Medal winners from 31 State
Games nationwide earn the right to compete against
other winners and match their skills and competitive
desire in a national arena. •
JOIN THE USAPA TODAY!
STAY informed. STAY connected.
Be a part of the exciting future of pickleball! The USAPA’s
membership is comprised of people who, just like you,
share a passion for our great game! When you join the
USAPA, you receive exclusive benefits for your membership.
8
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 724.942.0940 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM
2017 STATE
GAMES OF
AMERICA
In addition, your membership supports
USAPA initiatives such as:
• Maintaining rules and equipment standards
• Introductory and developmental programs
for all ages
• Providing competitive play through USAPAsanctioned events and tournaments
• Providing and maintaining a Places to Play
database (by country and state)
Go to usapa.org