As pickleball continues to grow, more players are looking for quality instruction to improve their skills. Whether you’re coaching beginners or experienced players, one of the most effective strategies is also one of the simplest: keep it simple.
The Power of Simplicity
When teaching pickleball, it’s tempting to share everything you know at once. After all, there’s so much to cover—grip, footwork, shot selection, court positioning, strategy, and more. However, too much information at once can overwhelm players, making it harder for them to absorb and apply what they’ve learned. Instead, focus on one key concept per lesson to ensure effective learning and retention.
A good idea is to start with the fundamentals of pickleball and focus on basic progressions. For example, if you noticed players were struggling with volleys at the net, focus on their grip, setup, impact point and footwork. Do not worry about the players pace, spin or control of their volleys until they understand the basics. However, if you notice that the players are struggling to serve, drive and volley, try starting with serving first. If they cannot serve, they will not be able to play or win points in pickleball. Once they have the fundamentals of serving, move onto returns since players will always serve and return each point. Keeping the lessons simple with a focus on one fundamental at a time will increase the chance of success for the player, creating a fun and positive environment.
Why Less is More
Better Retention – When players focus on just one skill at a time, they are more likely to remember it and apply it effectively in a game situation.
Reduced Overwhelm – Too much information can be confusing, especially for beginners. A step-by-step approach allows players to build confidence gradually.
Faster Improvement – By mastering one concept before moving to the next, players develop stronger fundamentals, leading to better long-term progress.
How to Keep It Simple
Choose a Theme for Each Lesson – Structure your session around one main idea, such as the setup for dinking, third-shot drops, or controlling return depths.
Use Clear, Concise Language – Avoid technical jargon. Instead of saying, "Utilize a continental grip to ensure optimal control," simply say, "Hold the paddle like you’re shaking hands."
Demonstrate, Don’t Over-Explain – Show the skill first, then let players try it. Too much talking can slow down learning.
Give Actionable Cues – Use short, memorable feedback that reinforces the main topic and technical or tactical focus for the lesson such as, “Great job contacting the ball out in front of you,” or “nice job hitting that low third shot to neutralize the opponent.”
Reinforce Through Repetition – Stick with the same concept throughout the lesson and practice it in different ways.
A Practical Example
Imagine you’re coaching a group on improving their dinks. Instead of covering multiple aspects of dinking in one session (grip, setup, impact point, footwork, sensation, placement, and strategy), focus on just one key element—for example, focusing on a pushing sensation. Start with simple drills emphasizing the difference between a ‘hit’ and a ‘push,’ then progress to controlled dinking rallies. By the end of the session, players will have made noticeable improvements in that one area without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Great coaching isn’t about how much information you can deliver—it’s about how well your players understand and apply what they learn. By keeping it simple and focusing on one key concept per lesson, you’ll create a more effective, enjoyable, and rewarding learning experience for your players.
Next time you’re on the court, remember: Less is more. Keep it simple, and watch your players thrive!