Private Lessons & Coaches in San Francisco, CA

At the age of 9, I discovered basketball and became obsessed with it. “Basketball is life” was my motto growing up—from finishing team practices at the gym, then going straight to a local basketball court for pickup games. I considered basketball courts my second home, and in many ways, they still are. My playing journey took me through several years in AAU and Showcase leagues, starting with the Bay Area Asian Sports Dragons as a youth and onto other travel teams. I competed in basketball tournaments held in Reno and all over California year-round. As a four-year varsity player, I continued to earn MIP and MVP awards in high school, and was honored to make the PAL NorCal All-League First and Second Teams during my later years. I was also recognized the Student Athlete of the Year as a triathlete playing volleyball and running track in addition to basketball for all of those years. These experiences have taught me a lot about overcoming adversities, teamwork, and leadership. More importantly, I learned that the relationships you create with your team and community are the lifelong awards from sports. I am an advocate for fostering community and connections through sports, and I truly believe that sports bring out the best in people. Having walked the path from beginner to competitive player, I want to be a guiding light for those just starting out or looking to elevate their development. My goal is to help players grow their skills while encouraging them to become better people throughout their journey. For over two decades, I’ve cultivated a deep love and understanding of basketball. I focus on skill development and strategic thinking, fostering both confident players and a genuine love for the game. I’m here to share that same passion with anyone who aspires to get better and compete to their fullest potential.

"Drea is a patient and knowledgeable coach who makes the game fun. We look forward to working with her again!

Golf is supposed to be fun — I help beginners make it that way, faster. No jargon, no overwhelming swing theory. Just practical fixes that give you confidence on the range and on the course from lesson one.

"Great coach is very thoughtful patient with me being a beginner, making good progress after a few lessons! Exciting!

I am a dedicated tennis coach focused on the overall development of each player. My coaching approach includes a variety of drills tailored to enhance technique, strategy, and physical conditioning. I emphasize fundamentals while adapting training to each player’s needs, helping them improve their game through structured, engaging, and progressive practice sessions. My goal is to build well-rounded players with strong technical skills, tactical awareness, and a deep love for the sport.

"I’d say the lesson with Emmanuel really hit the right note for me. The way he teaches makes complex movements quite clear, and that’s quite helpful. Though I still have some things to improve, I feel more confident in my groundstrokes now. If you're considering trying out a lesson, Emmanuel’s approach might be worth a shot.

I embarked on my tennis journey when I became my wife's hitting partner, gradually immersing myself in the game and honing my skills. As my love for tennis grew, I ventured into competitive play, discovering a true passion for the sport. Inspired by my progress, I began sharing my knowledge with friends, helping them improve their game. This led me to catch the attention of two esteemed teachers: one from the renowned Strawberry Group in Tiburon and another from the YTA Youth Tennis in Oakland. Since then, I have cherished every moment of my involvement in tennis, teaching others and continuously expanding my own expertise, all fueled by an unwavering love for the game.

"Oh, that lesson really stood out for me. His communication skills and techniques used to fix my daughter's skills were excellent, and I think it made a difference. I’d love to see the same approach applied in the next lesson. I’m optimistic that continuing with Hence will help us refine her game and skills.

Like you, I just love pickleball, and I love teaching and coaching others to improve dramatically by making simple, small adjustments. I have a Level II certification from the IPTPA and years of coaching experience here and in France, where I was the 2023 National Champion (50+). Let's play!

"I recently had a private pickleball lesson with Nic, Bekaert, and it was genuinely one of the best coaching experiences I've ever had. Nic focused our session on the kitchen game, specifically net volleys and dinking, and the improvement I felt was immediate. What sets him apart isn't just his elite-level knowledge; it's how he communicates it. He's a careful listener who takes the time to understand where you are as a player, and his explanations are clear, precise, and immediately actionable. The real test of any lesson is whether the coaching sticks when you're playing in real time, under pressure. So often, tips absorbed in a lesson evaporate the moment you step onto the court. Not with Nic. His strategies and cues are memorable and practical which is exactly the kind of instruction that translates into your game when it counts. Without question, Nic is the most effective coach I have ever worked with. If you have the opportunity to take a lesson with him, don't hesitate. -Chris B.

Transform Your Tennis: Hit Cleaner, Move Better, and Win More Points With 25+ years of playing and coaching experience, I help players turn frustration into real progress on the court. My students learn to hit more consistently, move more efficiently, and compete with greater confidence—so they can enjoy playing at the level they’re capable of. I focus on simple, high-impact adjustments that quickly improve strokes, decision-making, and match performance—without overcomplicated instruction. Whether you’re a beginner building fundamentals, an adult reducing unforced errors, or a competitive player seeking an edge, I tailor each lesson to deliver clear, measurable improvement.

"Great experience! In just one lesson I felt like I improved a lot. Coach Jeff is practical, easy going and helps you get a lot of practice. His style is also very open minded and he helps you find the right style of playing that suits you best.

Hi I'm Joshua Tam! I coach focusing on decision-making, consistency and repeatable shots. I am a believer in that techniques like dinking, resetting, blocking are key to a strong pickleball foundation. These are my greatest strengths that have allowed me to do very well in high level money tournaments. Whether you're brand new to pickleball or trying to break through a current level plateau (3.0-3.5-4.0+), lessons are tailored to your specific needs! My personal tournament results include 2nd place in 4.0. 4th in 4.5, and 2nd place in 5.0 DUPR events.

"First time player. Learn a lot and quick!!!

It’s my goal to give you an excellent experience that enhances your game and enriches your life through the awesome sport of tennis. I especially love working with beginners, to shape their strokes, yet get them playing as soon as possible. I can help with points for improvement. Patience and kindness are my trademarks.

"I was lucky enough to find coach Shannon for my little ones. In a desperate attempt to distract kiddos from devices, I wanted to try tennis with the little ones, who each has their personalities. Coach Shannon is a wonderful coach. She has been always so encouraging to the girls and trying different ways to make the lessons fun. When the girls were having their moments, she accommodated based on situations. She has been very patient and an excellent coach. I also had my private session with her and enjoyed it very much. We really love coach Shannon and would love to keep coming back.

I’m a recently retired orthopedic surgeon who has transitioned into a highly rated Pickleball player and certified instructor with Pickleball Coaching International. With over 20 years of experience coaching youth sports, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to the game. My keen eye for teaching allows me to tailor lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, and I’m dedicated to helping you elevate your Pickleball skills to the next level. Let’s get started!

"Jeff is very knowledgeable and encouraging. I had fun time learning with him.

I’m Daniel, a PCI certified instructor! My coaching emphasizes strong fundamentals and a clear understanding of the moving parts in today’s evolving game, helping players improve skills and adapt with confidence. My background in sports is ping pong, tennis and golf help me bring a cross-sport perspective to every lesson. This approach helps me explain through different views to build consistency, strategy, and enjoyment on the court. I really enjoy helping students improve! Thanks!

"He knows a lot about pickleball and is a great coach