2027 CAMP DATES
CAMP PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Camp Type(s) Offered: 1 Day Camp (Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm)
- Gender: Coed
- Age Range: 18+
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner & Intermediate
SKILL LEVELS & GROUP PLACEMENT
Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by the staff so that their own instructional needs can be addressed throughout the week. Participants are then sorted by ability first, then age per the Camp Director's discretion - adjustments are made as needed during camp.
While there are many ways to define skill levels, the following descriptions are what the Camp Directors at Nike Pickleball Camps will use to organize and group camp participants. At the time of registration, please choose the level that best represents your experience:
ADVANCED BEGINNER: You can keep the ball in play more consistently and are developing better control on serves, returns, dinks, and rallies. You are beginning to use certain shots, including the third-shot drop, to help your team reach the kitchen. At this level, you are also starting to focus more on court positioning, partner movement, and basic strategy. (DUPR Rating 3.0 - 3.49)
INTERMEDIATE: You understand the rules and basic strategy of pickleball and can sustain rallies using a variety of shots. At the kitchen, you are improving your ability to recognize attackable balls and use dinks, volleys, blocks, and resets effectively. At this level, you are refining technique, improving court awareness, and building stronger strategic play. (DUPR Rating 3.5 - 4.0)
CHECK IN/OUT
- Check-In: Between 7:30-8:00am at the pickleball courts
- Check-Out: 12:00pm at the pickleball courts
CAMP SCHEDULE
8:00am-8:30am | Player Arrival + Game IQ Assessment
Check-in, dynamic warm-up and short competitive match play. Coaches will evaluate each player’s movement, shot selection, court positioning, decision-making and partner dynamics to help tailor coaching throughout the session.
8:30am-8:45am | Camp Huddle: Build the Game Plan
8:45am-9:15am | Start The Point: Serve + Return Advantage
- The serve and return set the tone for every rally. This session focuses on using both shots strategically, not simply getting the ball in play.
- Players will work on:
- Serve:
- Creating depth, pace and placement on the serve
- Developing a consistent serve under pressure
- Using serve location to influence the opponent’s return
- Hitting deep, controlled returns that limit third-shot options
- Returning while moving efficiently toward the NVZ
- Recognizing when to prioritize margin versus aggression
- Return:
- Hitting Deep, controlled returns that limit third-shot options
- Returning while moving efficiently towards the NVZ
- Recognizing when to prioritize margin versus aggression
- Serve + Return Challenge: Players compete in targeted sequences where points are earned for deep serves, deep returns and achieving optimal court position. Coaches will
introduce different tactical targets and scoring situations to force players to adjust placement, pace and risk in real time.
9:15am-10:00am | Own the Kitchen - Attack, Defend, Counter
- Master decision-making at the Non-Volley Zone.
- Players will work through realistic point scenarios focused on:
- Creating attackable balls
- Recognizing when, and when NOT to speed up
- Countering and defending attacks
- Resetting under pressure
- Dinking with purpose rather than simply keeping the ball in play
- Reading opponents and creating openings
- Innovation Challenge: Players progress through increasingly difficult NVZ scenarios where the point begins with a specific tactical problem they must solve.
10:00am-10:45am | Win the Transition Zone - Move with Purpose
- Turn one of the most uncomfortable areas of the court into a competitive advantage.
- Players will learn:
- When to advance, stop or retreat
- How to establish balance before striking the ball
- Effective resets and transition volleys
- How partners should move together
- Recognizing offensive versus defensive opportunities
- How to earn your way from the baseline to the NVZ
- Partner Sync Challenge: Teams must move through the transition zone together while coaches introduce different live-ball scenarios requiring immediate tactical decisions.
10:45am-11:30am | Build the Point: 3rd + 5th Shot Lab - Drive, Drop, Hybrid
- Move beyond the idea that there is only one “correct” third shot. Players will explore:
- Third-shot drops
- Third-shot drives
- Hybrid options
- Fifth-shot decision-making
- Drive + drop combinations
- Using opponent positioning to determine shot selection
- Turning defensive situations into offensive opportunities
- Shot Selection Challenge: Coaches create different opponent formations and players must identify and execute the best option in real time.
11:30am-11:45am | Pressure Play: Coached Competition - Live Play Scenarios
-Players compete in structured match play while coaches actively observe strategy, positioning, communication and shot selection.
-Rather than stopping every point, coaches will provide targeted feedback between sequences, so players learn to recognize patterns and adjust themselves.
-The emphasis is on applying the concepts learned throughout the camp under competitive pressure.
11:45am-12:00am | The Takeaway - Things to Remember
-Camp concludes with:
· Individual coach feedback
· Player Q&A
· Key lessons from the session
· Personal development priorities
· Recommended practice focus following camp
-Each player leaves with one actionable item to take into their next training session or match.
CAMP EXPERIENCE
Assess → Learn → Improve
-The goal isn't simply to hit more pickleballs. It's to help players see the game differently, make better decisions and understand how to win more points.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE?
- Welcome Package: All campers receive a Nike Pickleball Camps t-shirt
- Meals: No meals are included. Campers are encouraged to bring snacks and water.
- Instruction: 4 hours of court time including instruction and match play, each session
EQUIPMENT, FACILITY & MORE
- Equipment Needed: All campers must bring a pickleball paddle, athletic shoes and a water bottle
- Facility: The Pickleball House' indoor pickleball courts
- Medical Protocol: In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital
CUSTOMER PORTAL
To access your completed camp enrollments, Health and Release Forms, Camp Information Packet and pay any outstanding balance you might have please visit: US Sports Camps Customer Portal
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before camp check-in, you will receive a camp credit voucher for the tuition fees paid, valid for one year for any sport and transferable to any immediate family member. Please note that participants who do not attend their registered session (no-shows) or fail to notify USSC at least 24 hours prior to check-in will not receive a voucher or refund.
Refunds are available only if the Cancellation Protection was purchased at the time of registration and the cancellation is made before your payment due date (1st of the month prior to your camp start date). These policies are in place to account for camp fees associated with each registration that is made in advance of the program. Camper waives any and all damages that may otherwise arise out of any camp cancellation and agrees to accept as liquidated damages said registration fees.
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVEL
This is a Day Camp only; housing is not included in the camp tuition. Campers are responsible for arranging their own overnight accommodations if needed.
US Sports Camps, the Camp Director, camp staff, and the host facility are not liable for any travel-related arrangements, including but not limited to flights, hotels, Airbnbs, or rental cars.
We recommend booking refundable or flexible travel and accommodation options in case of any changes to the camp schedule.
PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist. All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
Athletic, on-court pickleball clothing
Pickleball Paddle(s)
Comfortable court shoes (no running shoes)
Sweatshirt/warm-up jacket and pants
Water bottle
Packed lunch & snacks (meals are NOT included in camp tuition)
Sunscreen
Signed Health & Release forms and waivers (forms that are completed online do not need to be printed and turned in at camp)
NIKE PICKLEBALL CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our pickleball camps please see our FAQ page
SELKIRK SPORT
Selkirk Sport is the market leader in pickleball paddle technology and innovation. One of Selkirk's core missions is to grow the sport and the company is proud to partner with Nike Sports Camps to promote pickleball. Selkirk is committed to providing its premier paddles, equipment, and educational resources to the camp's instructors and participants.
Camp Code: PBADHO
