INSTRUCTION By PPR ’ s Jason Jamison
Introducing Pickleball to Family & Friends
The great thing about the sport of pickleball is how easy it is to learn . Getting off to the right start is important — and finding a PPR-certified coach can result in long-term success and enjoyment .
Below is a fun and easy “ Rally Right Away Progression ” that works for kids , adults , and seniors to get your friends and family introduced to pickleball quickly . It helps establish basic paddle and ball control , improves the ability to place shots effectively , and helps players understand the amount of power needed for hitting the ball .
The progression can be used anywhere — in school gyms and multipurpose rooms , on temporary courts , and of course , on official pickleball courts .
Once you ’ ve tried this , be sure to find a certified PPR coach to help improve your game through lessons ,
clinics , camps , round robins and tournaments . Get out and enjoy this exciting sport !
Step 1 : Self-Rally (“ Selfie ”). The player alternates bumping the ball up from the paddle (“ eye-high ”) and then letting it bounce on the ground . Players should hit the ball “ palm up to the sky .” A target spot can be used to gauge success . Once players are successful at self-rallying the ball , progress to Step 2 .
Step 2 : “ Selfie Rally ” with Partner . Players place a target on the ground between them . You can use a quarter , or use painter ’ s tape to mark an X . Players take turns bumping a ball up and trying to have it land on the target between them . Remind players to keep the rally eye-high at all times and allow players to “ calm ” the ball to control the rallies . “ Calming the ball ” means to get the ball under control by self-rallying the ball ( selfie ) as much as needed to stabilize the rally .
Step 3 : Target-to-Target Dink Rally . Players stand several feet apart with a target in front of each of them ( court lines or spots can also serve as targets ). Players try to dink to each other ’ s target off the bounce .
Step 4 : Dink Rally Over a Net . Have players practice dinking a ball over a net from the non-volley lines trying to hit each other ’ s line or a target placed in front of them . Demonstrate that a pickleball swing is the same as tossing a beanbag underhand to a target . Players should hold the paddle like they are going to hammer a nail and then swing the paddle with the paddle face toward their target with a short , gentle motion .
Step 5 : Dink Rally Over a Net with Volley . Have players dink the ball back and forth trying to hit each other ’ s target . Players are allowed to guard their targets by volleying balls out of the air (“ guard the nest ”). Get the players in the habit of holding the paddle in ready position in between shots , with the paddle supported in front of the chest .
Step 6 : Rally & Play Short Court . Use chalk , tape , or flat rubber lines to create a line halfway between the pickleball net and baseline . This creates a “ short court ” half the length of a full pickleball court and helps players learn how to dink and rally before advancing to fullcourt play . Points can be played out from this distance . Note : Practice tossing balls back and forth to help develop the right motion and rhythm for the swings .
Step 7 : Rally & Play Full Court . Practice serving and playing out the point from the full baseline . At the beginning , allow for extra faults , double bounces , etc . until players are more proficient at playing full court and aiming shots into the correct spaces . Don ’ t worry about official scoring at this point ; just get the points going and have fun !
Remember , when teaching children , family or close friends , be careful not to be too critical if they are struggling at first . Get them rallying and playing quickly without overload . It should be the same as teaching someone how to cook or do anything for the first time . Be patient and stay positive . Pickleball is meant to be easy and fun to learn , so the easier you can make it , the more fun it will be . •
Jason Jamison is a PPR Coach Developer , USA Pickleball National Advisor , Certified Youth Sports Administrator , and part of the HEAD / PENN Advisory staff .