Pickleball Clinics:

Dates:

Winter Clinics: 01/22, 02/05, 02/19 and 03/05

Schedule:

Beginner Clinics: Every-other Wednesday from 5:00pm-6:00pm starting on January 22

Bridge to Intermediate Clinics: Every other Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm starting on January 22

Intermediate/Advanced Clinic – NEW CONTENT: Every other Wednesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm starting on January 22

Instructor: Chris Riportella – Certified Master Teaching Professional

Cost:

Member: $100 for the 4-Clinic Package

Non-member: $120 for the 4-Clinic Package

Beginner Clinic Description: Led by certified Master Teaching Professional Chris Riportella, the beginner 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.

Beginner Clinic Session Details:

Session 1 (01/22): The Basics

In this session players are introduced to the fundamentals of the court and some basic rules.
Dinking, serving and returning are the focus strokes as they will also learn the basics of scoring,
rotating as they begin to play the game.

Session 2 (02/05): Serving, Returning, and Movement

After a brief review of the previous week’s concepts, we will focus on strategic serving and
returning through the groundstroke as well as movement up to the NVZ line. Again, games will
be played to reinforce the concepts taught.

Session 3 (02/19): The Punch Volley

Following a brief review of session 2, the scope of this session includes the pickleball punch
volley which is different than any other racquet sport. Proper technique of forehand and
backhand are introduced to obtain the best accuracy. The session finishes with some games as
the punch volley is evaluated during play.

Session 4 (03/05): Dinking and 3rd Shot Choices

This session breaks down the dink and the choices a player has when executing the tricky
third shot. More time is allocated for game play as all concepts come together in this culminating
session of the clinic.

Bridge to Intermediate 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.

Bridge to Intermediate Clinic Session Details: 

Session 1 (01/22): Directional Serving, Returns and Groundstrokes

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 (02/05): Proper Court Movement and Targeted Dinking

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 (02/19): Improved Volley Control and Lobs/Overheads

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 (03/05): Open Play Integration, Understand Rotation Systems, Brief Live Play Teaching

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 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.

Intermediate/Advanced Clinic Session Details:

Session 1 (01/22): 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.

Session 2 (02/05): 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.

Session 3 (02/19): Opponent Pressure Points

This session 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.

Session 4 (03/05): Third Shot Decision Making

This session reviews the choices for the 3rd shot and discusses decision making as it relates to the court positioning and game situation of that specific point. 3rd/5th shot combinations including Shake n’ Bake and Ernes will be covered.

Need some 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!

Purchase a lesson HERE for members $80.00, non-members $120, and one of our Pickleball Professionals will contact you in the next 48 hours to schedule your lesson!

Three & Me 

Cost:

Members: $75 ($25 / player)

Non-member: $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.