Guided Play

Guided Play (GP) is an educational program for newer pickleball players that have become PPPA members.  GP allows them to receive instruction from a more advanced player to improve their skills (serve, soft game at net, scoring, rules of the game, 3rd shot “drop shot,”  volleys, lob, etc.). GP also creates an opportunity to meet and play with a variety of PPPA players.

Please email Sherry Fairchild, Education and Training Director, at sdfairchild@mac.com if you are interested in participating in GP. Please note your skill level (1, 2 or 3) and the day and date you plan to participate. A confirmation will be emailed to you.  Skill level descriptions are posted below to help you determine your appropriate GP skill level of a 1, 2 or 3.  If you are uncertain, your instructor can also assist you in determining your appropriate skill level. 

Guided Play LOCATION:  All GP lessons are at Monument Valley Park (MVP), Colorado Springs  

Guided Play TIMES:  

•       Sundays 2-3 pm at MVP and will begin May 9, 2020 and end September 27, 2020
•       Tuesdays 2-3 pm at MVP and will begin May 12, 2020 and will end September 29, 2020

All participants in Guided Play must have their own paddle and balls.    

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.  Class size will be limited to 16 each session.

Guided Play Skill Levels

 Level 1:

• Has had at least one lesson and is a member of PPPA
• Is a new player with minimal knowledge of the game and the rules
• Has played a few games and is learning the court lines, scoring and basic rules of the game.
• Demonstrates the basic strokes – forehand, backhand, volley and the serve—but needs improvement on each of these strokes.

 Level 2:

• Drills to include serve deep, return deep, controlled dinking
• Makes longer lasting slow-paced rallies
• Beginning to approach the non-volley zone to hit volleys
• Aware of the “soft game”
• Knowledge of the rules has improved
• Court coverage has improved.

Level 3:

• Drills: third-shot drop, lobs
• Court coverage (covering the middle, covering the lines, playing together)
• Demonstrates improved control when trying for direction, depth and power on shots
• Needs to develop variety with shots