Instructional Pickleball Clinics

Pickleball clinics at the Sinking Spring Y offer a structured, fun, and highly effective way to develop specific aspects of your game over time. Each clinic consists of four one-hour sessions, held every other week over eight weeks, allowing participants to learn new skills, practice them in live play, and return ready to build on what they’ve developed. The registration cost covers all 4 sessions.

Various clinic levels are offered, ensuring players can find the right fit whether they’re picking up a paddle for the first time, looking to add a new shot to their game, or developing for advanced strategies. Each level focuses on targeted skill development, giving participants time to absorb new concepts, apply them in games, and continue progressing throughout the season.

Clinics are led by Master Teaching Professional Chris Riportella, whose engaging, scaffolded teaching style blends group instruction with personalized coaching. Chris weaves technical development into game play—circulating throughout the session to give individualized feedback while keeping the environment upbeat and enjoyable.

Clinic Pricing:

• YMCA Member: $100
• Non-Member: $120

Registration cost covers all 4 sessions.

Beginner Clinic:

Clinic Description: This clinic is for people who have never played the game or have only played a handful of times. These sessions are focused primarily on proper stroke development and execution as well as a general understanding of the game and basic rules. By the end of this clinic the participant should be able to play a game with some technique and keep score without the assistance of the instructor.

Clinic Dates/Time: Every-other Monday from 5:00pm-6:00pm, starting October 26, 2026

Session Details:

• Session 1 – Pickleball Basics & The Kitchen – 10/26/2026: Participants learn core fundamentals, including paddle grip, proper posture, and the mechanics of the dink shot. The session focuses heavily on understanding non-volley zone (kitchen) rules and mastering paddle control near the net.
• Session 2 – The Serve, Return, & Deep Court Play – 11/9/2026: Participants learn core fundamentals, including paddle grip, proper posture, and the mechanics of the dink shot. The session focuses heavily on understanding non-volley zone (kitchen) rules and mastering paddle control near the net.
• Session 3 – The Third Shot & Transition Zone – 11/23/2026: Players are introduced to strategic choices from the baseline, focusing on developing both the third shot drop and third shot drive. Drills emphasize how to navigate “No Man’s Land” and reset fast-moving balls safely into the opponent’s kitchen.
• Session 4 – Game Strategy & Match Play – 12/7/2026: The final session ties together mechanics and strategy, teaching the official three-number scoring system, court positioning, and communication. Participants apply their skills in a structured round-robin tournament with real-time coaching feedback.

Bridge to Intermediate Clinic:

Clinic Description: This clinic is for people who have completed the Beginner Pickleball Clinic. These sessions will provide the participant with a pathway to Intermediate pickleball play. During these sessions we dive a little deeper into the strategy of the game and technique behind the strokes. The participant will leave with drills that will help develop the skills. Individual advice will be given to the participant regarding their specific path to Intermediate pickleball.

Clinic Dates/Time: Every-other Monday from 7:00pm-8:00pm, starting October 26, 2026

Session Details:

• Session 1 – Directional Serving, Returns and Groundstrokes – 10/26/2026
  In this session players begin to explore serving, returns and groundstrokes with better control and purpose.  Hitting with Intentional direction is highlighted while serving and returning choices are explored.
• Session 2 – Proper Court Movement and Targeted Dinking – 11/9/2026
  The scope of this session provides a better understanding of player movement on the court.  Intentional dinking requires hitting specific spots on the court and these concepts will be discussed.
• Session 3 – Improved Volley Control and Lobs/Overheads – 11/23/2026
  We will dive into more precise technique for punch volleys to gain better control.  The specific mechanics and strategy of lobs and overheads is also discussed.
• Session 4 – Open Play Integration, Understand Rotation Systems, Brief Live Play Teaching – 12/7/2026
  This session begins with an open discussion regarding the expectations of open play including rotation and playing with others.  We then move into actual live play while the instructor provides real time feedback regarding shot selection and strategy.

Intermediate/Advanced Clinic:

Clinic Description: This clinic is for players who 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 3rd shot choices. Intermediate clinics are focused primarily on court positioning, playing with a partner, strategy and probability. Proper stroke execution is a requirement for the intermediate level.

Clinic Dates/Time: Every-other Monday from 6:00pm-7:00pm, starting October 26, 2026

Session Details:

• Session 1 – The Kitchen Transition – 10/26/2026
  Focuses on mastering the 3rd and 5th shot drops to safely transition from the baseline to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ). Players learn to read ball depth to choose between drops and drives, while developing soft hands to reset aggressive opponent hits from No-Man’s Land.
• Session 2 – NVZ Warfare – 11/9/2026
  Centers on high-level dinking strategy and building patience during kitchen exchanges. Players practice pushing dinks deep into corners and at opponents’ feet, while learning to instantly identify and attack balls that bounce above net height.
• Session 3 – Defense & Countering – 11/23/2026
  Develops rapid hand speed and compact counter-attacks to neutralize fast-paced kitchen exchanges. Players learn to absorb power using block volleys, recognize un-attackable speed-ups, and safely reset high-velocity drives back into the kitchen.
• Session 4 – Advanced Strategy & Positioning – 12/7/2026
  Integrates tactical court coverage, communication, and situational decision-making under match pressure. Players learn the mechanics of stacking to maximize team strengths and apply shot selection strategies through realistic high-stakes score scenarios.

Need 1-on-1 instruction from an experienced Pickleball Professional to take your game to the next level? We’ve got you covered at the Sinking Spring YMCA!

Lessons are $80 for members and $120 for the community. Once registered, a Pickleball Professional will contact you within the next 48 hours to schedule your lesson!

Three & Me 

Cost:

Members: $75 ($25 / player)

Community: $105 ($35 / player)

This is an opportunity to play with and against a high-level Pickleball Professional while also receiving instruction.

The session allows for 3 players, and the Pickleball Professional will play in the foursome with the other three players.

As points unfold, moments of instruction will be reviewed using real, game time situations. Decision-making, shot selection, and setting up points are the focus of these sessions.

Once registered, a Pickleball Professional will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your lesson!

Rental Contracts

Rental contracts are available for groups looking for consistent, guaranteed court time. Generally, rental contracts are limited to courts 5 and 6. To express interest in this service and to begin the registration process, contact Dawn Stump ([email protected]).

Court Rental

Courts may also be rented for one-time or short-term use. Rentals are a great option for those looking to secure court time for private play, practice, or casual matches. Standard rentals are for a maximum of 4 players per court. Courts can be rented at the following rates:

• YMCA Members: $20 per hour
• Non-Members: $35 per hour

For more information or to rent a court, contact the Sinking Spring YMCA Welcome Center by calling 610-678-0484 or emailing [email protected].

Court Access

YMCA members enjoy complimentary access to open court time on a walk-on basis or by reserving up to 24 hours in advance in the Court Reserve app. Courts may only be booked in advance for one hour of play per group of 4 players. If a court is unreserved, members or guests on a day pass may check in at the Welcome Center for immediate play.