Best 32 coaches for lessons near Winnetka, IL
These coaches teach at top ranked spots and have great lesson fulfillment & student reviews.
Greetings! I'm a physician passionate about racquet sports, particularly pickleball. As a PPR Certified Coach teaching at multiple park districts and private pickleball clubs, I bring an observant eye, great technical skill, a patient manner and years of experience to help my students improve their pickleball skills. My lessons prioritize solid fundamentals, consistent and safe play, and, above all, having a blast on the court. No wonder I have more than 100 5* reviews! Whether you're 8 or 80, let's embark on this exciting pickleball journey together!
"Worked on proper backhand form.
Paul
A lifelong athlete who made the transition from high-level club tennis to pickleball, I love working with beginners and intermediates alike to develop skills and game strategy. I have my PPR pickleball teaching certification and Red Cross First Aid/ CPR/AED certificate, and I am very active in the Chicago North Shore pickleball community, with a vast knowledge of equipment and facilities. Let me show you the simple and exciting ways that pickleball can change and improve your life!
"Great! Patient, informative, and friendly
Christopher
My journey in racket sports began at 9, swiftly ascending the ranks as a junior to qualify for the prestigious New York State High School Championship. Transitioning to collegiate singles and later leagues in Chicago, I found my passion reignited when I stumbled upon Pickleball, relishing its social camaraderie and forging new friendships. Now, as an avid player and coach, I delight in sharing my expertise, ensuring every lesson is not just about improvement but about relishing the court's thrill. Let's ace your goals together, one match at a time! For fellow Tennis players, I played tennis for 40 years, and was a tournament player and teaching pro for tennis during college. A lot of tennis players move over to pickle and that makes sense, but there are some key differences in the games, both with the way you swing and in strategy, things you should know and can learn pretty quickly on court. I'm here to help.
"My first lesson with Kirk was quite helpful, especially since he covered some key techniques that really stuck with me, though I still see plenty of room for improvement. Still, that lesson laid a good foundation, and I’m hopeful about refining my skills further with his guidance. If you’re thinking about giving pickleball lessons a try, Kirk’s a pretty solid option to consider.
Kirk
My love for tennis blossomed on the court, evolving into a lifelong passion for sharing the sport's intricacies and joys. With 35 years of experience as a player and coach, reaching the Experienced level, I'm dedicated to nurturing your skills and fostering a deep appreciation for the game. Let's step onto the court together and unlock your full potential!
"Forehand, backhand
Tom
I'm passionate about fostering a love for football while nurturing athletic potential. With nine years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to helping each athlete excel. Let's work together to elevate your game!
Christopher
*Indoor court rentals available for $25!* After a lifetime in tennis (and ping pong, badminton, squash) I was finally bitten by the pickleball bug and my passion for the sport has only grown. My beginner students can expect a fun learning environment in a casual setting. For those looking to up their game, power strokes, volley smashes and vicious spins are a session away. Intermediate player looking to refine their game? Let’s get drilling. I’ll happily rally and match play with you after. Regardless of your goals, let’s get out there and pickle!
"Eric paced the lesson calmly, laying a solid foundation and making basics easy to grasp, with a clear focus on slow, steady progress and a hint of momentum. Lesson highlighted kept me moving forward.
Eric
Passionate about all things pickleball! As an experienced player with 5 years of coaching experience, I thrive on sharing my love for the game and helping others unlock their potential on the court. My coaching style emphasizes fun, engaging drills combined with personalized feedback to elevate your game, regardless of your starting point. Let's connect and get you smashing those volleys!
"Amazing trainer give you amazing tips will be booking again
Francisco
With over 25 years of coaching experience, I am a former Division One tennis player dedicated to helping aspiring athletes reach their full potential on the court through expert guidance and unparalleled expertise in the sport. Also certified by the PTR!
Todd
I’ve been playing volleyball for 7 years total and have been very passionate and dedicated. I’ve started coaching more recently/earlier in the year. I also have a job that involves working with kids so I have experience in that too. The way I coach is that the process is more important than immediate results, I would rather see small improvements that life changing progress, so the biggest thing is taking things slow and one step at a time so it’s really digestible.
Lauren
I'm a passionate tennis coach dedicated to helping others improve their game and have fun on the court. With a UTR of 11 and three years of coaching experience, I bring both skill and enthusiasm to my teaching. As an NCAA Division II MVP, I leverage my competitive background to inspire and elevate my students' performance.
Vadzim
Igniting passion and skill on the court is my specialty. As a solid tennis and pickleball player, I taught highly regarded skills clinics in the local community. Most of my players experience rapid progress on the court and leave the clinic with much more confidence and enthusiasm for the game. I offer tailored instruction to elevate your game, making learning fun and effective. Let's achieve your goals together! I’m passionate about the sport and would like to help as many people learn and improve as possible. If you need a lesson outside of Wilmette in the north shore area, please send me a request. I’ll see what I can do. All my sessions will be tailored specifically to individual players. Here’s an overview of what we will do based on your levels: For Beginners: Building the Foundation The goal is to get you up and running so you can truly enjoy your new sport. I will focus on laying a solid technical foundation and teaching you the key strategies needed to start playing matches. By understanding the "how" and the "why" early on, you will see consistent, rewarding progress over time. For Intermediate Players: Breaking the Bottleneck I will identify exactly what is holding you back—the specific moments where you feel uncomfortable or lose points repeatedly. We’ll use purposeful, engaging drills to turn those weaknesses into strengths. Often, refining just one specific shot can transform your entire game. From there, we will progress into advanced shot selection and point construction. For Advanced Players: Mastering the Margins At this level, it’s about fine-tuning your unique style. I will analyze your game to sharpen your anticipation, balance, and footwork. Our sessions focus on high-level decision-making, precise targeting, and superior ball control. Finally, we’ll integrate the "secret sauce" of the competitive game: mental toughness and peak physical fitness.
"I’m an advanced tennis player. Playing pickleball is easy but also humbling as I level up when patience and strategy become critical. Wen helped me understand the key difference between the two sports and develop skills and intuition to play competitively in pickleball.
Wen
I played soccer recreationally in weekend leagues for 10 years, coached my son for six and rose to advanced AYSO coach and a member of the AYSO Evanston board before stepping way from the game. I have since returned, passing the IHSA coaching course in 2025 and working with Super Soccer Stars as a coach and assistant coach, teaching children ages 5-12.