Teacher’s Notes

Pickleball is a highly engaging and inclusive sport that offers a multitude of benefits to our students. As an educator, introducing our students to this exciting activity can positively impact their physical, social, and cognitive development. Below are some key points outlining the various benefits of incorporating Pickleball into our curriculum:

  • Physical Fitness:

    • Pickleball is a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by students of all fitness levels.

    • Playing Pickleball helps improve cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall physical endurance.

    • The game involves dynamic movements, such as quick lateral footwork, hand-eye coordination, and agility, which contribute to enhanced motor skills.

  • Development of Motor Skills:

    • The sport requires precise hand movements, including gripping the paddle, executing forehand and backhand shots, and performing dink shots.

    • Students will develop better hand-eye coordination and reflexes, which can transfer to other sports and activities.

  • Inclusive and Accessible:

    • Pickleball is an inclusive sport that allows students of varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels to participate together.

    • It fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork, as players work collaboratively to win points and enjoy the game.

  • Social Interaction:

    • Playing Pickleball encourages social interaction, communication, and teamwork, as students collaborate with partners and opponents.

    • It provides an opportunity for students to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships in a fun and supportive environment.

  • Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:

    • Pickleball involves tactical decision-making, as players must strategically place shots, anticipate opponents' moves, and adjust their gameplay accordingly.

    • Students will develop critical thinking skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities while engaging in competitive play.

  • Sportsmanship and Respect:

    • Pickleball teaches essential values such as fair play, good sportsmanship, and respect for opponents and teammates.

    • Students will learn to celebrate victories with humility and handle defeat with grace, fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere.

  • Stress Relief and Mental Well-being:

    • Engaging in physical activity, including Pickleball, promotes the release of endorphins, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

    • The enjoyable nature of the sport can act as a recreational outlet, alleviating academic pressures and promoting a balanced lifestyle.

  • Lifelong Physical Activity:

    • Introducing Pickleball to students encourages them to develop a love for physical activity, fostering a lifelong interest in sports and fitness.

    • It lays the foundation for an active lifestyle, promoting overall health and well-being as they transition into adulthood.

  • Intergenerational:

    • The sport's characteristics make it easy for family members, friends, and individuals of different ages to engage in physical activity together, fostering a sense of community and well-being. 5 year olds can play with 85 year olds. This intergenerational activity should be encouraged.

One of the remarkable features of Pickleball is its ability to engage students who may not have traditionally gravitated towards sports activities. This inclusivity makes it an ideal sport to introduce to all students, regardless of their prior interest in sports. Here's why Pickleball can resonate with non-sporty students:

  • Low-Intensity Entry:

    • Pickleball's low-intensity nature is welcoming to students who may feel hesitant about participating in more physically demanding sports.

    • The slower pace allows beginners to develop their skills gradually, reducing the initial pressure to perform at a competitive level.

  • Non-Intimidating Size:

    • The smaller court size in Pickleball can be less intimidating for students who feel overwhelmed by the dimensions of larger sports fields or courts.

    • The court's reduced area promotes a sense of closeness and camaraderie among players, encouraging interaction and cooperation.

  • Approachable Learning Curve:

    • The fundamental skills of Pickleball, such as serving, dinking, and volleying, can be quickly learned, fostering early success for newcomers.

    • As students experience tangible progress in a short time, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

  • Teamwork and Supportive Environment:

    • Pickleball's doubles format provides a supportive team environment, where partners can encourage and motivate each other.

    • Non-sporty students may find comfort in knowing they have a teammate to rely on, creating a sense of belonging and mutual support.

  • Positive Social Interaction:

    • Pickleball fosters positive social interactions, even for students who may not feel naturally drawn to team sports.

    • The friendly and cooperative nature of the game allows students to focus on building relationships and having fun together.

  • Fun and Enjoyment:

    • Pickleball's playful and enjoyable nature can appeal to students who prioritize recreational activities over competitive sports.

    • The element of fun encourages students to participate with enthusiasm and a sense of curiosity.

  • Balanced Competition:

    • While Pickleball can be competitive, the balanced nature of the game levels the playing field, making it more approachable for non-athletic students.

    • Students can still experience the excitement of competition without feeling overwhelmed by a highly demanding physical environment.

Junior School Pickleball Curriculum (Ages 6-10):

Week 1-2:

  1. Introduction to Pickleball:

    • Students gather in the gymnasium or an outdoor court.

    • The teacher introduces Pickleball, explaining that it's a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

    • Students are shown the court layout, the net height, and the equipment (paddles and plastic balls).

    • Safety guidelines are emphasized, such as staying aware of other players, using proper footwear, and being cautious while playing.

  2. Grip and Ready Position:

    • Students practice holding the pickleball paddle with a proper grip, ensuring the wrist is firm but not tense.

    • The teacher demonstrates the ready position, where the students stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and the paddle held in front of them.

