What traits to look for in a great pickleball coach?
What are the 8 traits to look for in great pickleball coach?
Pickleball is one of the fast-growing sports in the world and requires a unique set of skills and strategies that are constantly developing and changing as the sports matures.
Like in any sport, a great pickleball coach can help fast-track players development of these skills and strategies while also providing support, motivation, and insights throughout the learning process.
Here are 8 key traits of a high performance pickleball coach if you are looking for pickleball coaching.
1. Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is a crucial part of pickleball coaching, and a great pickleball coach must be able to effectively communicate with their players and adapt their style for individual differences. This means being able to explain techniques and tactics of the game clearly and concisely, and also being able to listen to and respond to their players' questions and concerns.
2. Ability to Transfer Skills and Tactics Effectively
A high performance pickleball coach must have a deep understanding of the game and be able to teach skills and tactics in a way that is easy to understand and follow for all learning styles. This involves breaking down complex skills and strategies into smaller, more manageable parts and providing step-by-step instructions for each part. Great pickleball coaching provides enough opportunities for players to practice and refine their skills, both in drills and in real open play game situations.
3. Understanding, Patience and Empathy
Learning and advancing in a sport can be frustrating and challenging with many ups and downs, and a top pickleball coach understands this. They are patient and understanding, and provide support and encouragement to their players. They recognise that everyone learns differently and at their own pace, and are able to adjust their pickleball coaching style to meet each player's individual needs.
4. Capable of Adapting Their Coaching Style to Each Individual Players Needs
No two players are exactly the same, and a good pickleball coach is cognitive of this. They are able to adapt their pickleball coaching style to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each and every player. So while some players may respond well to a more hands-on coaching approach, others may prefer a more independent hands-off approach. A great high performance pickleball coach recognises these differences and adjusts their coaching style to the individual.
5. A Passion and Infectious Enthusiasm for Pickleball
A great pickleball coach is passionate about the game and brings a contagious enthusiasm to each coaching session. They understand that their energy and attitude can have a significant impact on their players mindset, and they work to create a positive, engaging and supportive environment that allow players to thrive and grow.
6. Pickleball Playing Experience and Strong Technical Knowledge
An excellent pickleball coach has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the game, including proper footwork, shot placement, court positioning, physical training, sports psychology and effective strategy. Although useful having extensive competitive playing experience, it is not always mandatory, as sometimes great players don’t make great pickleball coaches and great pickleball coaches don’t always make great players.
7. Positive Reinforcement and Ability to Provide Constructive Feedback
A great pickleball coach provides well-presented and appropriate constructive feedback to their players in a way that is helpful and supportive. They are able to clearly identify areas for improvement and provide actionable suggestions on how to make those improvements. At the same time, they are also quick to positively praise their players for their actions, performances and accomplishments, providing positive reinforcement and encouragement along their developmental journey.
8. Constant and Never-Ending Learning and Improvement as a Pickleball Coach
Finally, a great high performance pickleball coach understanding that there is always more to learn and is enthusiastically committed to continuing their own education and professional development so that they can be the best coach they can be. They are continually learning and staying up to date on the latest developments and trends in the sport of pickleball, and are always looking for new ways to progress and help their players improve and be the best they can also be.
In summary, great pickleball coaching combines excellent communication, ability to teach technical skills and tactics effectively, patience and understanding, adaptability, enthusiasm and passion, extensive knowledge about the sport of pickleball, ability to provide positive and constructive feedback, and commitment to continuing their own growth and development as a pickleball coach.
