INSTRUCTION By Alice Tym
ATTENTION ALL TEACHING PROS : TEACH THE STUDENT , NOT THE METHOD
It is currently fashionable for the professional teaching organizations and for prominent teaching professionals to have a method , a designated step-by-step program to teach pickleball . While this system provides organization and progression , it should not be a rigid playbook . Each student is an individual with individual skill sets and limitations . Age is a factor , size is a factor , sex is a factor , speed is a factor . To impose your particular brand on every student is egoism not instruction .
Years ago , I was playing in a tennis tournament in Costa Rica and in the junior boys ’ final a tall , strong Paraguayan named Victor Pecci , with a great slice approach shot , defeated a Swede who had a funky , loopy forehand that landed midcourt . I vividly remember saying , “ With that goofy forehand he will never win anything big .” Not long after that , Bjorn Borg began hitting deeper and won a series of Grand Slams ! He brought tennis back to the baseline . His coach encouraged his unique style , helped him hit deeper , and allowed him to color outside the lines . A method instructor would have squashed him . I learned early on that innovators should not be confined by my methods .
Of course , there are basic principles . Watching the ball closely is a key factor in all racket and paddle sports . How you teach that principle is your style , but even your style might need variation . Some people learn by listening , some by watching , some by doing . A good professional is not afraid of other ideas and other approaches . I always tell my students , “ If it does not make sense to you , if it