  3. Dink Shot:

    • The teacher demonstrates a basic dink shot, which involves softly hitting the ball over the net to the opponent's side.

    • Students practice dinking with a partner, standing close to the net and aiming to keep the ball low and controlled.

  4. Forehand and Backhand Shots:

    • The forehand and backhand shots are introduced and demonstrated by the teacher.

    • Students practice hitting the ball against a wall or backboard, alternating between forehand and backhand strokes.

  5. Serving:

    • The teacher teaches the underhand serve technique, where students hold the ball in their non-dominant hand and use their paddle hand to swing under the ball and send it over the net.

    • Students practice serving to a specific target area on the court.

  6. Mini Games:

    • To make learning more enjoyable, mini-games like "Around the World" (where students take turns hitting the ball to different zones on the court) and "Pickleball Baseball" (where players run bases after successfully hitting the ball) are played.

Middle School Pickleball Curriculum (Ages 11-14):

Week 1-2:

  1. Review and Warm-Up:

    • Students start with a warm-up, incorporating dynamic stretches and footwork drills to prepare for Pickleball activities.

    • Basic skills from the junior school curriculum are reviewed, focusing on refining technique and footwork.

  2. Volleys:

    • The teacher demonstrates and explains the concept of volleys, where players hit the ball before it bounces.

    • Students practice volleying with a partner, gradually increasing the distance between them.

  3. Drop Shots:

    • The technique for performing a drop shot is introduced, emphasizing the importance of soft touch and control.

    • Students practice hitting drop shots from different positions on the court.

  4. Third Shot Drop:

    • The teacher explains the "third shot drop" strategy used in doubles play to regain control of the point.

    • Students practice initiating rallies with a third shot drop, ensuring it lands softly in the opponent's non-volley zone.

  5. Doubles Play:

    • The rules and strategies for doubles play are discussed, including positioning, communication, and covering the court efficiently.

    • Students play doubles matches, rotating partners to experience different playing styles.

  6. Mini-Tournaments:

    • To encourage healthy competition, mini-tournaments are organized where students form pairs or teams and compete against each other.

    • Sportsmanship and fair play are emphasized throughout the tournaments.

High School Pickleball Curriculum (Ages 15-18):

Week 1-2:

  1. Advanced Serving Techniques:

    • The teacher demonstrates various serving techniques, such as topspin and slice serves, to add variation and unpredictability to their serves.

    • Students practice serving with power and accuracy, focusing on consistency.

  2. Power and Control:

    • Students learn to balance power and control in their shots, understanding when to play aggressively and when to maintain a more controlled approach.

    • Drills involve hitting shots with varying pace and accuracy.

  3. Advanced Doubles Strategies:

    • The teacher delves deeper into doubles strategies, including stacking (adjusting court positions based on player dominance) and poaching (crossing the middle to intercept shots).

    • Students practice implementing these strategies during doubles matches.

  4. Net Play and Smashes:

    • Advanced net play techniques, such as blocking volleys and performing overhead smashes, are introduced.

    • Students practice net play scenarios, improving their reaction time and shot selection.

  5. Singles Play:

    • The rules and strategies specific to singles Pickleball are explained, with a focus on maintaining court coverage and exploiting opponents' weaknesses.

    • Students participate in singles matches to develop their individual skills and strategies.

  6. Pickleball Conditioning:

    • To enhance fitness and endurance for Pickleball, students engage in conditioning exercises such as footwork drills, agility exercises, and interval training.

    • Discussions about nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are integrated into the curriculum.

  7. Intra-School Tournament:

    • The high school curriculum culminates in an intra-school Pickleball tournament, where students compete against one another in various categories based on skill levels.

    • The tournament serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, sportsmanship, and passion for Pickleball.

Junior, Middle & High School Pickleball Curriculum

  • Global

    Pickleball Schools represents Pickleball Federations around the world. We support efforts in communities and schools in each of our jurisdictions and are able to manage and monitor the execution of the Pickleball Schools program.

  • Curriculum

    Pickleball has proven to enhance cognitive functions, memory retention, and overall academic performance. Pickleball can provide students with a well-rounded education that promotes physical health, mental well-being, and academic success.

  • Engagement

    Pickleball is not just for athletic youth. It is fun from the first ball drop for any skill level. The sport will engage all youth and has the potential to lower truancy rates and boost engagement and attendance in school activities.

  • Community

    Pickleball is a platform for intergenerational community engagement and mentorship. These connections can inspire and motivate youth, promoting positive role models and fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth.

  • Capacity

    Collaborative efforts between the private sector, government bodies, educational institutions, and community organizations can help secure the necessary funding and resources for the construction of these facilities.

  • Brands

    Brands

    We allow brands to engage meaningfully with communities around the world. Pickleball Schools will customize a logo and message on the paddles and portable nets allowing brands to connect in an authentic and consistent manner.