HP Plan: Pickle-Ball

Today is Pickleball Theme Day, designed as an introduction to pickleball for children who, in most cases, have never played before. The focus of the day is on learning basic skills, building confidence, and enjoying play, rather than competition or strict rules.

The programme is split into two sessions, with lunch in between. Each session includes:

• 30 minutes of skill development (basic paddle control, hitting, serving and movement)

• 30 minutes of game play, where children can practise their skills in a fun, relaxed environment

With a mixed age group (many aged 5–7), activities are designed to be achievable and inclusive, with older children encouraged to support younger participants. Rules are kept simple, extra bounces are allowed, and success is measured by participation, effort and encouragement.

Staff role today

• Model positive sportsmanship and encouragement

• Keep instructions short and clear

• Prioritise safety and inclusion

• Praise effort and improvement over winning

The goal is for all children to leave the day feeling confident, proud, and excited to play pickleball again.

First - show children the following video (How to play pickleball in 5 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDDwZgepQeE

Kids are not expectd to remember all of it, but its a good overview of the game rules.

From here - all children will get a paddle and a ball. Plesse provide some rules of the paddles, no throwing them, swinging them, wrist strap is to be on at all times.

Pickleball Introduction Training Plan

Total players: 

• Paddles (One each)

• Balls (One each)

• 4 nets

• Cones / markers

Structure:

• Session 1: Skills (30 min) + Games (30 min)

• Lunch Break

• Session 2: Skills (30 min) + Games (30 min)

SESSION 1 – Getting Started with Pickleball

🧠 Warm-Up (5 minutes – before skills)

• Light jog around court

• Arm circles, wrist shakes

• “Tap the ball on the paddle” challenge

🎯 SKILLS SESSION 1 (30 minutes)

Focus: Control, safety, basic hitting

Station Setup (4 activities – rotate every ~7 minutes)

🔹 Paddle & Ball Control

• Bounce ball on paddle

• Catch → drop → hit

• Roll ball along paddle

Goal: Confidence holding paddle

🔹 Station 2: Forehand Hit (No Net)

• Hit ball forward to a cone

• Underhand swing only

• Emphasise gentle hits

Key cue: “Swing low to high”

🔹 Station 3: Over-the-Net Pop

• Stand close to net

• Tap ball gently over

• Partner catches, then swap

Goal: Net awareness

🔹 Station 4: Serve Basics

• Underhand serve

• Drop → hit forward

• Aim for large target zone

Rule simplified: “Hit it in and have a go”

👩‍🏫 Staff Tips

• Praise effort over accuracy

• Let younger kids step closer

• No scoring yet — just success

  
  

GAME SESSION 1 (30 minutes)

LUNCH BREAK

SESSION 2 – Building Confidence & Play

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Ball balancing challenge

• “How many taps in 30 seconds?”

SKILLS SESSION 2 (30 minutes)

Focus: Rallying, positioning, serving

Station Setup (4 activities – rotate every ~7 minutes)

🔹 Activity 1: Rally with a Partner

• Hit → catch → hit

• Progress to bounce → hit

🔹 Station 2: Serve & Return

• Serve underhand

• Partner traps or hits back

• Swap roles

🔹 Station 3: Court Movement

• Move side to side

• Hit from cones

• Emphasise ready position

🔹 Station 4: Net Play (Dinking Intro)

• Soft hits near net

• “Gentle touch” challenge

GAME SESSION 2 (30 minutes)

Focus: Playing real pickleball (simplified)

Game 1: Mini Matches

• 2v2 on each net

• First to 3 points

• Ball can bounce twice for younger kids