The lessons in this book are divided into four groups determined by their level of difficulty, or the skill level the student is working on. The levels are not exact and can overlap since there is no precise definition of student skill levels in terms of beginner, intermediate etc.

The skill level depends on several factors such as physical condition, technique, judgement. A player's technique may be good for a single shot and completely break down due to physical fatigue in the second shot. Also, the physical conditioning and technique of a student may be intermediate while the student's judgement is that of a beginner. these facts make for a very complex picture of the student who may have factors spread over beginner to professional. It is a fact that a professional level student may have an elementary ability to make judgement, or even be physically deficient.

If we are to succeed as coaches we must use some form of organization around which to advance the student's skills toward their goals. So I have organized each level according to technique, physical conditioining, and judgement. The student must be developed in each of these areas.