By Kris Goracke

Reporter

“Return deep.” “Third shot drop.” “And punch it.” These are just a few phrases you might hear at the pickleball courts at the Glenwood City Park. These tips, among many others, are part of the coaching experience offered by mother-daughter duo Nancy Hoffmann and her mother, Loie Nordman, to players eager to learn or improve their pickleball skills.

For Hoffmann and Nordman, pickleball coaching is more than just teaching a game—it’s a meaningful way to spend time together, blending their love for the sport with their passion for helping others.

Coaching has been a central part of Nordman’s life. With over 40 years of experience coaching tennis, including a role as the head tennis pro in Woodbury, Nordman has always been dedicated to helping players grow. “I’ve always loved coaching,” Nordman shared. “It’s rewarding to see people progress, develop their skills, and enjoy a game I love.”

Hoffmann, too, has spent much of her life teaching. She worked for 38 years as an elementary school teacher in the Minnewaska School District, where guiding and supporting others is second nature.

Together, they offer a unique coaching dynamic, balancing challenges with fun as they teach pickleball through the Glenwood Pickleball Club. All summer, they provided lessons for club members, from beginners to intermediate players, spending countless hours planning their sessions and creating a seamless teaching partnership. Their shared passion, discovered in different ways, has brought them together as coaches, benefiting players from their combined expertise. 

Although they lived in different communities at the time, Hoffmann and Nordman discovered pickleball within weeks of each other. For Nordman, an old friend in their 90s introduced her to the game. “After that first lesson, I started watching pickleball videos and really studying the game,” Nordman explained.

Hoffmann’s introduction was more spontaneous. “A little over 3 years ago Lynn Mayo and I were walking by the city park when she pointed out people playing pickleball on the tennis courts. I had never seen the game before. Players came over, explained the game, and invited us to play the next day. The first time I played, I went home and ordered a paddle immediately. I fell in love with the game right away,” Hoffmann recalled. 

“Lori Reinschmidt was very instrumental in teaching me how to play. Last summer, before there was a pickleball club, Lori and I gave a few lessons when people expressed interest. This year Lori came up with the idea of having lessons on a regular basis, every Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Hoffmann. What began as informal lessons quickly grew into regular, scheduled sessions for all pickleball club members.  “It worked out great that Mom had moved to Villard this year. Having three people on the court was beneficial for big groups. Lori was our leader, she knows lots of drills, and the three of us collaborated and were able to offer lessons to beginners, advanced beginners and offer skills and drills for intermediate players.” 

Nordman and Hoffmann are committed to teach the game. Even when there are small numbers of people, they can reach out for a lesson. “Nancy doesn’t want anyone to miss out,” Nordman said. “If someone wants to learn the game, she is ready to help them.” 

As their first year of organized lessons draws to a close, Nordman and Hoffmann reflect on their coaching experience together. “I’ve learned a lot from my mom,” Hoffmann said. She sees the whole court and has helped me understand strategy and the importance of having a soft game.

For Nordman, coaching alongside her daughter has been a reminder that everyone has their own approach. “Nancy is so kind, and she knows when to coach and when to let people just enjoy the game. I always want to coach—it’s what I love to do. Nancy has taught me that sometimes it’s okay to just hit the ball and enjoy playing without always giving advice,” Nordman said.

For those curious about pickleball, they offer this insight and why they enjoy the game so much: “It’s the liveliness of the game,” Hoffmann explained. You hear laughter, people saying nice shot and encouraging each other. It gives you a chance to be competitive and have fun. I think we have such friendly people at our courts. You don’t need to round up a group—just come down, and others will include you.”

Nordman adds, “For me, pickleball is like a dance. The precision and working with your partner to meet your goal is rewarding.” One word of advice from Nordman, Safety First! When just starting to learn the game, play within your ability, don’t overextend. We don’t want any injuries. Play like you are going to play tomorrow!”

The Glenwood Pickleball Club has a $30 membership fee which goes toward maintaining the courts and includes lessons, round robin and ladder events.  For more information about the pickleball club, contact Nancy Hoffmann at:

nanste22@gmail.com