At Coaches Corner, we believe that learning new pickleball skills is like memorizing a poem – it takes time, repetition, and a whole lot of patience! That’s why we require our students and certified coaches to memorize the first six lines of Edgar Guest’s poem titled “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.”
But we know that memorizing a poem or learning a new skill in pickleball is not easy. It requires practice, practice, and more practice. And just like passing off a memorized poem to a coach, our students must pass off their newly learned skills with exactness, no cheat sheets allowed!
We understand that this process can be challenging. That’s why we source our learning from the best of the best – highly trained educators, professional athletes, and scholars in a particular field. We believe that coupling motivation and a love of learning with expert guidance is the fast track to growth and success in any field.
So, we won’t just cheer you on through the metaphorical hurdles of learning and memorization. We’ll provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed. With patience, perfect practice, and our unique approach to spaced repetition, you’ll pass off those skills perfectly – just like you passed off that poem!
I refuse to say, “Oh, don’t worry. We know the process can be challenging. We are here to help. We’ll cheer you on,” and then do nothing! I believe that the best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds. I believe that the best of guides today are not the ones who tell you, but the ones who show the way.
Today, our student Gordon Gridley exemplified an attitude of abundance by showing the way. He freely shared his 5.0 skill in memorization (oh, the metaphors!) and contributed to a rising tide. As the saying goes, “one deed of kindness noted is worth 40 that are told!”
With this expressed, let’s write the script:
[The scene opens with a student standing in front of the coach, holding a piece of paper. The coach is standing paddle-ready at the net, looking expectantly at the student.]
Student: [Nervously] Okay, coach, I’m ready to pass off the poem. I’ve been practicing all week!
Coach: [Smiling] Great! Let’s see what you’ve got. Close your eyes and recite it from memory.
[The student closes their eyes and takes a deep breath.]
Student: [Slowly, hesitantly] I’d…um, I’d rather…[Pauses] Sorry, can I start again?
Coach: [Encouragingly] Of course! Take your time.
Student: [Resumes reciting, but still uncertain] I’d…rather see…a sermon… [Stops again] Wait, what’s the next line?
Coach: [Chuckles] You’re close! [Pointing to his ear] Keep going.
Student: [Picks up again, gaining confidence] I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day! I’d rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way! The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear. And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds. For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
[The student, with eyes closed, recites the entire poem!]
Student: Did I do it? Did I pass?
Coach: [Smiling] Yes, you did! Congratulations, that was great. You know what? It took a peer influence to show you “perfect strategic practice” and help you get this poem across the finish line! Think about documenting your homework, sharing your successes, and extending your amazing peer influence by paying it forward every chance you get …
[The scene fades out.]
Gordon Gridley’s Perfect Practice: https://youtu.be/MPtuul3Uwcw