SOME PICKLEBALL COACHES DEVELOPE AND WRITE THEIR OWN INSTRUCTIONAL CURRICULUMS INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED PLAYERS

I just emailed my PROGRESSIVE PICKLEBALL BEGINNERS INSTRUCTION PROGRAM proposal off to the International Organization for review. This programs teaches new inexperienced player to develop the skill sets and game knowledge of a 2.0 player in preparation to enter Open Play Pickleball.

Regardless of what the Federation decides, I am seriously contemplating implementing the program here. The program is a structured fee based format of eight weeks, one 2 hour class per weeks, 16 hours total, student attendance standards, on-court 2.0 skill performance testing, rules and scoring written exams, 80% pass rate, Certificate of Completion upon graduation.

I am also planning to do a Progressive Pickleball Intermediate Instruction Program for 2.0/2.5 players to advance to 3.0 players, and another program for 3.0 to advance to 3.5 players, using the same structured format for learning the skill sets and game knowledge of 3.0, and 3.5 level players.

Students would commit to minimum attendance of 6.5 class out of 8 classes. Each Program would teach the skill sets and game knowledge of 3.0, or a 3.5 level. Students would receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the Program. The Program would be limited to 8 students max. Coaching protocol is 95% on-court drilling and 5% lecturing.

Each student will be provided with a "written weekly on-court player evaluation," that identifies specific skill set(s) in need of improvement," and recognizes properly performed skill sets.

These weekly Progress Evaluations are not related to "skill assessment." They are a "learning tool" to help the student improve, and they provide the instructor a record for tracking the students progress. These are not skill rating programs.

3.0 SKILL PERFORMANCE TEST 3.0 Skill level should also possess 2.5 skills
• Attempting to consistently dink while changing directions from cross court to down the line forehand & backhand
• Punches volley to the back ½ of opponent court
• Sustains a short volley exchange at the net
• Can perform 3rd shot drop by dinking from the transition area
• Attempting to hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play
• Moving forward as a team to approach NVZ for dinks & volleys
• Can perform an overhead with better control while maintaining proper position
• Has good mobility & quickness
• Exhibits improved control on forehand groundstrokes (direction, depth, height)
• Better control on backhand groundstrokes
• Keeps ball in play during short rallies
• Attempts offensive lobs during play
• Demonstrates placement & depth on serves
• Demonstrates placement & depth on return of serves
• Attempting to adjust to different ball speeds (serves, groundstrokes, volleys)
Skill Testing Requirement: Dinks
• Forehand down the line 6/10 & Forehand cross court 6/10
• Backhand down the line 6/10 & • Backhand cross court 6/10
Skill Testing Requirement: 3rd shot drop from transition area mid court
• Forehand 5/10 & • Backhand 5/10
Skill Testing Requirement: 3rd shot drop from baseline
• Forehand 1/5 & • Backhand 1/5
Skill Testing Requirement: Volleys
• Forehand Punch Volley with directional & depth control 6/10
• Backhand Punch Volley with directional & depth control 6/10
Skill Testing Requirement: Serves
• Deuce Court 3/5 & • Ad Court 3/5
Skill Testing Requirement: Return of serves
• Deuce Court 3/5 & • Ad Court 3/5
Skill Testing Requirement: Overhead
• Overhead 3/5
Skill Testing Requirement: Offensive lobs from NVZ line
• Offensive lobs 3/5
IPTPA Skill Assessment 3.0 Players
30 minutes of regular match play for evaluation. Rotate partners at
conclusion of each game to 8.