​​Each category below has a list of skills and knowledge criteria that you should be highly proficient in as you progress to the next category.  This is not an exclusive or all-inclusive list, but a general collection of skills and knowledge that you should acquire through your development journey.

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You may notice that the game of pickleball is like the layers of a big onion, with numerous layers of mechanics and techniques to study, develop and master.  If you do not know or understand any of these pickleball concepts and playing criteria, then your journey simply continues in its development.  That, as I see it, is a good thing.  There is always something more to learn.  So, embrace the process and enjoy the ride! 

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If any of these following concepts/criteria are foreign or unclear, perhaps even misunderstood, we need a conversation.  Lets get you playing your best.

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"See you on the courts at 002"

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NOTES:

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If you are a social player and want to enjoy the game, you don't need high proficiency in all these concepts.  So, don't let that scare you away from pickleball.  What you do need is a clear understanding of proper mechanics and techniques to keep you from causing physical injury and enjoying the robust activities at your level.

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If you are a more competitive spirit, that wants to dig in and develop higher game play skills and knowledge, then each playing level should challenge you and your development.  The skills are deep and challenging and that is what should drive you to keep pushing yourself for one more skill and one more game.

Assess Your Playing Abilities

• Novice

  • Timing and Judging

  • Ball Dynamics

  • Basic Grip and Paddle Control

  • Rules

  • Swing Mechanics

• Beginners

  • Strokes:  Drives, Drops, Dink, Serve, Volley

  • Basic Stroke Mechanics

• Beginner Plus

  • Strokes:  When, Where and Why

  • Time and Space

  • Footwork & Paddle Ready

  • Advanced Timing

  • Stroke Production and Technique: Contact Point, Pathway, Face Angle

• Intermediate

  • Advancing: Split Step, Laser Pointing, Facing Ball

  • Mid Court: Blocks and Resets

  • Neutral Concept: Offense, Defense, Neutral

  • Spin: Top Spin, Slice, Cut

  • Court Positioning

  • Defense & Resets

  • Panic Mode

  • NVZ Blocking

  • Pressure Concepts

• Intermediate Plus

  • Advanced Kitchen Strategies

  • Team Strategy

  • Tournament Prep

  • Point Breakdown

  • Attacking w/Patience

  • Stay active off the Ball

  • Controlling the Point

  • Turning Defense into Offense

  • The Mental Game

• Advance

  •  Building Weapons

  • Misdirection & Fake

  • Advanced Drilling and Patterns

  • Reading Opponents

  • Advanced Poaching

  • ATP’s, Ernie and Defending

• Advance Plus

  • Utilize Strengths & Hide Weakness

  • Building: Consistency, Patience, High Percentage Shots

  •  Controlling Rally Points