Beginner 2 Clinics

Beginner – These players have played a few games, know how to keep score and understand the basic rules of the game. They are learning to judge where the ball is going and can sustain a short rally with players of equal ability. They present with obvious weaknesses in their strokes and are working to improve these weaknesses. These players are typically concerned with getting the serve in, keeping the ball in play and strongly prefer forehand to backhand shots.

Beginner 2 clinics are less focused on stroke development and execution than Beginner 1 clinics but are still emphasized through a series of drills, games and peer review.

Clinic 1 – Why Did We Lose the Point? – Unforced errors, not winners are by far the main reason points end in Pickleball.  The top 8 reasons points are lost will be reviewed.  Simulated situations and play will be presented to demonstrate and explain each for the beginner player.

Clinic 2 – Midcourt and Forward – Introduction of the Dink Game will allow for some competitive play.  Additional concepts of transition zone play including half volleys and body attacks will be covered.

Clinic 3 – Opponent Pressure Points – Placement for shots that put pressure on your opponents.  This not only focuses on an individual but the opponent partnership as well.  Where to hit the ball and setting up points is the focus.

Clinic 4 – Third Shot Decision Making – After the serve and return the serving team is presented with a dilemma.  This clinic reviews the choices and discusses decision making as it relates to the court positioning and game situation of that specific point.

Intermediate 2 Clinics

Intermediate – These players are fairly consistent when hitting slow to medium paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes. They attempt control when trying for direction, depth, or power on their shots but may miss their target. They are beginning to use dinks and lobs but struggle to use them to setup points. This player has become knowledgeable with the rules and communication with partner during play.  They still prefer forehand shots however they do not shy away from backhand shots.  They are beginning to use drive and drop shots as 3^rd shot choices.

Intermediate 2 clinics are still focused on court positioning, playing with a partner, strategy and probability however drills and modified games will be used to present designed situations.  Proper stroke execution is a requirement for the intermediate level.

Clinic 1 – Why Did We Lose the Point? – Unforced errors, not winners are by far the main reason points end in Pickleball.  The top 8 reasons points are lost will be reviewed.  Simulated situations will be presented to demonstrate and explain each for the intermediate player.

Clinic 2 – Midcourt and Forward – Concepts of transition zone play including half volleys and body attacks will be covered as you earn your way to the line.  Basic roll volleys and cut dinks will be introduced.

Clinic 3 – Opponent Pressure Points – This clinic focuses on when and how to apply pressure to the opponents to increase the probability of winning the point.  Shot placement and pace are the main considerations given specific court situations.

Clinic 4 – Third Shot Decision Making – This clinic reviews the choices for the 3^rd shot and discusses decision making as it relates to the court positioning and game situation of that specific point.  3^rd/5^th combinations including Shake n’ Bake and Ernes will be covered.

Advanced 1 clinics are focused primarily on court positioning, playing with a partner, strategy and probability.  Proper stroke execution is a requirement for the advanced level.

Clinic 1 – The Soft Game – In this clinic players still focus on the use of dinks and lobs as strategic shots but with a greater emphasis on constructing offensive advantages.  The cut and roll dinks will be introduced.

Clinic 2 – The Three Volleys – Players will review the block, drop and punch volleys.  More detail on decision making will be highlighted.  This clinic will touch on shot angles.

Clinic 3 – Primary Power Game – The scope of this clinic includes what pace is needed to hit spots to your opponents.  Topspin will be demonstrated.

Clinic 4 – First Three Shots – This clinic applies direction and depth as strategic uses for the serve, return of serve and 3^rd shot for each point.  Court control will be assessed as points are played for the first three shots.

– A Team will consist of 4-6 players (recommended number is 5 players) that are between 3.0-4.0 skill level. The team can consist of any combination of men or women.

– Each TEAM must have a Team Name and a Team Captain named. PLEASE NOTE: if you do not have a team to play on please enter “NEEDS TEAM” under team name / team captain

– Each player MUST individually register and pay

League will run 6 weeks : February  9,16,23 March 2,9,16 (snow date is March 23)  on 6 courts at the YMCA between 7pm-9pm for Intermediate play

FREE PLAY TRAINING CAMP DAY w/ Play and Critique: February 2nd 7pm-9pm- all signed up team members

On February 2nd 7pm-9pm there will be a free play Training camp day for all teams / players in the league. This will take place 1 week prior to the league beginning and will feature Chris Riportella- YMCA Master Pickleball Pro and Ryan Knarr- Director of Racquet Sports as part of the session with Play and Critique as well as evaluating all players for the league for LEVEL BASED PLAY for the league.

15 Minute Games, playing against different players each time. Game scoring / format will be announced once the league registration has closed.