This session provides new players with the information they need to get started in the sport. With safety emphasized throughout, new players will learn the rules and techniques fundamental to the game. The primary goal of this session is to prepare players to safely and confidently try the game of pickleball.

This orientation session is normally conducted indoors. 

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

This 2-hour session provides participants with the opportunity to try the game. For most participants, this may be the first time they've ever played pickleball. Following some brief warm-up exercises, new players will focus on very short shots ("dinking"), keeping score on a reduced-size court, and practicing serves.

While targeted to "New Player Orientation" participants, anyone who would like the opportunity to practice very basic skills with other new players is welcome to attend this session.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

This 2-hour session has participants focus on fundamental techniques for forehand and backhand strokes. Players will also learn the most common types of shots in pickleball for which forehand and backhand skills are appropriate. Specifically, these include dinking, drives, drops, and lobs. Following brief warm-up exercises, players will practice forehand and backhand strokes, as well as continue work on their serves.

While targeted to "New Player Coaching Session #1" participants, anyone who would like the opportunity to practice very basic skills with other new players is welcome to attend this session.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

This final 2-hour session in the "New Player Series" emphasizes connecting new players with other players, while giving them one final opportunity for structured practice with assistance from coaches. Player rating systems and different levels of play common in pickleball (casual vs. competitive) will also be explained. After warm-up drills, players will have the opportunity to practice all the skills they have been working on during the series. Much of this session will be spent playing games with rotating partners and opponents, with coaches joining play as needed to facilitate instructional game play.

While targeted to "New Player Coaching Session #2" participants, anyone who would like the opportunity to practice very basic skills with other new players is welcome to attend this session.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

You can be the judge as to whether this session is a "player development" activity or a social event! Once you have gained a basic understanding of the game and have learned the most fundamental skills, you'll need someone to play with! The sole purpose of the "New Player Scramble" is to connect new players with DWTF Pickleball Club members of all skill levels. In a "casual" play format, you will get the opportunity to meet and play with several other club members. Remember, they were all beginners at one time, too!

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

The ball machine acts like a robot practice partner. With adjustable speed, spin, and direction, the machine sends balls consistently so players can train on specific shots. It delivers balls at steady, predictable intervals to facilitate rehearsal of technique, timing, and footwork. These controlled conditions make it easier to isolate skills and build muscle memory.

Coming in 2026, some Practice: Ball Machine sessions will be structured to provide self-assessment opportunities with specific objectives and results monitoring. For example, players may elect to work on backhand shots to specific backcourt targets and track their improvement over the course of the year.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

"Practice: Group Coaching" will include structured practice sessions that allocate time to repetition of specific skills, such as serves, dinks, drops, and lobs. Coaches will lead these sessions with a goal of encouraging discipline and focus on the selected skills.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

New and experienced players alike may be interested in working with a volunteer coach from time to time given that any opportunity to work with a more skilled player can be helpful. This approach provides players with the opportunity to focus on particular skills without having to follow a group's practice plan. Additionally, the coach can serve as an accountability partner to keep players on-task for the activities most relevant to the skill areas they wish to improve.

As with all other practice sessions, one-on-one coaching is free to all club members, but subject to the availability of volunteer coaches.

To arrange a "Practice: One-on-One Coaching" session, send an email to dwtfpickleball@gmail.com to let the club know of your interest. A club board member will contact you to discuss your interests and facilitate connection to a coach.

The DWTF Pickleball Club engages professional coaches who make their living providing coaching throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and commute to our facility to provide clinics. These clinics are only available to club members and there is an additional fee, paid directly to the coaches. 

For more information contact Tonia Fontaine (fontainetm@aol.com).

The "DUPR: 5-Friend Frenzy" is a fast-paced pickleball format, designed for small groups who want lots of play with minimal downtime. Five players rotate through a series of 10 games, with partners and opponents changing frequently so everyone plays with—and against—each other. Each player will play a total of 8 games, sitting out for 2 of the 10 games.

As with all club-sponsored DUPR events, scores will be tracked and uploaded to DUPR by the Club.

For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

"DUPR: Co-Ed Team Pickleball" is a structured team format designed specifically to create DUPR-eligible match play in a clear, organized setting. In a two-team format (four players per team) each team will consist of two men and two women who will compete head-to-head in a defined series of four games: Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and two Mixed Doubles games. All matches will be played under standard scoring rules suitable for DUPR submission.

The primary purpose of this format is to give players a formal, reliable way to participate in DUPR-tracked games but enjoy the fun and comradarie provided by a team-based approach.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).

As a service to club members, official DUPR game-play events of all types can be arranged -- for just a few players or for several -- to allow for submission of game scores to DUPR. "DUPR: Custom Event(s)" can be designed and scheduled, as interests dictate.

To arrange a custom event or just learn more, send an email to dwtfpickleball@gmail.com to let the club know of your interest. A club board member will contact you to discuss your interests.

 For more information, contact Doug Minter (doug.minter@outlook.com).