Private Lessons & Coaches in Orinda, CA

Certified Pickleball Coach, RPPk & ICI Walnut Creek, CA (Private Court) James Tucker is a certified pickleball coach based in Walnut Creek, CA, with a lifelong passion for racquet sports. He began playing tennis at age six and competed in USTA singles and doubles for many years before discovering his love for pickleball and padel. James now offers private coaching on a dedicated court and can organize games for players of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, James provides personalized instruction and strategy tailored to help you improve fast. Certified through DUPR, Tyson McGuffin’s program, RPPk (The Registry of Pickleball Professionals), and the International Coaches Institute (ICI), James has trained under some of the most respected organizations in the sport. The coaching methods he applies have been used to develop elite racquet sport athletes worldwide. In addition to on-court coaching, James is available to support your tournaments and offers game analysis using video review to identify areas for improvement. His coaching style blends proven technique with enthusiasm and strategic insight, making him a trusted resource for anyone serious about elevating their pickleball game.

"I took a clinic from James and it was amazing. I really like his style and how he simplifies the instructions in a positive way. My husband and I are now doing private lessons with him weekly and our games are getting so much better at a rapid pace.

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

My Pickleball story began in 2021, and it was love at first swing. I found myself on the courts 5-6 days a week, dedicating at least 3 hours each day to perfecting my game. I was hungry for improvement, so I embarked on a self-guided journey, delving deep into the nuances and strategies that make Pickleball so captivating. Today, I'm not just a player; I'm a mentor, a guide, and your biggest supporter. I'm here to help you ignite your passion for Pickleball, whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or aiming to sharpen your competitive prowess. Let's embark on this journey together and transform your game, one swing at a time.

"Antoine was so patient and easy to work with. He taught me, my wife, and my two kids how to play the game in less than an hour. When he left, we had a blast playing together, working on our swings. We will definitely be working with Antoine again!

I have a deep passion for the game of basketball and take pride in teaching every skill with a purpose and attention to detail. I empathize the mastery of every fundamental before progressing to advanced concepts. Beyond skill development, I place a strong emphasis on mindset, discipline, and self confidence because I believe mental growth is just as important as physical ability in reaching a players full potential.

I am a college Head Women’s Basketball Coach, former Division I player, and former professional women’s basketball player. I specialize in skill development, fundamentals, footwork, ball handling, finishing, shooting, defense, conditioning, and basketball IQ. My coaching style is detailed, encouraging, and growth-focused. I work with beginners through advanced athletes and help players build confidence, discipline, and purpose in their training.

I am an internationally trained tennis coach and former elite junior who grew up in Tokyo and trained at Keio Tennis Academy, earning national-level results in Japan before continuing high-performance development at Weil Tennis Academy in California. I am also Mouratoglou-trained, having completed their coaching program. I now attend the University of California, Berkeley, and bring a global, disciplined, and resilient approach to coaching focused on strong fundamentals and mental toughness.

""My daughter plays USTA tournaments and we were looking for someone who could take her to the next level technically without rebuilding her from scratch. Dylan assessed her in one session and identified two things previous coaches had missed entirely. He's clearly trained at a high level himself and that shows. He doesn't guess, he knows. In just a few months she's already winning matches she would have lost before.”

Former junior tournament and high school varsity player, coaching at Euro School of Tennis since early 2026. I work with players at the beginner to intermediate level, and I am a NASM certified personal trainer and nutrition coach interested in life-long health and fitness. My goal is to build a foundation that you can confidently take anywhere whether it's for recreation or competition.

Rooted in a love of movement and strategic play, I teach soccer with clarity and commitment. With one year of teaching experience, I blend technical drills, tactical insight and patient coaching to develop players' confidence, teamwork and game intelligence.

Hi, I’m Coach Alex. I’ve taught tennis for 15+ years across three countries, working with players of all ages and skill levels. I’m PTR and USTA certified, and my coaching style focuses on making tennis simple, effective, and enjoyable. Every lesson is tailored to each player’s goals, whether improving technique, building confidence, or competing at a higher level. I’ve also worked with various clubs and tennis associations throughout my career.

"Coach Alex has been incredible with our 6-year-old. He makes every lesson fun while still teaching proper technique. Our son asks almost every day when his next tennis lesson is.

I'm Will, Captain of the UC Berkeley Pickleball team. I am a 4.62 DUPR and currently ranked #52 in the collegiate pickleball rankings. My teaching philosophy is one that is flexible to best suit your needs as a player. Whether it is refining specific shots or pickleball strategy, I want to elevate the part of your game that will make you the player you want to be! Most of all, I love to compete and have fun on court. Feel free to reach out to me at 510-725-1642 to discuss working together!