Development Programs
Our Strategy
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Practice is critical to development which leads to more enjoyment of the game.
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Sessions provide a mix of instruction, practical application in a controlled environment, and practical application in a real-game scenario.
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Practice needs to simulate real game situations. Once basic understanding and success is achieved progression to real-game timing and pressure is provided.
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Thinking is the key - understanding the game and making good decisions comes first followed by execution.
Winter '25 SCHEDULE
LEARN TO PLAY
Adult, 90-minute weekly sessions
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Description: Are you new to pickleball? LTP is the perfect starting point for beginners! This program introduces you to the fundamental aspects of the game, including basic rules, essential techniques like serves and volleys, and foundational court positioning. Through engaging drills and practice games, you’ll quickly develop confidence and learn how to play this dynamic sport. It's ideal for anyone looking to explore pickleball in a welcoming, new and supportive environment.
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Sessions: 6 total sessions
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Fee: $134+tax
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Instructor: Aaron Lipson
Mondays @ Morningside Presbyterian Church
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Instructor: Aaron Lipson/Gad
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Dates: Dec. 2, 9, 16, Jan. 6, 13, 20
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Time:
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7:30 PM: FULL
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Mondays @ Fern Ave. Public School
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Instructor: Aaron Lipson
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Dates: Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10
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Time:
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6:00pm: 1 spot available
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PRACTICE & PLAY L1
Adult, 90-minute weekly sessions
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Description: Practice and Play 1 focuses on refining your fundamental strokes, improving footwork, and learning simple strategies for game play. Expect to gain better ball control and start recognizing opportunities using strategy. By the end of PP1, you’ll feel more comfortable on the court and ready to step up your game. 45 minutes of instruction followed by 45 minutes of controlled gameplay with feedback.
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Pre-requisite:
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Learn-to-play
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Or instructor approval.
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Sessions: 6 total sessions.
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Fee: $134+tax
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Instructor: Elias E. Runnymede Morningside, Aaron L (Fern Ave.)
Monday @ Runnymede P.S.
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Dates: Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10
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Time:
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6:00pm: FULL
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Monday @ Fern Ave.
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Dates: Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10
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Time:
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7:30pm: FULL
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Thursday @ Fern Ave.
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Dates: Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 20
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Time:
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6:00pm: FULL
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Saturdays @ Morningside Presbyterian Church
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Dates: Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
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Time:
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9:00am: FULL
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PRACTICE & PLAY L2
Adult, 90-minute weekly sessions
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Description: This level is all about bridging the gap between intermediate and advanced play. In PP2, you'll dive deeper into advanced shot techniques like dinks, drops, and spin serves. You'll also work on court awareness, positioning, and team coordination for doubles play. Tactical drills and match scenarios will prepare you for more competitive games while enhancing your ability to strategize and adapt during play. 45 minutes of instruction followed by 45 minutes of controlled gameplay with feedback.
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Pre-requisite:
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P&P L1
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Instructor approval.
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Sessions: 6 sessions in total
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Fee: $134+tax
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Instructor: Elias Espinosa (Runnymede, Morningside), Aaron L. (Fern Ave.)
Tuesdays @ Runnymede P.S.
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Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11
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Time:
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6:00pm: FULL
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7:30pm: FULL
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Thursdays @ Fern Ave. P.S.
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Dates: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb. 6, 20
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Time:
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730pm: FULL
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Saturdays @ Morningside Presbyterian Church
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Dates: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
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Times:
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10:30am: FULL
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PRACTICE & PLAY L3
Adult, 90-minute weekly sessions
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Description: PP3 is for players who are ready to push their limits and compete at a high level. This advanced program emphasizes precision, speed, and mental focus. You'll learn advanced strategies, improve decision-making under pressure, and fine-tune your skills to gain a competitive edge. Coaches provide tailored feedback to help you achieve mastery and perform your best in tournaments, challenging matches, or playing competitive friends! Fast paced 45 minutes of instruction followed by 45 minutes of gameplay feedback.
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Pre-requisite:
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P&P L2
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And Instructor approval.
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Sessions: 6 sessions in total
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Fee: $134+tax
Monday @ Runnymede Jr. & Sr. P.S.
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Dates: Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10,
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Instructor: Elias Espinosa
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Time:
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7:30pm: FULL
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Wednesday @ Fern Ave. P.S.
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Dates: Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12,
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Instructor: Nancy Corcoran
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Time:
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6:00pm: FULL
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7:30pm: FULL
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Our Instructors
GAD ESPINOSA is a former professional athlete that has represented Canada internationally. Although he picked up pickleball late his numerous podium finishes in recent tournaments; including 3rd place at the National Pickleball Championships, is proof it's never too late to focus and improve on something you really enjoy - like pickleball!
Gad teaches 'Practice & Play' & 'Private Lessons".
NANCY CORCORAN spent 40 years playing tennis before converting to Pickleball, her "true love". She enjoys playing pickleball in her local community, being an "ambassador for fun" and a strong advocate for the sport of pickleball. She and her partner won Gold at the 2022 Ontario Senior Games and more recently a gold medallist at the 2023 HISPORTS Easter Classic Cup.
Nancy teaches 'Learn to Play' and 'Practice & Play'
AARON LIPSON participates in a wide variety of sports and has been playing Pickleball since early 2017. His teaching style is to put the “fun” in fundamentals, giving beginners the basic skills and confidence to get out there and join others in this very popular sport. Aaron has been happily contributing to the development of the local Pickleball community.
Aaron teaches 'Learn-to-Play' & 'Practice & Play' programs.
ELIAS ESPINOSA played 'AA' and 'AAA' hockey along with rep volleyball. He started playing pickleball three years ago. Since then he has become a real student of the game. His teaching style aims at helping with subtle but important changes to strategy and technique for smarter shot selections, and more accuracy and consistency in executing shots.
Elias teaches 'Learn-to-Play' & 'Practice & Play' programs.
