SCPA Pickleball clinics

(Clinic dates will be announced when they become available.)

Beginner Pickleball 100 Series

Course Description: Players who enroll in this course will participate in fun drills and instructor guided games in order to learn the basic pickleball shots and strategies. Subsequent sessions are aimed at incorporating skills gained in previous classes. Instructors will demonstrate drills that can be done outside of class to enhance skill development. Although all classes are not required, taking them in all in sequence is the best method for improving.

Class: Pickleball 101

Here we will start building on the basic shots shown at the Learn to Play clinic.

Class 101 includes:

1) Brief review of scoring, correct court positioning and rules

2) Learn and practice the correct ball striking location as well as proper paddle position

3) Proper techniques of serves and returns

4) Introduction to basic dinking technique

5) Basic forehand and backhand strokes

6) Instructor guided games with individual constructive critique

Prerequisites: None

Class Recommended for: Novice, Beginner 2.0-2.75 levels

Class Fee: $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Class: Pickleball 102

Focus: playing at the kitchen (Non volley zone)

Class 102 includes:

1) Basic dinking technique and footwork

2) Volleying

3) Court positioning and playing with a partner

4) Instructor guided modified games with individual constructive critique

Prerequisites: Class 101 or equivalent experience/knowledge

Class Recommended for: Novice, Beginner 2.0-2.75 levels

Class Fee: $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Class: Pickleball 103

Focus: Developing 3rd shot techniques

Class 103 includes:

1) Drop Shot (third shot drop) technique, form and purpose

2) Third Shot Drives

3) Approaching the kitchen line properly

4) Ball control drills designed for keeping opponents at the baseline

5) Instructor guided modified games with individual constructive critique

Prerequisites: Class 102 or equivalent experience/knowledge

Recommended for: Novice, Beginner 2.0-2.75 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Class: Pickleball 104

Focus: Defense

Class 104 includes:

1) Blocking at the non-Volley Zone and transition zone

2) Different types of blocks (drop block, punch volley, resets)

3) Court positioning

4) Reading opponent’s intentions

5) Avoiding hitting out balls

6) Drills and modified games to practice defensive skills

Players will be shown drills that they can do on their own to improve these skills.

Prerequisites: Class 103 or equivalent experience/knowledge

Recommended for: Novice, Beginner 2.0-2.5 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

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PB 200 Series

Course Description: Players who enroll in this course will start to develop the basic fundamental skills learned in the 100 series (or from previous playing experience). Subsequent sessions are

aimed at incorporating skills gained in previous classes. Instructors will demonstrate drills that can be done outside of class to enhance skill development. Although all classes are not required,

taking them in all in sequence is the best method for improving.

Students should possess the following skills before enrolling in a 200-level class:

 Be approximately 3.0-3.5 skill level

 Be able to keep score

 Know correct court position when serving, returning, and after scoring

 Be able to get at least 70% of serves in.

 Be able to maintain a 5-6 shot rally with some regularity

 Be able to keep at least 50% of third shots in play

 Have a basic understanding of the fundamentals covered in the 100 series including dinking, volleying, third shots, serving, and returning

During the previous classes you have learned the fundamentals of how to hit a serve, return,

dink shot, drop shot, block and reset. The 200 series classes will help you determine how and

when to hit those shots during your games, as well as continuing to hone these skills as you

improve.

Pickleball 201

Focus: Game strategy and playing with a partner

1) Team positioning and “respecting the X”

2) Serve and return strategy and placement

3) Topspin

4) Forehand dominance

5) Moving as a team

6) Communication and court awareness

Class Duration: 90 minutes

Prerequisites: Pickleball 104 or equivalent skill/experience

Class Recommended for: Advanced Beginner 3.0-3.5 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Pickleball 202

Focus: Creating scoring opportunities and defending against pressure

Utilizing many of the skills learned in class 201, you and your partner will enjoy increased success with these new tools.

1) Defending against “bangers”

2) Offensive and defensive dinking strategies

3) Drive versus drop strategy

4) Volleying and “fast hands” drills

5) Instructor guided modified games with individual constructive critique

Class Duration: 90 minutes

Prerequisites: Pickleball 202 or equivalent skill/experience

Class Recommended for: Advanced Beginner 3.0-3.5 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Pickleball 203

Focus: Shot placement, spin, and efficient gameplay

Knowing how and when to use positioning and a little deception will earn you more points with these techniques.

1) Lobs: executing and defending

2) Introduction to slice and backspin

3) Reading opponents’ intentions by their body and paddle positions

4) Instructor guided modified games with individual constructive critique

Class Duration: 90 minutes

Prerequisites: Pickleball 203 or equivalent skill/experience

Class Recommended for: Advanced Beginner 3.0-3.5 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

Pickleball 204

Focus: Transition zone play

Mastering the techniques of the transition zone is a necessary step on the road to become a fundamentally sound player. Resetting properly is crucial to extend rallies and earn your more

opportunities to win. You learn skills like:

1) Resetting from the air and off the bounce

2) Knowing when to advance and retreat

3) Defending smashes

4) Poaching

5) Instructor guided modified games with individual constructive critique

Class Duration: 90 minutes

Prerequisites: Pickleball 204 or equivalent skill/experience

Class Recommended for: Advanced Beginner 3.0-3.5 levels

Class Fee $25

Class Limits: Minimum 3/Maximum 8

Class Instructor: Darin Kourajian or Benjamin Poole

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Private Lessons

If you want to learn aspects of pickleball on a smaller student-instructor ratio, then private lessons are for you. Private lessons are catered to your needs and can be used to better understand a strategy, shot, or skill.

To find further information on classes and private lessons from SCPA sponsored instructors, please click below.