New students often expect their first lesson to start with fast-paced rallies. Instead, we spend almost the entire first session on three things that make every future lesson easier to build on.
1. The ready position
Before we talk about any shot, we make sure a player’s paddle is up, knees are bent, and weight is on the balls of their feet between shots. Almost every rushed or mishit ball traces back to a player caught flat- footed with the paddle down.
2. The continental-ish grip
We don’t obsess over textbook grip names in lesson one — we care that a player can hit a forehand and backhand without needing to re-grip between shots. That single adjustment removes a huge source of inconsistency for brand-new players.
3. Dinking, before anything else
It feels counterintuitive to spend lesson one dinking instead of driving, but soft-game control is what keeps rallies alive long enough to learn everything else. We’d rather a beginner leave lesson one able to sustain a 10-shot dink rally than hit one impressive winner and net the next five.
Why we start here
Pickleball rewards consistency far more than power, especially at the levels most new players are trying to reach first (3.0–3.5). Starting with ready position, a comfortable grip, and soft hands means every lesson after the first one can focus on strategy instead of re-teaching fundamentals.
If you (or someone you know) is picking up a paddle for the first time, book an intro lesson — we’ll meet you exactly where you are.