LESSON PLAN # 4 : Footwork
Young players should be encouraged to play soccer to improve their balance and footwork . Cross-train . Hopscotch if they are young . These drills help during the gangly years when growth spurts make it hard to catch up to big feet and long limbs . Choose quick-footed activities like overhead drills where the youngster must go back and reach high for an overhead then close into the NVZ line , then back up for an overhead once again .
Incorporate side-to-side drills where you hit to his forehand then his backhand , and each time he must return to the center of the court to reestablish good position . Give him time to do the exercise correctly . Diagonal drills where he must hit from the deep backhand corner then run the diagonal to a forehand dink will improve his lateral movement . Corner-tocorner dinks can be a fun game that will keep his feet moving in and out . You can put up cones for an obstacle course — anything that makes your young player have good control of his wheels .
LESSON PLAN # 5 : Observation
Teach your youngster to observe other players . So many kids only think of themselves and what they can and cannot do . But pickleball is also about the other guy . You may be hot and exhausted , but what about your opponent ? You may favor your forehand , but what about your opponent ? Does he have a problem running up and back , or side to side ? Does he have a preference where he likes to serve ?
I used to have my players chart their opponents . Many good players keep a notebook in which they record what they learned about their opponents in matches . Have him observe the court conditions including the sun and wind . Practice when it is windy . As you encourage your player to observe and analyze , teach him to have respect for his opponents . Respect the sport , the officials , and your opponents so that your youngster can appreciate the journey .
Because kids want to hit the ball hard , it is imperative to stress early preparation and good footwork . To hit deep , the young player needs good footwork , early preparation , and a consistent follow-through .
The ability to observe is way more important than having him think that good pickleball is luck . Players win because they are in the moment . This is a life lesson . It can be beneficial both on and off the court .
Now comes the wall . All these lessons can be enhanced by hitting against a wall . Even Lesson # 5 can be taught on the wall . Are you quicker going from a forehand volley to backhand volley or vice versa ? What happens when you get lower when you hit your volley ? Have your youngster learn about himself . The wall work gives him time to experiment and to reflect . He can also hit hard and develop wrist strength and power . Make the time you spend with your youngster count . Keep it positive and fun to hit the ball as you explain how well he is learning each lesson . •
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 .
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