To better adapt to the development of domestic badminton, enhance the technical proficiency of Chinese badminton coaches and referees, and cultivate a pool of professional coaches and referees for the country, the Pickleball Committee of the China Ethnic Minority Sports Association successfully organized the inaugural training session for beginner coaches (CC L1) and preliminary referees (CR L1) in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from March 22 to 27, 2024. Over 30 participants took part in this comprehensive training program, aimed at promoting the healthy and sustainable growth of badminton in China.

Organized by the Pickleball Committee of the China Ethnic Minority Sports Association, and jointly hosted by the Huzhou Martial Arts and Soldiers Association, Huzhou Sports Information Technology Co., Ltd., and Huzhou Urban Sports Development Co., Ltd., this training session holds significant importance for the Association. The Pickleball Committee has demonstrated its dedication to the event by dispatching Vice President and Senior Training Mentor Zhang Jun, along with Deputy Secretary General Wang Min, to lead an esteemed training team comprising eight technical experts from the Training Department: Chen Hui, POKAN (Yang Baoqin), Ying Kui, Ding Guoqing, Jian Yongqing, Zuo Minqiang, Qin Shuang, and Xiao Yang. Their presence ensures that the participants receive in-depth and authoritative knowledge, aiming to establish a renowned brand in the realm of domestic Pickleball sports.

Led by Teacher Zhang Jun, this training course offered an extensive coverage of the fundamentals of Pickleball, including venue and equipment setup, competition rules, and refereeing techniques. Teacher Zhang provided a thorough explanation of various aspects of the game, such as serving techniques, edge selection, boundary determination, rule violations, dead balls, and non-interception zones. Through his clear and concise theoretical explanations and engaging case studies, he simplified the complexities of the game rules and referee responsibilities, making them easier to grasp.

Following the theoretical sessions, the students moved on to practical training and assessments. Here, they had the opportunity to put their knowledge into action, practicing referee executions and fully comprehending the sport's rules through on-site practice.

During the coaching training phase, Teacher Zhang delved into the intricacies of coaching techniques and personal skills, imparting his vast knowledge to the trainees. Through a combination of theoretical learning, hands-on practice, and simulated matches, participants were able to systematically master the basics of coaching and refine their personal skills in Pickleball.

After six days of rigorous and comprehensive training, over 30 students successfully passed the assessments and were awarded the Junior Coach (CC L1) and Preliminary Referee (CR L1) certificates issued by the Pickleball Committee of the China Ethnic Minority Sports Association.

In line with the national strategy of fostering a healthy China and a prosperous sports nation, and in response to the surging demand for domestic Pickleball events, the Pickleball Committee remains committed to organizing training sessions for coaches and referees. Our aim is to establish a platform that facilitates technical exchanges and ensures fair competition among the numerous Pickleball practitioners and enthusiasts. By doing so, we hope to nurture a pool of skilled individuals who will contribute to the rapid popularization and development of Pickleball in China.