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Cornelius Pickleball Programs

Lake Norman Pickleball Association is excited to partner with Cornelius Parks and Recreation to provide educational clinics. We will be offering clinics in multi-week series that will build on different skills each week. We will also be offering one-day clinics targeted to one specific skill. Clinics will be based on skill level. Signing up for the correct skill level helps both you and the instructional group get the most from the lesson. Please see the current clinic offerings below. 

LKNPA does not want financial hardship to be a barrier to participation. We offer a scholarship program for those that meet qualifying criteria. If you feel you may qualify, email Dave Mancuso (dave.lknpickleball@gmail.com) for more information. 

LKNPA members need to login prior to registering to receive member discount. If you are not a member, but would like to join to receive clinic discounts and other benefits, please click the Join tab above for more information. 

Current Programs

    • April 08, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 8
    Register

    Want to put the busy work day behind you or just simply work on your game?   Why not get outside and improve your pickleball skills? These evening clinics will be limited to a small group of eight players for 1 hour of focused skill-building and game play.

    This is a great clinic for you and your partner to be a part to prepare for the upcoming Saint Paddles Day Tournament!

    Real-Time Pickleball Coaching Clinic

    Elevate your game—right on the court, right in the moment.

    This dynamic, on-court coaching clinic is designed for players who want actionable feedback as they play. Instead of stopping for long lectures or drills, participants receive immediate guidance during real points, rallies, and game scenarios. Our coaches observe your positioning, shot selection, footwork, and strategy in real time, offering quick corrections and tactical insights that you can implement instantly.

    Through live point play, situational coaching, and personalized instruction, players learn how to:

    • Improve court positioning and anticipate opponents’ shots

    • Make smarter decisions under pressure

    • Use more effective shot selections (dinks, drops, drives, resets)

    • Communicate and coordinate better with partners

    • Reduce unforced errors through efficient movement and paddle preparation

    This clinic is perfect for players who learn best by doing and want to accelerate their progress with practical, in-the-moment adjustments. Whether you’re preparing for tournament play or looking to break through to the next skill level, our real-time coaching approach delivers fast, lasting improvement.

    Format:
    Live game play + immediate feedback
    Small group environment for personalized attention

    Ideal For:
    Players of all levels who want answers to the question "what am I doing wrong"

    • April 11, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 16
    Register
    This 1 1/2 hour clinic is among our most popular as it combines learning and refining new intermediate-level skills with actual game play that is observed by certified instructors who provide real-time coaching in a game-like setting.

    Pickleball Skills & Round Robin Clinic

    Level: Beginner–Intermediate | Format: Coaching + Guided Play

    Take your pickleball game to the next level with our dynamic Coached Skills & Round Robin Clinic, designed for players who want focused instruction and plenty of fun, competitive gameplay.

    What to Expect

    Targeted Skills Coaching
    Participants receive hands-on instruction from an experienced pickleball coach covering essential techniques such as:

    • Consistent and controlled dinking

    • Third-shot drops and drives

    • Volleys and net positioning

    • Serve and return accuracy

    • Footwork, court awareness, and doubles strategy

    Guided Drills With Feedback
    Each skill segment includes structured drills where players practice at a comfortable pace while receiving real-time corrections and tips.

    Round Robin Play
    Put your new skills into action! The clinic wraps up with a fun, organized round robin. Players rotate partners and opponents, gaining experience in a variety of game situations. Coaches observe play, offer strategic advice, and help players think through point construction and teamwork.

    Who It's For

    • Players who know basic rules and want to improve technique

    • Newer players hoping to gain confidence before joining leagues

    • Intermediate players looking to sharpen consistency and strategy

    • Anyone wanting a coached environment that still includes real gameplay

    Why You’ll Love It

    âś” Perfect blend of instruction and live play
    âś” Supportive, positive coaching style
    âś” Great way to meet other players at your level
    ✔ You’ll leave with specific takeaways you can use immediately in your matches



    • April 13, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park
    • 8
    Register
    Want to put the busy work day behind you or just simply work on your game?   Why not get outside and improve your pickleball skills? These evening clinics will be limited to a small group of eight players for 1 1/2 hours of focused skill- building.

    Due to the advanced nature of this session, only advanced beginners and intermediate players should attend.  Lobs can be frustrating when used against us but very effective when used against an opponent.  We will cover when and how to use lobs including proper technique and placement as well as how to defend against lobs.


