INTERNATIONAL PARA PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
IPPA WORKSHOPS
PARA PICKLEBALL WORKSHOPS
Introduction to IPPA Free Para Pickleball Workshops
The International Para Pickleball Association (IPPA) is proud to launch its global initiative Free Para Pickleball Workshops designed to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment through sport. These 4-hour workshops are tailored for participants across all abilities, including those with Multiple Rehabilitation (MR) needs, Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism, as well as Wheelchair and Standing categories. The workshops will be held in countries around the world, offering adaptive coaching, skill-building, and an introduction to the dynamic world of para pickleball. Each session will conclude with fostering community, connection, and celebration of ability through sport.
- Dwarf Pickleball
Dwarf Pickleball is adapted to meet the physical dynamics and unique biomechanics of players with dwarfism, ensuring fair and enjoyable gameplay.
- Wheelchair Pickleball
Wheelchair Pickleball allows players to compete using specially adapted rules and movement strategies, emphasizing agility, precision, and inclusivity.
- Standing Pickleball
Standing Pickleball is designed for players with physical impairments who can play while standing, promoting balance, mobility, and competitive spirit.
- ID & Cerebral Palsy Pickleball
Pickleball for players with Multiple Rehabilitation (MR) needs and Cerebral Palsy focuses on developing coordination, motor skills, and confidence through adaptive coaching.
Aim of the Para Pickleball Workshop – Restoring Life: Let’s Do It Together by Raghu Kumar R
The aim of the Para Pickleball Workshop is to empower individuals with physical and developmental challenges by restoring confidence, physical activity, and joy through inclusive sport. Under the theme "Restoring Life: Let’s Do It Together," the workshop fosters a sense of community, teamwork, and personal growth, proving that with support and opportunity, everyone can thrive, compete, and celebrate ability through pickleball.
IPPA Para Pickleball 4-Hour Workshops:
- Introduction to Para Pickleball
Overview of the sport, its rules, adaptive equipment, and classification for different disability categories.
- Warm-Up & Mobility Exercises
Guided physical warm-ups tailored to each category (MR, CP, Dwarfs, Wheelchair, Standing) to enhance mobility and reduce injury risk.
- Basic Skills & Drills
Hands-on training in serving, dinking, volleying, and footwork (or chair movement), with modified techniques to suit individual needs.
- Inclusive Game Play Sessions
Supervised mini-games and practice matches to apply learned skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Motivational Talk & Awareness
Short inspirational sessions by para athletes or coaches promoting confidence, teamwork, and awareness about para sports.
- Q&A and Certification of Participation
Open discussion for queries, feedback, and distribution of participation certificates to recognize involvement and achievement.
Each session ends with fostering social interaction and community building.
LEVEL ONE & LEVEL TWO
PARA PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION
IPPA Academy is a premier institution dedicated to developing excellence in para pickleball through structured training and certification programs for coaches and referees. With a strong focus on education, ethics, and inclusivity, the academy empowers individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach and officiate at all levels of the game from grassroots to elite competition. Through its comprehensive curriculum and commitment to global best practices, IPPA Academy plays a vital role in shaping the future of para pickleball by nurturing competent, qualified, and passionate leaders in the sport.
DURATION
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- Level 1: 1 full day (8 hours) or 2×4-hour sessions (theory + on-court)
- Level 2: 2 to 3 days (e.g. 16–22 hours) or modular format
- Instructors / clinicians will include lecture, demo, practice time, peer-teaching, feedback
- Provide a handbook / manual and recommended reading / video resources
- Encourage mentoring and post-certification continuing education / CEU
FEES STRUCTURE
Level 1 CertificationUS $ $200
Instruction, training materials, written & practical assessments, certificate, basic membership benefits
Level 2 CertificationUS $400
More advanced instruction, deeper assessment, tactical & coaching modules, certificate upgrade
One Day Referee Certification Add‑OnUS $100 (or bundled with coach certification) Rules & officiating module, exam, certificate
Annual Renewal / MembershipUS $100
To maintain active certification, access continuing education, liability coverage, networking resources
Assessment / Certification Criteria (Para Pickleball) coaches in the para, you will require:
- Written exam including rules adaptations, classification, coaching philosophy, impairment modalities.
- Practical coaching demonstration: coach a session with one or more players with disability (wheelchair, CP, dwarf, standing disability), show adaptation, progression, clear instruction, safety.
- Skills demonstration: coach must be able to execute modified strokes themselves (or show ability to adjust) to a baseline competence.
- Case study / portfolio: coach presents a mini plan for a hypothetical adaptive athlete (profile, goals, progression, monitoring).
- Observation by master clinician / mentor: evaluate adaptability, empathy, adjustments mid-session.
SUBJECTS
1. Rules & Regulations of Pickleball
- In-depth understanding of official pickleball rules (singles, doubles, and adaptive formats)
- Faults, scoring systems, court dimensions, serve/receive rules
- Specific rule adaptations for para and adaptive categories
2. Coaching Methodology & Player Development
- Fundamentals of teaching technique (serve, return, volleys, dinks, third shot drops, etc.)
- Lesson planning, progressions, feedback methods
- Age-specific and skill-level-specific coaching strategies
3. Refereeing Skills & Match Officiating
- Duties and responsibilities of a certified referee
- Line calls, fault recognition, scoring management
- Handling disputes, maintaining control, and ethical decision-making during matches
4. Tactics, Strategy & Game Analysis
- Singles and doubles tactical principles
- Player positioning, shot selection, and game tempo control
- Video analysis and feedback techniques
5. Para & Inclusive Pickleball Coaching
- Adaptive rules for wheelchair, standing disability, CP, and dwarf pickleball
- Techniques for modifying drills and equipment
- Promoting accessibility and inclusion in all training environments
6. Communication, Ethics & Leadership
- Effective communication with players, parents, officials, and event organizers
- Conflict resolution, professionalism, and leadership in the court setting
- Upholding the spirit and integrity of the sport