YMCA Small Group Training: Pickleball Skills & Drills

Class Overview

Elevate your game on the court with Pickleball Skills & Drills, a dynamic, month-long small group training program led by a certified YMCA instructor/coach. Designed for players looking to move past the basics and refine their strategy, this 50-minute, twice-a-week session focuses on mastering court positioning, shot precision, and smart tactical play.

By keeping the group size small, you will get plenty of individualized feedback, high-repetition practice, and immediate gameplay application in a fun, active, and social environment.

Key Focus Areas

• Shot Mechanics: Refine your fundamentals, including consistent dinking, crisp volleys, reliable third-shot drops, and effective serves/returns.

• Court Strategy & Positioning: Learn how to effectively move as a team, control the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”), and transition smoothly from defense to offense.

• Footwork & Agility: Improve court coverage, lateral quickness, and balance to react faster to fast-paced rallies.

• Tactical Decision Making: Understand when to power up versus when to play smart, patient placement to outwit your opponents.

What to Expect

• Format: A 4-week progressive series meeting twice a week for 50 minutes per session.

• Targeted Drills & Play: Each class blends technical skill drills and repetition with live-ball situational games so you can immediately test out new strategies.

• Personalized Coaching: Small group sizes ensure your coach can analyze your mechanics, pinpoint areas for improvement, and tailor drills to your current skill level.

Who Is This For?

• Advanced Beginners to Intermediates: Ideal for players who already know the basic rules and scoring of pickleball and want to level up their strategy, consistency, and competitive edge.

• Fitness Goals: Great for anyone looking to build quick footwork, hand-eye coordination, and a fun, high-energy cardio workout.

What to Bring

• Your own pickleball paddle (though limited spares may be available for use).

• A supportive, clearly labeled water bottle.

• Comfortable athletic apparel and court-appropriate athletic shoes with non-marking soles to protect your joints and provide lateral support.

This pickleball clinic will touch on the foundational skills: grip, stance, swing, dinking, serving, returning, footwork, positioning and rules of pickleball through various drills and gameplay.

Adult Intro to Pickleball (Ages 16+)

Tuesdays / Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

June 2 – June 30

July 14 – August 11

September 15 – October 13

Location: Gymnasium (second floor)

Ready to try something new? Intro to Pickleball is the perfect introduction to sports and recreation for beginners or those returning to the game. This fun, supportive program covers basic skills, rules, and gameplay strategies through structured instruction and low-pressure practice. Whether you’re learning for the first time or brushing off the rust, this class will help you build confidence and stay active.

Session Length: 4 weeks (8 sessions)

Cost:

Members: $75

Non-Members: $95

Registration Opens:

Members: May 5

Non-Members: May 12

Learn to Play Pickleball

Looking to learn the basic rules and skills of pickleball? This six-week beginner program introduces players to scoring, serving, positioning, and fundamental shot techniques in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Each session includes skill-building drills and guided play to help participants gain confidence and feel ready for open court or recreational play. No experience necessary. Equipment will be supplied, if needed.

Spring & Summer 2026

Tuesdays and Thursdays

9:00-11:00am

Join us for round robin style play. A court monitor will be available to assist with game timing and team rotations.

Contact: [email protected]