For schools
Pickleball schools program in Sydney
Curriculum-aligned pickleball, delivered at your school by qualified, background-checked coaches. We bring the equipment, the lesson plans and the energy. Your students just play.
Why pickleball works in schools
Pickleball is one of the world's fastest growing sports and uniquely suited to children. The smaller court, lightweight equipment and simplified rules mean students experience real success quickly, whatever their fitness or background.
- Easy for students of all abilities to learn quickly
- Encourages teamwork, communication and inclusion
- Many students play at the same time on one court area
- Needs minimal space and equipment
- Builds fundamental movement and racquet skills
- Keeps students active, engaged and having fun
Mapped to the curriculum
The Play Pickle Kids Schools Program is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (AC:HPE Version 9.0, ACARA 2022) and the NSW PDHPE Syllabus. Every session, skill and learning experience is mapped to current curriculum outcomes.
Programs are built on the Game Sense Approach, a student-centred model widely used in Australian PE. Students develop skills by playing modified games and making decisions in real game situations, rather than through isolated drills.
Ways we deliver
In-school incursions
We come to you and run pickleball inside your PE program, using your existing courts or hall.
After-school programs
A weekly after-school block that keeps students active and builds skills over the term.
Holiday camps
School-holiday clinics that give keen students more court time and a pathway to keep playing.
Term-based units
A full 10-lesson unit delivered across one school term, mapped to the curriculum.
How a session runs
The program runs as a 10-lesson block, usually across one school term. Every session follows the same four-part structure, so students always know what to expect.
- 01
Warm-up game
An active game that introduces the session theme and engages students before instruction.
- 02
Skill focus
Skill development through modified games, partner activities and coach demonstrations.
- 03
Game play
Structured doubles matches with rotating partners and progressive scoring.
- 04
Reflection
A short coach-led debrief on what worked well and what to improve next session.
How students progress
Students build through four skill bands, from first paddle contact to confident match play. Each stage builds on the last, so every ability level stays engaged.
- K–1
Foundation
Basic paddle control and coordination, striking the ball and simple cooperative rallies.
- Years 2–3
Rally
Rallying with partners, forehand and backhand strokes, and simple court awareness.
- Years 4–5
Play
Serving, scoring and structured gameplay, while improving consistency.
- Years 6+
Compete
Confidence in rallies, teamwork and basic tactics during match play.
Program packages
All packages include insurance, background-checked coaches, all equipment and session documentation. Prices vary by location and program length, so every school gets a tailored quote.
Starter School Pack
From POA per session
Perfect for a first introduction.
- 5-lesson incursion
- 1 coach included
- Equipment provided
- Up to 24 students
- Post-program report
- Most popular
Full Program Pack
From POA full program
The complete curriculum-aligned unit.
- 10-lesson full program
- 1–2 coaches included
- Equipment and passports
- Up to 24 students per class
- Curriculum documentation and assessment rubrics
Premium Partnership
Custom quote per school
A full-term partnership, tailored to your school.
- Full term plus holiday camp
- Dedicated Play Pickle coach
- School branding options
- Parent engagement event and tournament day
- Priority booking for next term
What's included
- Qualified coaches with current Working With Children Checks
- First Aid certified coaches and public liability insurance
- All equipment: paddles, balls, nets, cones and foam balls
- Structured, curriculum-aligned lesson plans
- Session materials and student pickleball passports
- A post-program report for the school
How to book
- 01
Contact us
Email hello@playpickle.com.au or enquire online to register your interest.
- 02
Receive your proposal
We send a tailored program proposal within 2 business days, with dates, pricing and logistics.
- 03
Confirm your program
Sign the program agreement and confirm dates. We handle all the logistics from here.
- 04
We set up everything
Play Pickle delivers all equipment to your school. No preparation required from your staff.
- 05
Programs delivered
Our qualified coaches run every session. Teachers are welcome to participate and observe.
- 06
Keep playing
Students can continue through Play Pickle community programs after the school unit ends.
Schools program questions
- Do students need any prior experience?
- No. The program is designed for complete beginners. Lesson 1 assumes zero prior knowledge, and all equipment is provided by Play Pickle.
- What is the maximum class size?
- We recommend a maximum of 24 students per session with 1 coach and 3 to 4 courts. For larger classes, an additional coach is available at an additional cost.
- Do you provide equipment, or does the school need to supply anything?
- Play Pickle provides everything: paddles, balls, nets, cones and session materials. Schools do not need any existing pickleball equipment.
- Is pickleball safe for primary-age children?
- Yes. Pickleball is low-impact and uses a lightweight plastic ball. All Play Pickle coaches hold current Working With Children Checks and First Aid certification, and Play Pickle maintains public liability insurance for all school programs.
- Can students with disabilities or additional learning needs participate?
- Yes. Play Pickle coaches are experienced with inclusive delivery. Contact us ahead of the program to discuss any specific needs, and we will adapt the sessions accordingly.
- Does this program align with the NSW PDHPE curriculum?
- Yes. The program is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (AC:HPE Version 9.0) and the NSW PDHPE Syllabus, with full outcome mapping available.
- What happens if a session is cancelled due to rain?
- For outdoor programs, Play Pickle will work with your school to reschedule any cancelled sessions at no additional charge where Play Pickle is responsible. We recommend confirming a wet-weather contingency venue before the program starts.
- Can parents come and watch?
- Yes. In the final session we encourage a Play Pickle Family Day, where parents are invited to join a mini-tournament.
- How do I book a program for my school?
- Enquire online or email hello@playpickle.com.au. We'll send you a program proposal within 2 business days.
Bring pickleball to your school
Tell us about your school and we'll send a tailored proposal within two business days.