Catherine Parenteau’s Clinic: Angie Biesinger, a Marco Island resident, recently attended a pickleball clinic hosted by top-ranked pro Catherine Parenteau at the Dinko Pickleball Complex in Miami. The clinic, which lasted 90 minutes, offered valuable insights from Parenteau, ranked No. 8 in the world for singles and No. 5 for doubles, and her wife and coach, Athena Trouillot.
Biesinger, who traveled two hours for the clinic, shared her excitement about learning from the best.
“I rarely do clinics, but to drive to Miami is nothing to get 90 minutes with the best of the best,”, who has been playing for four years. “I love the sport and its camaraderie.”(Athena Trouillot)
Learning Strategy and Skill Development
During the clinic, Biesinger and other participants, including Elise Caldwell, a former Division I lacrosse player, learned various strategies to improve their game. Caldwell, who has been playing pickleball for a year, emphasized the sport’s strategic depth.
“There’s a lot more strategy in pickleball than people realize, and it’s just as competitive as any other sport,” (Elise Caldwell).
One of the key strategies taught was how to slow down the ball and control placement.
“I learned how to drop the ball right in front of my opponents and take time away from them,” (Angie Biesinger).
The Rise of Pickleball in Miami
Parenteau, originally from Montreal, began playing pickleball in 2015 after her tennis coach, Simone Jardim, encouraged her to try the sport.
“I loved it right away,”. “I had missed being able to compete.” Parentau’s success followed, and she quickly rose to prominence in the sport, now serving as a role model for players in the Miami area.(Catherine Parenteau)
“Pickleball is really growing in Miami, and we love teaching the game,”. “The sport is addictive.”
Training Tips for Players
Parenteau shared some advice for players looking to improve. One key tip is the importance of drilling. While many amateur players play games more often, Parenteau emphasized that drills are essential for progress.
“Out of my six days on the court, I drill four or five times,”.(Catherine Parenteau)
She also recommended practicing “skinny singles,” which involves cutting the court in half vertically. This helps with accuracy and provides a fitness challenge.
Trouillot added tips on positioning, particularly on how to handle ball placement and body positioning during play.
“The key is to square up once the ball is coming,” Trouillot explained, adding that players should avoid standing in the “no-man’s land” between the baseline and kitchen line.(Catherine Parenteau)
Advice for Improvement
Both Parenteau and Trouillot stressed the importance of patience in improving pickleball.
“You don’t get better just by coming to clinics,”. “Take what you learned and practice it before moving on to something else.”(Athena Trouillot)
With growing interest in the sport, players in Miami and beyond are eager to develop their skills.
“It’s a great community,”. “People are energized, positive, and always willing to share tips.”(Elise Caldwell)
As pickleball continues to grow, players are discovering not only the competitive aspect of the game but also its supportive and welcoming community.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau’s Clinic
Marco Island resident Angie Biesinger attended a 90-minute pickleball clinic with top-ranked pro Catherine Parenteau at the Dinko Pickleball Complex in Miami. Biesinger, who traveled two hours for the clinic, appreciated the opportunity to learn from elite players. Participants focused on strategies, including ball control and placement, while Parenteau and her coach, Athena Trouillot, emphasized the importance of drills and patience in skill development. The growing interest in pickleball fosters a supportive community among players.
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