Do You Need Pickleball Lessons To Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is known as an easy sport to pick up, but does one need lessons and coaching if they want to learn to play the game?
Because it is a unique mash-up of several sports - tennis, badminton and table tennis - that are already immensely popular and played by many, pickleball has a well-deserved reputation as a game that is easy to learn. Thanks to it being played on a smaller court and that it uses lighter equipment that is easier to handle, many pickleball players pick up the sport by themselves, with minimal or no lessons, and go on to become competent players.
So is it necessary to take pickleball lessons or find a pickleball coach? Here’s why we think it could be beneficial.
It’s great to have someone properly explain the rules and unique characteristics of pickleball.
Even if a player already knows how to play tennis, badminton or table tennis, pickleball has its own unique set of rules and scoring system which can pose a challenge. Learning what not to do in the pickleball no-volley ‘kitchen’ zone, developing dinking skills, practising footwork that is specific to pickleball and learning how to handle the paddle to make the shots needed for pickleball are things a coach can help you with, right from the start.
A coach can help you unlearn bad habits and correct your game.
A table tennis player may use the strokes he or she already knows to play pickleball, which could be detrimental as you progress in the game, as pickleball requires its own distinctive moves. This is due to the size of the court, the height of the net, and how the paddle strikes the ball and how the ball moves and bounces in a way that is different from a ping pong ball, tennis ball or badminton shuttlecock. A good coach can help to correct your moves and the way you hit to better your game.
Also, as many pickleball players initially learn pickleball on their own or from friends, or by watching videos, they can pick up habits that make progressing in the game challenging, if these are not corrected. Lessons can help correct mistakes, and coaching early on can also make sure you get the basics right, straight off the bat.
Lessons could really benefit kids and seniors who are beginners.
A coach who is accustomed to teaching little ones and delivering the basics and even intermediate lessons in a way that best suits the learning style of children can help kids learn faster and better, and cement their love for the game. With seniors, coaches can tailor sessions to the older folks’ fitness levels, and impart tips that can prevent injury.
An experienced coach can help a competitive player get to the next level.
For players who are looking to take things up a notch by playing more competitively or joining a league or tournament to rise up the ranks and improve their player skill ratings, a coach can be a game changer. Whether it’s helping them iron out the kinks in their game, giving personalised feedback, or helping with specific weaknesses, such as developing a better serve, a coach is paramount for advancing in the game. He or she can push a player’s limits and challenge the player with drills and practice matches, as well as promote regular practice and accountability, which are key to victory. There are also strategies and competitive requirements a coach can help with, to fine-tune a player’s game.
The thing about pickleball is that while it is easy to pick up, it’s hard to excel at. Some say that the better you get, the more difficult pickleball becomes. So while a beginner plays casually and can have a great game, the challenges really kick in when you’re playing at a competitive level.
Social coaching sessions can be a great way to improve your game and make friends at the same time.
Pickleball is a very social sport, and many play it to make friends and connections, and join a fun community. Sports academies such as Play! Pickle conducts social sessions where you can learn in a fun and chilled-out environment, and find new friends and players to hit balls with. It can also help solve the challenge of where to play pickleball, as coaches will arrange sessions at specific locations and courts, so the players can just turn up and play without worrying about finding and booking a court.
In conclusion, whether or not you choose to take pickleball lessons or hire a coach ultimately depends on your personal goals. If you aspire to play competitively or want to rapidly improve your skills, professional guidance is advisable. If you aim to enjoy the game casually and aren't concerned with mastering advanced techniques, then self-learning can be a satisfactory route. Either way, pickleball offers a welcoming and vibrant community for players of all skill levels.
