ENGLAND'S number one lady pickleball player, Thaddea Lock, was true to her word of returning to the Island last weekend to coach more advanced players.

The pickleball star ran two packed days of coaching sessions at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre, in Freshwater.

It followed on from the success of a similar, well-subscribed to event last December, at the venue.

Pickleball, for those who have never heard of it, or know nothing of the highly popular American phenomenon, is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis.

Isle of Wight County Press: Thaddea Lock gives Mike Duffey some one-to-one pickleball technique coaching.Thaddea Lock gives Mike Duffey some one-to-one pickleball technique coaching. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

Isle of Wight County Press: Thaddea Lock, third left, with members of the West Wight Sport and Community Centre pickleball squad.Thaddea Lock, third left, with members of the West Wight Sport and Community Centre pickleball squad. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood, or composite materials, to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a ‘wiffle’ ball, over a net. 

The sport of pickleball has increased in popularity on the Island, thanks to the work done behind the scenes by Simon Proffitt, who organised the special coaching weekend.

As a result of having the sessions and more players attracted to the sport, the centre benefits from getting much more use, he said.

Isle of Wight County Press: Thaddea Lock taking a group coaching session at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre at the weekend.Thaddea Lock taking a group coaching session at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre at the weekend. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

Isle of Wight County Press: Players putting Thaddea Lock's coaching into practice.Players putting Thaddea Lock's coaching into practice. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

Simon was recognised for his work in developing pickleball on the Island, with a 'making a difference to Island sport' accolade, at the recent Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards.

Following an intensive two days of coaching, Thaddea said: “I had a great weekend visiting the Isle of Wight, to run some coaching sessions.

"Simon has done an extraordinary job of setting up pickleball on the Island — and he continues to dedicate so much time to ensure it keeps growing.

Isle of Wight County Press: Thaddea Lock teaches namesake Ricky Lock a forehand pickleball stroke.Thaddea Lock teaches namesake Ricky Lock a forehand pickleball stroke. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

Isle of Wight County Press: Thaddea (centre) and some more of the players she coached at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre at the weekend..Thaddea (centre) and some more of the players she coached at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre at the weekend.. (Image: Simon Proffitt)

"I love coming over and helping the players to improve. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming and keen to learn. 

"The sports centre is a brilliant facility and key component in allowing the sport to flourish on the Island.

"I can’t wait to come back again soon. I feel really lucky to be able to be a small part of pickleball on the Isle of Wight.”

  • The centre will be hosting the Pickleball Festival on Saturday, June 24. The event is aimed at all abilities and will be played using a 'friendly tournament' format, with players teamed with different individuals for each 15-minute match.

There will be prizes for court winners and an overall winner.

To book your place, call 752168.

  • The facility is also on the look out for pickleball coaches.

To be eligible, you must hold a Level 1 IPTPA certificate, or be available on either May 7 or June 3 for a coaching course. 

These are off-Island, so you will be required to travel the day before.

If you are interested in applying, or becoming a pickleball instructor, please email the centre to: recruitment@westwight.org.uk