is not logical , then don ’ t do it .” I must be able to convince them of valid concepts in order for them to want to try my ideas . Even your phraseology matters . Should you take the paddle back “ quickly ” or “ early ”? Students need to understand your reasoning and explanations , and sometimes they understand someone else ’ s terminology better . It is not a onesize-fits-all sport .
A current example involves teaching seniors . A friend of mine in California was describing a top teaching professional ’ s footwork instruction . The professional ’ s method is correct for the young male pros , but the 75-year-old woman student does not have the reflexes of a 20-year-old male . Teaching the method is helping the pro more than it is helping the student .
Shot selection poses another difference in teaching methods . Lobbing in the young pros is not nearly as effective as lobbing in the WD 75 category . If you want your students to succeed in competition , you need to know their competition . You need to teach their offensive shots and their defensive strategy . Do you think that offensive shots win more often in the young pros and defensive shots win more often in the older-age club play ?
Another example of teaching to the student rather than the method is the difference in teaching women . There are physical differences , especially in upper body strength , so technique is especially important . Yes , I know there are strong women and I know that women can work on becoming stronger , but the majority of your women students in pickleball will not have the upper body power that men teaching pros have . But the fundamental difference in coaching men vs . women is that women must believe they can do it . So , whatever your method is , you must convince a woman that she is capable before you begin the details . Men are much easier to coach because they believe they are capable when they step on the court . This is a very interesting subject , and you are welcome to write a Letter to the Editor on this one . But so many successful young women athletes are or were “ Daddy ’ s girls .” They were validated by their fathers , and good coaching continues that validation .
Teaching professionals must teach to the specific skills and needs of a variety of players including left handed players , those who are ambidextrous , tall , short , old , young , thin , heavy , athletic , male , and female . Each player can improve with tailor-made instruction .
Imposing your method rather than being flexible can lead to limiting the very player you want to help . I remember a Davis Cup player in the ‘ 60s who was 6 ’ 7 ”, ran around his backhand , took three steps to get to the net , and was in the top 5 in the world . People kept telling him , “ If only you had a backhand .” So , he took a year off and developed a nice , clean backhand instead of his little chippy one . He rarely won a match after that because then he was like every other player . Before , he had stood in the backhand corner and was a “ different look .” Now he was ordinary , like every other player with a forehand side and a backhand side . If you have a student with unique qualities , your method may ruin him . Be open to new ideas . If his mechanics are sound , you may have an innovator on your hands .
One of my players has two forehands . Her transition is seamless and both sides are strong . Why would I change her ? My goal is to develop the individual to the fullest , not to impose my game style on anyone else .
The same goes for the mental aspect of the game . Some players are naturally aggressive and intense . Some are more consistent and calmer . While you want to develop balanced players , your method should not overshadow their predilection .
Really good teaching professionals are insightful about their own skills and are willing to recognize the strong points in the instruction of other professionals . They are also willing to recognize the differences in students and can modify their instruction to promote specific skills and develop players with a wide range of styles . It is not about the pro ’ s method or his brand . It is about that one single individual who comes seeking guidance . A true professional knows that there are many paths and can guide his students down the one most productive and most enjoyable for each individual . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
JULY / AUGUST 2021 | MAGAZINE 31