Private Lessons & Coaches in San Rafael, CA

I’m a former professional baseball player and current college coach who’s passionate about helping players reach their full potential. With years of experience on the field and in the cages, I’ve developed a teaching style that blends modern player-development concepts with old-school fundamentals. My lessons focus on: -Hitting Development: Building efficient, repeatable swing mechanics, developing bat speed and exit velocity, and mastering approach & mindset at the plate. -Infield & Defensive Work: Improving glove skills, footwork, throwing mechanics, and defensive IQ to help players become reliable game-changers in the field. -Athletic Strength & Movement: Training movement patterns that translate directly to performance on the diamond. I work with players of all ages and skill levels, tailoring each session to fit individual goals. My mission is simple: help you compete with confidence and unlock your best version as a ballplayer.

"Anders, my son’s hitting coach since he was ten, has been instrumental in his development as a baseball player. Now fourteen and in high school, my son eagerly anticipates his next lesson with Anders. During these sessions, Anders seamlessly integrates his Driveline training and expertise, focusing not only on the physical aspects of the game but also on the mental side. He goes the extra mile by providing my son with reading material and hitting programs to work on, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience. My son has a great rapport with Anders and genuinely understands how to connect with young athletes.

Meet Pickleball Pro, Paras! As a highly rated player who frequently competes in Pickleball Tournaments, I'm passionate about teaching you everything you need to know to really compete in the game of pickleball. I am a Selkirk ambassador and can get you started with the right equipment for you. My lessons are tailored to cover all aspects of the game, starting from the basic rules, progressing to serving and returning serves, then onto the finesse of dinking, and finally power shots. I believe in building a strong foundation before moving onto advanced techniques. Come join me and let's ace the game of pickleball together!

"Paras has been a good coach helping me to get better being more patient and strategic at dink rallies. Also at helping me improve at dropping the ball into the kitchen from the baseline. I’m making improvements in both of those areas with his advice.

Music has been an essential element of my life, and for 25 years, I've been sharing that passion as a professional guitarist and dedicated instructor. I specialize in catering to whatever your curiosities are with the instrument and am fluent in a number of musical expressions on the guitar, be it Afrobeat, Rock, European Classical or American Jazz and R and B. I can also read and write in standard music notation, though this is not a requirement to begin lessons! I have played and worked with a number of world renowned Bay Area talents such as Grammy award winner Fantastic Negrito, The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and The San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, My goal is to provide you with the technical foundation and creative freedom to express yourself through guitar, no matter your current skill level. Let's get started!

"My 14yr old son wanted to take up guitar lessons but wanted the "in person" experience which is how we met Josh. My son has learned so much in the short time he's worked with Josh. Josh is kind and works well with young people. He's reliable and easy to work with. He's amazing! If you are looking for that "in person" experience-he's your guy!

I've spent my entire life around the piano, playing for big names like Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt, and even in the early days of "Saturday Night Live." I've also had a hand in writing music for TV shows and directing music for lots of school plays and community theaters. Now, I'm excited to take all that experience and use it to help you learn and grow as my piano student.

Derek is an experienced musician and sound designer with many years of music education experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Music and brings a strong academic and practical background to his teaching.

"“I’ve been wanting to continue my learning of ukulele and guitar. Derek is such a knowledgeable and patient teacher. I love how he breaks down the understanding of music theory and composition. I’ve had other guitar teachers that have taught me how to copy music tabs but Derek is really great in explaining the why of music!”

I’m a lifelong guitarist who’s learned the economics of the fretboard—how to say more with less. Over decades of performance, arranging, and teaching, I’ve come to see the guitar not as a maze of shapes but as a unified field of melody, harmony, and movement. My lessons are for intermediate players who want to stop memorizing and start understanding: to connect patterns, find melodic pathways, and unlock their own voice.

"Amazing teacher, so kind and patient. I was extremely nervous and he thought me a lot on the first day can’t wait for more lessons. Highly recommend

Raised on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, my journey began with the rhythm of the waves at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for surfing. Alongside carving waves, I immersed myself in college and high school football, basketball, and track, finding joy in the thrill of competition. As a competitor in the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association for 5 years, I honed my skills in the ocean's embrace. Complementing my active lifestyle, I prioritize breathwork, stretching, and a healthy diet to nourish both body and soul. Transitioning into coaching, I've shared my love for sports with the next generation through coaching high school and pop warner football, as well as youth basketball. As an Oahu Professional Photographer, I've captured the beauty of surfing, sports, weddings, and family portraits, preserving cherished memories for clients. For the past decade, I've surfed the waves of San Francisco, delighting in small to medium fun perfect waves and discovering local gems based on conditions. Currently, I'm homeschooling my 8-year-old daughter, embracing the opportunity to instill a love for learning and adventure.

"Russ is a great coach!

Golfing and student of the game for 50 years now. .My philosophy is keep the swing simple and effective. Swing changes are hard so let’s work with what you have unless you are committed to making wholesale swing changes. Fundamentals are key: grip, alignment, posture and swing plane. No crazy gimmicky exaggerated moves: club on plane w a square face, and aligned to target. Let’s get you proficient and confident so you can get out play and enjoy the game.

"Worked on grip and stance with each club and got a good understanding WHY the stance was important (and different) for each club. I did not want 20 or 30 new things to try. I could not remember that many. I can easily focus on two tips for each club and make improvements based on those tips.

I am a college student who plays tennis for my college team. With 14 years of playing experience and extensive coaching background, I am dedicated to helping others improve their tennis skills. My passion for the game drives me to provide effective and insightful coaching to players of all levels.

"Justin is the best tennis coach I have ever taken lessons from!

Mahdi Hentati, an esteemed tennis coach originating from Sfax, Tunisia, is a distinguished graduate with a degree in Physical Education, specializing in Tennis from L’Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Sfax. Commencing his tennis journey at the age of 8, Mahdi has earned national recognition through his dedicated participation in competitive tennis. His coaching ethos revolves around a personalized approach, acknowledging individual paces and motivations, thereby creating an environment where players can comfortably and effectively realize their maximum potential. Beyond the physical dimensions of the sport, Mahdi perceives sports as a conduit to a healthier lifestyle, imparting crucial lessons in self-discipline and empowerment. Throughout his illustrious career, Mahdi’s unwavering commitment to coaching is fueled by a genuine passion for pedagogy and the immense satisfaction derived from assisting diverse individuals in achieving their athletic and personal aspirations. His coaching philosophy transcends conventional boundaries, embodying a holistic approach that extends far beyond the confines of the tennis court. Mahdi Hentati stands as a testament to the transformative impact of sports in shaping the lives of those he guides.

"Alex who Mahdi connected me with was fantastic. I have been playing. Tennis 3-4 times a week for 40 years and am a competitive 4.5 Usta player and Alex was still able to give me tons of actionable advice that will make me a better player. Super happy with the lesson.