Private Lessons & Coaches in Wilmington, DE

Beginners are Welcome! If you are a beginner or coming from another racket, or paddle sport, and never played, my lessons are designed to help establish a solid foundation to build on. I began my teaching journey as a volunteer, assisting in community clinics with beginners and mid-level players. My focus is on developing sound fundamentals through the use of drills to provide more confidence when stepping on the court. Either a beginner or you've been playing and want to improve, I truly believe everyone can enjoy the game at any level with sound fundamentals, and a basic understanding of the game. It's a wonderful sport and I'm excited for our first session together! Paddle up! E

"Courteous and honest coach!

Teaching vocals is my passion! With a heart for helping others find their voice, I create a supportive and encouraging environment for students to grow and thrive. My expertise and enthusiasm make me a great fit for anyone looking to improve their vocal skills and unlock their full potential. Let's embark on this musical journey together and discover the power of your voice! I offer lessons on an array of singing styles: R&B, Jazz, Opera, Musical Theater, etc. Let’s connect to create an individualized plan.

"Ms. Buckley is an amazing vocal teacher. She taught me how to harmonize and do riffs and runs.

Meet Pancho,a longtime caddie at Merion Golf Club, who earned the reputation as a "swing whisperer" with a wealth of knowledge and an easygoing approach to teaching. Despite his modest demeanor, Pancho’s insights, drawn from decades of experience, have helped golfers refine their technique with simple but effective tips. Was Assistant Golf Professional at Cobbs Creek Golf Course.

"Coach Thornton covered some basics that helped me understand what I had to do. I experienced an immediate improvement. He is able to convey the game from both a mental and physical perspective in a very comprehensible way.

As a former captain of the college golf team at Princeton University, my passion for the sport has taken me on a remarkable journey. I've competed on mini-tour circuits across Florida and various parts of the country, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience. Along the way, I've achieved notable victories, including winning the Delaware State Amateur and Open championships. In the 1990s, I taught inner-city youth golf through an LPGA program, fostering a love for the game in a new generation of players. Today, I continue to share my expertise as a coach for high school golf, guiding young athletes toward their full potential on the course.

"Grip, body movement.

I'm a pickleball coach with three years of experience and a strong background in racket sports like tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis. My journey with pickleball started after winning a few school tournaments, and it quickly became something I genuinely love! Drawing on skills from other racket sports, I focus on footwork, shot technique, and smart court strategies—all tailored to each player’s unique strengths. I’ve coached over 200 clients in both tennis and pickleball, helping them grow their game with confidence and consistency! One of my favorite parts of coaching is helping players develop powerful, accurate serves and unlocking parts of their game they didn’t even know they had! Whether it’s fine-tuning mechanics or building match-day mindset, I aim to help every player maximize their potential in a way that feels fun, challenging, and rewarding. I can speak English, Hindi, Telugu, Spanish, and basic French, which helps me connect with players from all kinds of backgrounds and create a welcoming, supportive environment—on and off the court!

I’ve been a lifelong golfer, learning the game under the guidance of a Golf Digest Top-50 coach starting at age 10. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of both the technical and mental sides of golf. My coaching focuses on simplifying the game, building confidence, and giving players the tools they need to consistently lower their handicap and most importantly, enjoy golf more.

"I'm getting better at golf with Matthew's help. His explanations and feedback are really clear, and I found them quite helpful in understanding what I need to work on though. Still, I look forward to practicing more and seeing how my technique improves over time.

I am a very patient coach and I always keep it simple for my students. I try to give you the least amount of information and thoughts as possible, but the information I give you will make the biggest difference in improving your game. Too many thoughts about a motion will interfere with the effectiveness of your swing. I also incorporate the latest coaching techniques in golf, technology including aboutGolf's premium golf simulator launch monitor technology or TrackMan/Full Swing golf simulator launch monitor technology, and other training aids when appropriate. I really enjoy working with students who love the game as much as I do and seeing the improvement in my students. When someone shoots their best round ever or just has a breakthrough moment during a lesson it is so rewarding! Let me share my passion with you and help you to enjoy this great game even more!

"Mike is an exceptional coach! Really enjoy the way he analyzes and understands your swing and goals before providing feedback. The first time having lessons can be anxious, but he makes you feel comfortable from the start. Through one season working with Mike, I was able to significantly lower my scores, become more consistent, and feel confident over each swing on the course. If you love golf, you’ll love it even more after working with Mike!

Jabari Stafford isn’t just a tennis coach — he’s a seasoned professional who has lived the game at its highest levels. As an ATP and ITF ranked player, Jabari has competed in 50+ professional tournaments across more than 20 countries, bringing a world-class perspective to every lesson he teaches.After years of competing on the international stage, Jabari made it his mission to give back — channeling everything he learned on tour into transforming players right here in Philadelphia and beyond. To date, he has helped over 100 players of all skill levels — beginners, intermediate, and advanced — rapidly elevate their game in ways they never thought possible. As the founder of Jabari Tennis, Jabari has built a reputation for getting results fast. His approach is simple: take the hard-won experience from decades of professional play and deliver it directly to you — wherever you are, whatever your level.

"I’d been stuck at the same level for years before finding Jabari. He pinpointed exactly what was holding my game back and gave me a real plan to fix it. My footwork, court positioning, and mental game have all leveled up. He brings pro-level knowledge and genuine passion to every single session.

I love introducing new people to the world of pickleball. During my 3 years of playing, I've worked with friends, family, and strangers, introducing them to the wonderful world of pickleball. I recently completed my pickleball coaching certification. I also teach pickleball clinics at Dill Dinkers. I'm an elementary educator by day and love teaching. I'd love to help introduce you to the game that I love. I love working with new players, from kids to senior adults. I work full-time in the local school district. Availability will follow the school calendar.

As an avid sports fan, player and coach (baseball, basketball and, most recently, pickleball), I have developed a passion for playing, competing in tournaments, and coaching pickleball to students of all ages and skill levels. As a coach, I refine skills with tailored instruction and proven techniques and focus upon strategy and having fun. Join me to elevate your game!