    • April 15, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 7
    Register
    Join us for a focused, skill-building pickleball clinic dedicated to improving your serves and returns!

    Pickleball Serves & Returns Clinic
    April 15
    ⏰ 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
     Bailey Road Park

    This one-hour clinic is designed to help players sharpen two of the most important shots in pickleball: the serve and the return. Whether you’re looking to add consistency, improve placement, or develop more strategic depth, this session will give you the tools to start every rally with confidence.

    Participants will work on:

    • Proper serving mechanics and technique

    • Developing consistent, reliable serves

    • Targeting and placement strategies

    • Effective, deep returns to gain court advantage

    • Drills focused on accuracy and game-like scenarios

    Players of all levels are welcome. Come ready to learn, practice, and elevate your game in a supportive and energetic environment!

    Spots may be limited—be sure to register early to secure your place on the court.


    • April 20, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 8
    Register

     Pickleball Clinic: Blocks & Resets 

    Learn how to take control of fast-paced exchanges at the net or reset a hard shot from the transition zone! Join us for a Blocks & Resets Pickleball Clinic designed to help players handle hard drives and regain control of the point. This session will focus on the key techniques that allow you to slow the game down and transition into the soft game.

    Clinic Focus:
    • Proper paddle positioning for effective blocks
    • How to absorb pace and control the ball
    • Resetting hard shots into the kitchen
    • Turning defensive shots into neutral rallies
    • Drills to build confidence during fast exchanges

    These skills are essential for players looking to improve their consistency and composure during competitive play.

    Clinic Date & Time:
     Monday, April 20 â€” 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

     Location: Bailey Road Park Pickleball Courts

    Come ready to drill, practice, and build the touch and control needed to handle power at the net!

    See you on the courts!


    • April 22, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 8
    Register

    Want to put the busy work day behind you or just simply work on your game?   Why not get outside and improve your pickleball skills? These evening clinics will be limited to a small group of eight players for 1 hour of focused skill-building and game play.

    Real-Time Pickleball Coaching Clinic

    Elevate your game—right on the court, right in the moment.

    This dynamic, on-court coaching clinic is designed for players who want actionable feedback as they play. Instead of stopping for long lectures or drills, participants receive immediate guidance during real points, rallies, and game scenarios. Our coaches observe your positioning, shot selection, footwork, and strategy in real time, offering quick corrections and tactical insights that you can implement instantly.

    Through live point play, situational coaching, and personalized instruction, players learn how to:

    • Improve court positioning and anticipate opponents’ shots

    • Make smarter decisions under pressure

    • Use more effective shot selections (dinks, drops, drives, resets)

    • Communicate and coordinate better with partners

    • Reduce unforced errors through efficient movement and paddle preparation

    This clinic is perfect for players who learn best by doing and want to accelerate their progress with practical, in-the-moment adjustments. Whether you’re preparing for tournament play or looking to break through to the next skill level, our real-time coaching approach delivers fast, lasting improvement.

    Format:
    Live game play + immediate feedback
    Small group environment for personalized attention

    Ideal For:
    Players of all levels who want answers to the question "what am I doing wrong"

    • April 25, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 16
    Register
    This 1 1/2 hour clinic is among our most popular as it combines learning and refining new intermediate-level skills with actual game play that is observed by certified instructors who provide real-time coaching in a game-like setting.

    Pickleball Skills & Round Robin Clinic

    Level: Beginner–Intermediate | Format: Coaching + Guided Play

    Take your pickleball game to the next level with our dynamic Coached Skills & Round Robin Clinic, designed for players who want focused instruction and plenty of fun, competitive gameplay.

    What to Expect

    Targeted Skills Coaching
    Participants receive hands-on instruction from an experienced pickleball coach covering essential techniques such as:

    • Consistent and controlled dinking

    • Third-shot drops and drives

    • Volleys and net positioning

    • Serve and return accuracy

    • Footwork, court awareness, and doubles strategy

    Guided Drills With Feedback
    Each skill segment includes structured drills where players practice at a comfortable pace while receiving real-time corrections and tips.

    Round Robin Play
    Put your new skills into action! The clinic wraps up with a fun, organized round robin. Players rotate partners and opponents, gaining experience in a variety of game situations. Coaches observe play, offer strategic advice, and help players think through point construction and teamwork.

