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Training Overview

The CLPBC is prepared to offer classes to members wishing to learn, or improve upon, their game of pickleball. But as you can imagine, our program is only as good as the volunteers we get to support it. For more information on volunteering, or specific dates and times of upcoming classes, or on any matter pertaining to training, email our Player Development Team at CLPBCplayerdevelopment@gmail.com.
 

The Club prefers to use a stair-step approach to training, starting with the basics and working up to supervised game play. This helps develop individual skills, while providing new members with networking opportunities to get to know and play with others at a similar skill level. 

 

To get started, you will need to join the club.

Club Training

Introduction to Pickleball

Description:  This 1.5-hour class introduces participants to the game of pickleball, covering terminology, basic rules of play, equipment and court etiquette. This class is free and open to all CLPBC Pickleball Club members. At the end of the session, you will be provided a handout titled “Pickleball Rules in a Nutshell” for future reference. Following completion of this class, you are encouraged to enter the Beginner Training Program.  Minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants in each class. 
 

Prerequisites: This is a physically active game. You must be physically able to walk, run, bend, and reach both vertically and horizontally. Before beginning any new sport, you should discuss it with your doctor to be sure you are fit for participation. You may need to prepare by beginning a regular exercise routine first.

Equipment: Wear comfortable clothing and TENNIS COURT SHOES.   If you do not have proper shoes, for your own safety, you will be asked to leave and reschedule your attendance. Please bring water, sunglasses, and a hat. Paddles, pickleballs and volunteer instructors are provided for the training.

Beginner Training Program

Description: This 6-hour program is designed for those players who have completed the Introduction to Pickleball, but have minimal knowledge of the game and its rules. Experienced Club players are assigned to train, monitor and guide your performance through practice drills and an actual game environment. They will evaluate your weaknesses and work to develop individual skills and rule knowledge. The goal is to help you to more confidently participate in Club Time play, while having fun and enjoying the social aspects of the game. Minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 participants in each class. 


Before completing the program, you should be familiar with and able to and attempt 9 basic shot strokes – serve, return of serve, forehand, backhand, volley, dink, drop, lob and overhead; be able to conduct a short rally with players of equal ability, and be familiar with court positioning in doubles play. The goal is for you to demonstrate the skills commensurate with a United States of America Pickleball (USAP) rating of 2.0. 
 

This course is founded on the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) endorsed book, Pickleball Fundamentals by Mary Littlewood. You are encouraged to purchase this book prior to the beginning of class. Beginner Training is free and open to those Club members who have completed Introduction to Pickleball. The intent is to run the program for 1.5 hours over 5 consecutive days (Monday – Friday). An inclement weather day (as required) is scheduled for the Saturday following the last day of class.

 

Prerequisites:

  • Must have completed the Introduction to Pickleball Class.

  • Must be a member in good standing of the Canadian Lakes Pickleball Club (CLPBC).

  • Must be able to commit to attendance at 5 consecutive 1.5 hour blocks of instruction in accordance with the established schedule.

  • Must be physically able to walk, run, bend, and reach both vertically and horizontally.
     

Equipment: Wear comfortable clothing and TENNIS COURT SHOES. While loaner paddles are available, players are encouraged to consider purchasing their own paddle.      

Mentoring & Supervised Play

Description.: Mentoring and Supervised Play is a performance-based program for members who recently completed Beginner Training. Here you may drill or play games with, or under the guidance of, an experienced club member. The purpose is to reinforce your understanding of the rules, court positioning and basic strategies covered in the Beginner Training clinic. To the extent possible, you will be grouped with players of a similar ability, and drill or play with mentors/instructors, when schedules allow.  


Prerequisites: Must have completed a Beginner Training Program. 

  • Have minimal understanding of the basic rules of the game – (court lines, the double bounce rule, Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), foot faults, let serves and line calls).

  • Know how to keep score.

  • Accurately place the serve into the correct square.

  • Know where to stand when serving and returning serve.

  • Demonstrate rudimentary skills with the forehand, backhand, volley and dink.

  • Move in a safe and balanced manner.

  • Attempt to approach the non-volley zone with your partner.

  • Demonstrate court etiquette in accordance with the CLPBC Pickleball Safety and Etiquette handout, dated April 2023 .
     

Equipment: Wear comfortable clothing and TENNIS COURT SHOES. Players should have their own paddle.

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