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