There is a groomer instruction for a goldendoodle at:
http://goldendoodles.com/groom/groomingdoods.htm (at the bottom of the page - there is a one page photo with notes that you might find useful).
Another groomer's blog that is somewhat helpful -
http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/grooming-goldendoodle.html (I personally don't like the way they leave the ears poodly and shave the top of the nose - ears, in my opinion should be thinned - I use a 3 3/4 blade with the hair, to thin the ears, doing it quickly enough not to shave all the darn hair off, and then trim the ears to just past the leather and neaten up a bit...)
Ball playing is something that can be taught, just be careful what you ask for - I have one very ball obsessed dog now, lol ;)