CityPickle’s GRIPS Program is a first-of-its-kind, leveled junior development program built to foster a love of pickleball and support competitive youth play in NYC.
Geared to kids ages 8-13, GRIPS is designed to meet kids where they are and guide them step by step from novice to accomplished competitive play.
Players advance through three levels: Competitor, Challenger, and Champion based on skill level and informed by coach evaluation at the beginning and end of each season.
WHAT YOU GET
10 weeks of instruction
Placement in groups by skill level
Customized curriculum and coaching for each group
Colorful overgrip (unique grip color for each level)
Parents receive a welcome email with a customized curriculum at the beginning of the session.
SESSION DATES
Our Winter 2027 Season begins January 5th and runs through March 18th
This includes 10 weeks of instruction
The Competitor level will run on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 4 pm- 5pm
The Challenger level will run on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5 pm- 6pm
The Champion levels will run on Thursdays from 4-6 pm and is filled by invitation only. Email Josh Gartman, our Director of Coaching and Curriculum at [email protected], to explore which level is best for your child.
LEVELS
Competitor
Who they are: Beginners, along with players with some experience who want to improve in a more social setting
What they’re learning: To fall in love with pickleball! And focus on learning the rules and fundamentals. Will be able to serve, hit the ball over the net reliably, and know where to stand on the court. They’re developing hand-eye coordination and getting a feel for the game.
Challenger
Who they are: Players who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready for more strategy and skills development
What they’re perfecting: Consistently hitting serves and returns, understanding how to move with a partner, dinking effectively, and knowing when to rush the net. They can maintain rallies and are working on placing shots.
Champion
Who they are: Our most advanced young athletes who play with confidence and strategy.
What they’re excelling at: Executing a variety of shots (dinks, volleys, drops), using spins, consistently hitting winners, and strategizing with their partner. They have strong court awareness, anticipate shots, and play competitively.
