Private Lessons & Coaches in Smithton, IL
These coaches teach at top ranked spots and have great lesson fulfillment & student reviews.
I'm an ambassador for Six Zero Pickleball and currently a 4.5 DUPR rated player. My tennis, ping pong, and badminton backgrounds have helped me transition into pickleball rather easily. (I guess it's a "racquet sports" thing) I primarily play at Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville, IL and the Rally Club indoor facility in Glen Carbon, IL where I'm a member. I also play in a handful of tournaments each year where I've been fortunate enough to typically medal in those tournaments. I enjoy helping people at all levels understand the basic fundamentals of pickleball, explaining strategies and tactics, as well as discussing the pros and cons of different types of equipment you should be using (paddles, shoes, sunglasses, etc).
"Curt is very patient and a great teacher. Very easy to get along with and sense of humor. I feel like he wants to help me get better and will work with his students to get them where they want to be
Curt
I have a passion for almost any racquet sport, but like many of you, I’ve truly fallen in love with pickleball. As a former college athlete and national leadership trainer, I combine my athletic experience with a focus on how the fundamentals of the game translate into finesse moves. I’m here to help you excel in both doubles and singles play, guiding you to develop your skills and become a leader on the court.
"Serve
Nathan
As a former USPTA teaching professional, I bring proven coaching performance to the wild west world of pickleball instruction. Most players think the secret to getting to the next level, or improving their DUPR is a new strategy: “Respect The X”, “The Triangle Offense”, “Dink To Your Opponent’s Inside Foot”. The Truth? Strategy Don’t Mean A Thing, If You Ain’t Got That Swing! Sure, the right court positioning is important, but…proper mechanics are the engine of your game. I’ll help you build a technically sound game and improve your reaction time with repeatable stroke and volley checkpoints that will keep you getting better even between our sessions. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to add a 3rd shot DRIP or backhand flick to your arsenal, I’ll guide your improvement every step of the way. The session pace is always comfortable, encouraging, and challenging. As a senior player, I understand the unique considerations that come with starting or improving later in life, though I genuinely enjoy working with players of every age and skill level. When you book with me, you can count on plenty of balls, paddles (if needed), and a reserved space where we can focus entirely on your improvement without distractions. I teach indoors at Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, or Missouri Pickleball Club—Ellisville. Outdoors at Dwight Davis Tennis Center in beautiful Forest Park. I enjoy group lessons, so book with one, two, or three friends and lower the price per student cost. I will teach at other locations if a court can be reserved and the student handles making the reservation.
"1. Rich was friendly and comfortable to be with. 2. He is skilled and has a great teaching style. 3. He had a plan for our lesson time and made use of every minute. 4. Rich gave us excellent tips that we will take with us and keep/expand on in the upcoming months. 5. We really appreciated our lesson!
Rich
Fueling a passion for tennis for over 14 years, I've honed my expertise from the ground up, playing as a D1 athlete. My coaching style blends strategic fundamentals with a fun, engaging approach to elevate your game. PSA: If planning to practice at Dwight Davis, the court reservation fee is $10, which can be paid online in advance on their website.
"Very patient, professional and easy-going
Aryn
Unlock your golfing potential with personalized coaching! As a former collegiate golfer with 35 years of experience spanning from teaching golf in New England to being a caddie on the PGA Tour. I provide expert guidance tailored to your skill level. Let's elevate your game together!
"One of the highlights was how Jared shared his knowledge and patiently answered all my questions, even after the lesson ended. His expertise really shines through. If you want to improve your game with clear guidance, Jared’s lessons are definitely worth trying. Looking forward to more sessions like this!
Jared
I have been playing pickleball for over 5 years, and have been coaching for over 3. I have experience leading beginner group classes, as well as leading summer camps for kids. I also do one-on-one lessons with all skill levels in addition to providing video feedback if clients are interested. I like to keep my lessons fast-paced and entertaining. After all, the main goal of a sport is to have fun!
"Rend showed up on time and communicates well! My husband and I learned so much in our first lesson, and he helped catch and adjust our technique or form whenever we can improve. I feel more confident and better about my plays already. Rend is very nice, and easy to work with and learn from. He also explains and teaches in a way that makes sense.
Rend
I am always encouraging and dedicated to helping my students be their best. I celebrate their progress and thoughtfully address areas of challenge, striving to make each lesson both educational and enjoyable. As a USTA and WTT Adult League national champion with 20 years of coaching experience, I have coached many USTA adult players. I am PTR Certified and primarily focus on beginners and intermediates. My patient and tolerant approach ensures a low-stress, supportive learning environment.
"Oh, hey, so far, my first tennis lesson with Jerry was quite helpful. The focus on the basics felt pretty solid, and I appreciated the no-pressure vibe during the lesson. Honestly, the lesson highlighted the importance of good foundations, which I think will help me overall. I’m optimistic about how it’s going. I think trying out more lessons could really cement those fundamentals. If you’re after someone who keeps it practical and approachable, Jerry definitely is worth a shot.
Jerry
With 16+ years of baseball experience and continuing to grow my career with the Athletics Organization, I am ready to continue to pass on my knowledge of the game towards the next generation and leave an impact on the game that lasts longer than my playing career entails.
Jackson
I am a state champion player and Coach. I have trained and coached 100's of middle school, high school and college players Looking to help young players build a solid foundation in the game of basketball.
Mark
I’m a former collegiate athlete with a B.S. in Kinesiology and experience in strength & conditioning, personal training, and youth athletic development. My goal is to help players of all ages build strong fundamentals, improve basketball IQ, and gain confidence on the court. Every lesson is tailored to the athlete’s skill level, focusing on proper technique, hard work, and making the game fun.
Andre
With a lifelong passion for the diamond, I strive to develop well-rounded baseball players. My approach blends fundamental skill-building with strategic gameplay, fostering a love for the game. Let's elevate your performance and achieve your goals! I grew up playing baseball since I was 4 and traveled across the country. I received multiple offers from the D1-D3 level and I am ready to help you on your path to get there as well
Chandler
With more than two decades of soccer passion and experience, I create a fun, supportive environment where players of all levels can thrive. As a former college player at Maryville University and college coach at UHSP, I bring both high-level playing experience and proven coaching strategies to every session. I currently run a college sports recruiting company (CSR - College Sport Recruiter) dedicated to helping student-athletes get recruited and play soccer at the next level. I also previously served as the Manager of Soccer Operations at TOCA Soccer STL, where I led a team of high-intensity trainers focused on elite player development. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for college soccer, I’m here to help you unlock your full potential and love the game even more.
"Coach Gus is the best! I used to be nervous on the field, but now I feel way more confident. He always makes our training fun and teaches me things in a way that’s easy to understand. I’ve already improved my footwork and learned how to pass better with both feet!