For many people, introducing pickleball to new players can be even more rewarding than playing the game itself. There is something wonderful about being part of another person’s entry into the sport. And while there are many different ways to get people playing, we have found a process that minimizes barriers while maximizing fun and enjoyment.

This course will show you that process and identify its keys to success. This particular PCI methodology has been used with thousands of people to deliver introductory pickleball lessons in a way that is safe, fun and effective.

completing THIS COURSE

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow the successfully complete this course:

Step 1. Read the rest of this page. This includes: Goals of the Lesson; Key Principles; Beginning Players vs. Experienced Players; What’s Not Here — and Why?; FAQ.

Step 2. Watch the video: Teaching Pickleball to Beginners.

Step 3. Watch the video: Sample Introductory Lesson.

Step 4. Complete the online evaluation.

GOALS OF THE LESSON

• Have new players learn the necessary technical and tactical skills to play doubles pickleball with others.

• Have players understand basic rules, scoring, and serving rotations.

• Introduce the concept of ‘return and run’ and its rationale.

• Keep players active in a way that is safe, fun, and maximizes participation.

KEY PRINCIPLES

• Learn through play. Participants should be actively involved and hitting balls.

• First things first. Prioritize skills and concepts that will make the biggest impact in the shortest time.

• Connect tactics and technique. Players should understand why the technical skills will help them play the game.

• Keep it fun.

Beginning Players vs Experienced Players

It is important to recognize that the goals, needs, and expectations of new and beginning players are often quite different from those who have more experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working with beginners.

• The fear of embarrassment. For many new players, the primary goal is to be good enough that they don’t stand out. These players may feel anxious about their lack of knowledge, technical skill, or athletic ability. Keep this in mind when providing feedback.

• Varied amounts of knowledge. Some new players may already be pickleball fans. They may already be familiar with rules, scoring, and concepts even if they have never played the game themselves. Other people will be a completely blank slate.

• Uneven athletic ability. While many people transition to pickleball from another sport, for others, pickleball is their first experience with a sport. Be prepared for a range of physical skill sets.

What’s Not Here — and Why?

This course — including the videos and other resources on this page — has a very specific focus: offer a clear vision for teaching pickleball to new and beginning players. While experiences can vary from place to place, in many instances an Introduction to Pickleball is a single lesson.

A short timeline means that an instructor must work quickly to get their students up and playing. This requires filtering out non-essential information and, instead, focusing on the teaching points that are necessary for beginners to get started. Some of what you won’t find in this course on Introducing Pickleball includes:

• Drops. These shots are difficult to hit and typically not needed at the beginner level.

• Dinks. A dink is a response to a drop. Since drops are rare for starting players, this shot is needed infrequently.

• Spin. Using spin effectively is an advanced skill and not a priority for beginners.

• Stacking/Switching. These are advanced movement patterns.

• Poaching. It is important for new players to get as many touches as possible. Poaching takes away this opportunity from another player.

Please note that the foundation of Pickleball Coaching International is built on the principles of keeping lessons safe, fun, and effective. Our Starter, Intermediate, Pro memberships, in addition to the PCI Level 1 Instructor Course, touches on many of these more advanced topics as well as how to teach them to more skilled players. If you are interested in growing your coaching resources to access the 70+ videos, audio files, and downloadable PDFs PCI has to offer click here. If you’re interested in learning more about the Level 1 PCI Certification please click here.

Video: Teaching Pickleball To Beginners

At PCI we take a thoughtful, deliberate approach to teaching new players. Watch the video below to find out what key principles shape that foundation.

Video: Sample Introductory Lesson

Here’s an example of a PCI introductory lesson. Watch as 3 people who have never touched a pickleball before learn to play the game in just over 1 hour!

Note: this video forms the basis for the knowledge test. Anyone who wants to pass that test and earn a certificate of completion must watch this video and pay attention to its contents.

Test Your Knowledge

Once you have completed all of the steps listed above and are feeling confident hit the button below and test your knowledge! Show us what you’ve retained and let us know what you thought of this program below.

Did you know we also have an eBook all about introducing the game to beginners? Take a look at the Instructor Guide, here.

If you enjoyed this course and want to see what else we have to offer, please do!