IPTPA HOLDS
BY STEVE PARANTO
More than 60 certified pickleball instructors met for the first time in Naples, Florida, before the start of this year’ s US Open. This meeting of pickleball teaching professionals was the reason I attended the US Open. It was wonderful to meet so many passionate and talented instructors, and exciting to share a few of my teaching skills on the stadium court with many players and teachers for whom I have the highest respect.
A little over a year ago, Seymour Rifkind created the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association( IPTPA). In this short time, many instructors have been trained across the U. S. and around the globe to teach the sport of pickleball. This teaching certification program is similar to the process that golf and tennis instructors go through in order to teach the sports fundamentally correct. This first-time meeting of certified instructors allowed for the exchange of teaching knowledge as it applies to the teaching of pickleball.
The day started out with a panel discussion on how to run successful clinics. One of the biggest factors discussed was the importance of keeping the student-teacher ratio low. In order for IPTPA instructors to meet those needs, we will limit the ratio to eight students per instructor.
FIRST WORLD CONGRESS
Video clips of players were also shown so we could determine problem areas and suggest corrections. This was productive because teaching correct mechanics is important to help students improve their game.
Next, we headed to the stadium for some on-court teaching demonstrations. Byron Fresco taught dinking, I taught the 3rd shot drop, Rachael Kroog taught the punch volley, Kyle Yates taught the block volley and Marcin Rozpedski taught groundstrokes. It was a great learning experience to see how each teaching professional taught these skills. It was also exciting for me to have a chance to teach the 3rd shot drop to other teachers— and it was fun having Simone Jardim as my student. She is even good when trying to simulate a beginner!
Another topic discussed was a new certification program that will allow IPTPA instructors to also be certified to accurately rate the level of players. There are plans to provide a Level 2 certification for instructors as well so they can work with and help advanced players.
The day ended with a boat cruise. We all had a wonderful time seeing the sights and spending time with instructors from across the nation. •
FEEDBACK FROM IPTPA ATTENDEES:
“ Rif did an excellent job gathering instructors from all over the world in one room to share ideas, instruction and passion for the game we all so love.” – Jennifer Lucore
“ I believe it’ s extremely important for us to come together from time to time to make sure we are on the same page when it comes to developing players from all levels. I especially enjoyed the on-court sharing of drills and teaching methods.” – Simone Jardim
“ I have had many years of experience but it’ s always nice to hear new information. I truly enjoyed the experience of sharing with fellow teachers. If you really want to become a professional teaching pickleball, I would recommend you join the IPTPA.” – Prem Carnot
“ After years of conferences through USPTA, it was quite nice to see this start to happen in the sport of pickleball.” – Sarah Ansboury
JULY / AUGUST 2017 | MAGAZINE 39