Private Lessons & Coaches in Santa Monica, CA

15 years of coaching experience and a background competing as an NCAA Division 1 tennis player, I offer expert tennis instruction. My passion lies in helping players of all levels unlock their full potential and achieve their goals”. I strive to create a fun, challenging, and supportive environment for growth.

Hi! My name is Ivanka and I have been playing tennis for 10 years. I still currently playing USTA Tournaments and have won many level 6 and 5 tournaments. My UTR is a 8.5 and I also have been playing on the ITF circuit, and represented the country of Sri Lanka in the national Billie Jean King Cup of 2024.

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Ever wonder what separates a good shot from a great one? With two decades of experience, including time as a Tour Pro, I've honed the skills and techniques to elevate your game. Let's work together to unlock your potential and make you the golfer you always dreamed of being.

"The best couch ever 🔥

Here’s a clean, strong bio you can use for “Teach Me,” written in your voice and style: ⸻ Pickleball Coach Bio I’ve been playing pickleball for the past two years and quickly fell in love with the game, both competitively and as a way to bring people together. My background goes much deeper than pickleball though. I’ve spent over 10 years mentoring and teaching across sports, helping athletes build confidence, improve fundamentals, and actually enjoy the process of getting better. My focus is on beginner to intermediate players. Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or looking to level up your consistency and strategy, I create a relaxed, supportive environment where you can improve without feeling overwhelmed. I believe pickleball should be fun, social, and rewarding, while still giving you the tools to compete and win. ⸻ What I Focus On To Get You to the Next Level * Solid Fundamentals First Grip, footwork, positioning, and shot mechanics that actually hold up in real games. * Consistency Over Flash Cutting down unforced errors so you can win more points without needing risky shots. * Smart Court Positioning Learning where to be and when, especially at the kitchen line. * Dinking with Purpose Not just keeping the ball in play, but setting up your advantage. * Transition Game How to move from defense to offense without getting burned. * Partner Communication Simple strategies to play better as a team and avoid confusion on the court. * Game Awareness & Strategy Reading opponents, recognizing patterns, and making smarter decisions point by point. * Confidence Building Helping you trust your game so you play relaxed, not tight.

"I started playing pickleball barely knowing the rules, positioning, or strategy. Working with Michael completely changed my game. His coaching style made everything easy to understand and fun, while still pushing me to improve every session. In a short amount of time, I went from a beginner to now competing at almost a 3.5 level in rec play and local tournaments. My confidence, consistency, shot selection, and court awareness have improved dramatically. What really stands out is how much Michael genuinely cares about helping people get better. He brings great energy, patience, and real experience to every lesson. Honestly, without Michael, I don’t know where my game would be today. I’m incredibly grateful for all the time and knowledge he’s shared with me. -Blair

As a former professional Tennis coach in Australia, I've become widely recognized as one of the best tennis coaches around the country. I've also played at the highest level and am a Pan Pacific and Australian Masters champion in both singles and doubles and a recent winner of the Oregon senior games. Now residing in L.A. I bring a wealth of expertise tailored for everyone - from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. I'm a Certified PTR Professional Coach and very passionate about this amazing game. I'm here to refine your skills and boost your enjoyment and love for the game. I am President of the newly formed World Tennis Association LLC and the founder of Modified Tennis to keep less mobile players in the game longer. I also have a YouTube channel called Professional Tennis TV John Gill.

"AMAZING COACH!!! So sweet and patient!! Was early and ready to go and very accommodating! My first lesson, but I felt like I learned so much!!

Sponsored Local Amateur Pro Coach Chris came from Sacramento CA and brought his energy and skills with him! Hailing from a storied family of educators - Chris was born to be a leader and role model. His natural connection with students paired with 7 years of experience as a coach/sports director across Pickleball, Golf, Basketball, Baseball, and Spikeball creates an environment that is both comfortable and potential-tapping.

"Wow, Chris's lesson truly stood out because he took the time to understand my goals, which I appreciated quite a bit. I felt much more confident in my ball control and although I still need to work on improving my top spin, I'm optimistic about applying what I learned. I’d highly recommend Chris for a lesson that will leave you better by the time you leave.