All summer long, Swampscott residents have received hands-on coaching to ease their way into the pickleball craze that has been sweeping the nation.

MJ Boudreau is leading the way, partnering with the Swampscott Recreation Department to offer classes to local adults. Boudreau, and her newest batch of recruits, took to the court on Monday evening at Swampscott Middle School for 90 minutes of fun and fulfilling progress.

“Close your paddle, bend your knees and get low,” said Boudreau to the class as they started to warm up.

The group started with slower paced hitting to get warm before transitioning into full volleys and a game, as Boudreau stood by their side offering her expertise.

Boudreau instructed when to hit the ball a certain way, as she taught the Swampscott residents technique, positioning and decision making on Monday. Boudreau used chalk to mark the court to help the students stand where they would have the best chance of success.

Along with imperative skills, the group also picked up some terminology, such as “The Kitchen,” or the area close to the net.

“Middle is money!” Boudreau said, telling the class to try to hit the middle of the opponent’s court to ensure the ball lands in bounds.

The program covers four weeks of July. Residents can return in August for two additional class times, one every Saturday and one every Monday.

There are still openings for each of the Recreation Department’s August clinics. To sign up, visit https://swampscott.recdesk.com/Community/Program.