Pickleball is a perfect complement to traditional tennis. With its smaller courts, paddle-based play, and lower-impact demands, pickleball is an excellent introduction to racket sports for juniors. At the same time, it offers more experienced tennis players a chance to develop new skills, strategies, and court awareness. Whether players are just beginning or already advanced, pickleball's inclusive nature fosters teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship—all core values of the Atlanta Youth Tennis program.

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This addition to the curriculum is more than just a trend—it’s a response to the evolving needs of today’s youth sports landscape. By incorporating pickleball into our training regimen, Atlanta Youth Tennis aims to create well-rounded athletes with diverse skills and experiences. Moreover, the growing number of pickleball tournaments—including those right here at Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center—provides our young players with exciting opportunities to compete at a high level, grow in the sport, and interact with athletes from across the region.

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Why Pickleball?

1. Engagement: The sport is easy to learn but difficult to master, which makes it appealing to players of all skill levels.

2. Cross-Training: For tennis players, pickleball is an excellent way to improve quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and court positioning.

3. Social & Community-Oriented: Pickleball is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, allowing athletes to connect and bond through play.

4. Emerging Competitive Scene: With tournaments like The Southern Pickle, being held locally at Sugar Creek, juniors have the opportunity to gain valuable match play experience and exposure.

 

Thursday Pickleball Cost: $25/Session

Training Agenda

Each Thursday, Atlanta Youth Tennis devotes its training sessions to the development of pickleball skills, preparing young athletes for both competition and enjoyment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our Thursday pickleball session:

 

4:30 PM - Conditioning and Agility
Conditioning and agility form the foundation of all sports, and pickleball is no exception. This session will focus on improving speed, strength, and endurance, ensuring that players are physically prepared for the demands of the sport.

• Warm-Up: Begin with light jogging and dynamic stretches to get the body ready.

• Footwork Drills: Quick side-to-side shuffling, forward and backward sprints, and cone drills designed to improve foot speed, balance, and reaction time.

• Lateral Movement: Emphasize the importance of lateral agility for quick side-to-side pickleball movement, which is key to successful play.

• Endurance Training: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervals designed to mimic the pace of a real pickleball match, ensuring players have the stamina to outlast their opponents.

 

4:45 PM - Live Ball Rallying
Live ball rallying is an essential drill that helps players develop rallying skills, communication, and consistent shot-making under pressure.

• Purpose: Players will work on maintaining long rallies, improving their accuracy, and learning to anticipate their opponent’s shots.

• Drill Focus: Emphasize accuracy and consistency in shots, particularly the dinks, volleys, and serves. Players will rotate through partner drills, allowing them to experience different playing styles and shot patterns.

• Teamwork: Partner drills will encourage communication, helping players build chemistry on the court.

 

5:00 PM - Understanding Strategies and Purpose
Understanding the strategic elements of pickleball is crucial for competitive play. This session will dive into the key strategies and mental elements that lead to success.

• Positioning and Court Awareness: Teach players the importance of positioning—such as moving up to the non-volley zone and covering angles—while maintaining balance and control.

• Shot Selection: Discuss the differences between aggressive vs. defensive shots, and when to employ each depending on the game situation.

• Mental Focus: Provide players with tips on mental toughness, concentration, and staying calm during high-pressure moments.

 

5:30 PM - Match Play
The final part of the training session will involve live match play, where juniors can put all their skills to the test in real-game scenarios.

• Competitive Play: Matches will be structured to give players an opportunity to apply strategies, rallying techniques, and court positioning in competitive situations.

• Varied Formats: Play can include singles or doubles, with rotation to ensure each player has the opportunity to face different opponents.

• Coaching Feedback: Coaches will actively provide guidance during match play, offering constructive feedback and adjustments to help players improve their game.

 

6:20 PM - Wind Down with WAVE Game
To close out each session, players will engage in the fun and interactive WAVE Game. This playful activity is designed to promote teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and a positive, enjoyable environment.

• Game Overview: The WAVE Game is a fast-paced, reaction-based game where players must return a ball that is hit in different directions by their coach or peers. The objective is to keep the rally alive, but the ball can be hit in any direction, forcing players to stay alert and responsive.

• Group Dynamics: The emphasis is on fun and camaraderie as players work together to keep the ball in play, fostering a sense of community and team spirit.

 

Upcoming Tournaments at Sugar Creek

As part of the growth of our pickleball program, Atlanta Youth Tennis will participate in two exciting upcoming UTR Pickleball Junior Tournaments at Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center. These tournaments, The Southern Pickle, offer a chance for our junior players to compete against some of the best young talent in the region.

• The Southern Pickle $40

  • February 1, 2025 - February 2, 2025

  • Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center
     

• The Southern Pickle $40

  • March 1, 2025 - March 2, 2025

  • Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center

 

These tournaments will not only test the players' skills but also provide a platform for growth and development, allowing them to experience the thrill of competitive play and take their pickleball game to the next level.

 

Coaching Phylosophy

By incorporating pickleball into our training regimen, Atlanta Youth Tennis is ensuring that its athletes are well-prepared for the future of sports. Pickleball is a dynamic, fast-growing sport that offers exciting opportunities for young players to develop their athletic skills, compete in local tournaments, and enjoy the camaraderie of a supportive community. Through our dedicated pickleball training sessions and tournaments, we are helping to shape the next generation of athletes who will thrive in this exciting new sport.