    Who It's For

    • Players who know basic rules and want to improve technique

    • Newer players hoping to gain confidence before joining leagues

    • Intermediate players looking to sharpen consistency and strategy

    • Anyone wanting a coached environment that still includes real gameplay

    Why You’ll Love It

    âś” Perfect blend of instruction and live play
    âś” Supportive, positive coaching style
    âś” Great way to meet other players at your level
    ✔ You’ll leave with specific takeaways you can use immediately in your matches



    • April 27, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 8
    Register
    Join us for a focused, skill-building pickleball clinic dedicated to improving your serves and returns!

    Pickleball Serves & Returns Clinic
    April 27
    ⏰ Noon - 1:00 p.m.
     Bailey Road Park

    This one-hour clinic is designed to help players sharpen two of the most important shots in pickleball: the serve and the return. Whether you’re looking to add consistency, improve placement, or develop more strategic depth, this session will give you the tools to start every rally with confidence.

    Participants will work on:

    • Proper serving mechanics and technique

    • Developing consistent, reliable serves

    • Targeting and placement strategies

    • Effective, deep returns to gain court advantage

    • Drills focused on accuracy and game-like scenarios

    Players of all levels are welcome. Come ready to learn, practice, and elevate your game in a supportive and energetic environment!

    Spots may be limited—be sure to register early to secure your place on the court.


    • April 29, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 8
    Register

    Want to put the busy work day behind you or just simply work on your game?   Why not get outside and improve your pickleball skills? These evening clinics will be limited to a small group of eight players for 1 hour of focused skill-building and game play.

    Clinic: Third Shot Mastery — Take Control of the Point

    The Third Shot is one of the most important—and misunderstood—shots in pickleball. Whether you’re hitting a third-shot drop to neutralize your opponents or driving the ball to apply pressure, mastering this moment can completely change your game.

    In this focused, high-impact clinic, players will learn when and why to choose each third-shot option and how to execute it with confidence. Through targeted drills, technique breakdowns, and live-play scenarios, participants will develop the consistency, touch, and tactical awareness needed to take control of the point from the very start.

    What you’ll learn:

    • Proper footwork and positioning for an effective third-shot setup

    • Mechanics for a soft, controlled third-shot drop

    • Learn about the latest 3rd shot strategy called "drips" - drives followed by drops

    • When to use a third-shot drive—and how to make it effective
    • Reading your opponents to choose the right third-shot strategy

    • Transitioning smoothly from the baseline to the kitchen

    Who this clinic is for:
    Players who understand the basics of pickleball and want to elevate their strategic play, improve point control, and develop the skills needed for consistent success in competitive games.

    Take your game to the next level by mastering the shot that sets the tone for everything that follows.

    • May 16, 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 21
    Register

    LKNPA is pleased to offer the next installment of the very popular "Meet and Drill" clinic designed especially for players at the beginner level.  Many beginner players have asked us, "What is the best way to find players who are new to the game but understand the basics?" If you have found open play to be intimidating at times and find it difficult to find a court suitable for your level of play, then this clinic is for you!!! 

    Join 23 other beginner-level players for a morning of drilling and observed game play where you will receive real-time feedback from certified instructors and experienced players.  

    This clinic will offer six 15-minute court rotations, where each court will focus on drills for a different skill. Each court will be led by instructors and experienced players.  The last hour of the clinic will feature observed game play where you will have a chance to use your new skills in a controlled and judgment-free environment.

    Best of all, each participant will receive contact information for all the other participants so you can easily contact each other for future drilling, practicing, and game play.



    • September 19, 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Bailey Road Park - Cornelius
    • 24
    Register

    LKNPA is pleased to offer the next installment of the very popular "Meet and Drill" clinic designed especially for players at the beginner level.  Many beginner players have asked us, "What is the best way to find players who are new to the game but understand the basics?" If you have found open play to be intimidating at times and find it difficult to find a court suitable for your level of play, then this clinic is for you!!! 

    Join 23 other beginner-level players for a morning of drilling and observed game play where you will receive real-time feedback from certified instructors and experienced players.  

    This clinic will offer six 15-minute court rotations, where each court will focus on drills for a different skill. Each court will be led by instructors and experienced players.  The last hour of the clinic will feature observed game play where you will have a chance to use your new skills in a controlled and judgment-free environment.

    Best of all, each participant will receive contact information for all the other participants so you can easily contact each other for future drilling, practicing, and game play.



Thank You to our sponsors:

Lake Norman Pickleball Association
9815 Sam Furr Rd.
Suite J-101
Huntersville, NC 28078

Proud partners with:


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