Guided Play will begin May 11, 2025 and end October 2025!

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General Guidelines:

Guided Play will be held from May through September each year.

New players will be limited to three (3) sessions of GP so that we can offer a Guided Play opportunity to all of the Beginning PB students.

To sign up for Guided Play (GP) please email George Gorman @ guidedplay@pikespeakpickleball.com

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 George Gorman @ guidedplay@pikespeakpickleball.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. When you email Dan, he will help you determine your skill level. Most new students will be Level 1 or 2. 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 from 2-3 pm near the Southwest courts and are by RESERVATION only.

Guided Play Times:

Sundays 2-3 pm at MVP April thru September..

Guided Play will be limited to 20-24 students on a reservation only basis; no walk-ins will be able to participate.
Interested students need to email George Gorman @ guidedplay@pikespeakpickleball.com to be added to the GP roster and a confirmation will be sent weekly.
4-5 courts will be used at MVP weekly with one instructor for 4 students.
Check-in will begin at 1:45 p.m.
Participants need to bring their own paddle and balls.

Guided Play Skill Levels

Level 1 (1.5 skill level)

Has had at least one lesson and be 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 (2.0 skill level)

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 (2.5 skill level)

Drills: third shot drop, lobs and volleys
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.
Learning the importance of strategy and teamwork in doubles.