Private Lessons & Coaches in Allston, MA

I bring the precision of a strategist and the enthusiasm of a teammate to every basketball session. With over 40 years teaching, I refine fundamentals, tactics, and confidence through structured drills, targeted feedback, and a supportive yet demanding approach for players at every level.

Hi! I'm Shesh. I've played since age three, made Nationals in 4th grade, and won the 2018 CT State Girls Championship. I founded a chess nonprofit and have coached 200+ students at libraries, elementary schools, and privately. I work with kids and adults, total beginners to tournament players. I teach fundamentals first, then openings, tactics, and endgames. First lesson: we play a game so I can see how you think, you tell me what you want from chess, and I build a plan from there.

RPO Certified pickleball instructor with a 4.7 DUPR and a passion for helping players of all levels improve their game. I focus on fundamentals, strategy, and match play — tailoring lessons to each player’s goals, whether it’s mastering technique, boosting consistency, or improving court IQ. Patient, positive, and results-driven. Available for private lessons, group clinics, and tournament coaching. Contact me to raise your game.

"I’m a beginner and was a little nervous about learning pickleball, but Joey made it fun and easy right from the start. He explained everything in simple terms and never made me feel overwhelmed. He was patient, encouraging, and kept the lesson relaxed while still helping me improve. By the end, I understood the basics, felt much more comfortable on the court, and was actually playing! I’d definitely recommend Joey to anyone who is new to pickleball and wants to learn the game, get better, and have fun doing it!

Hello everyone, my name is Ronnie Gray, I am a current Professional Basketball Player from Boston, MA. While I’m back home for the summer, I am looking to help players develop their game ! If you live in the Boston area, come train with me! Let’s take your knowledge of the game and skills to the next height!

"Was impressed on the knowledge of the type is training needed. Gave great encouragement throughout the training sessions.

Teacher of French Language and Literature for High school students (10th grade) in a private school in Haiti. Teacher of French communication to university students and professionals from the public and private business sector. Formal and non-formal learning with young people and adults. Debate trainer. Provide support in speaking, writing, reading, comprehension, and problem solving in French language learning. Verbal skills in French. Developed a debate guide in French for teachers.

NCAA Golf Coach, PGA Pro

"“Gabby made golf feel simple, comfortable, and fun. She immediately spotted a few small changes in my swing that made a huge difference, and I left the lesson hitting the ball better and feeling much more confident. She’s patient, encouraging, and explains things in a way that actually makes sense. I’d absolutely recommend her to anyone looking to improve their game!”

Certified PPR coach - 4.52 DUPR rating. Unique coaching style allows students to get breakthroughs on both the court and in life!

Soccer has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up on the pitch, went on to play in international tournaments, at the college level, and in the UPSL, and learned firsthand how much a good coach shapes a young player. Today I hold U.S. Soccer F and 11v11 licenses, coached at Arsenal Soccer School, and lead a U9 team in the Town Select League. Whether you're a curious beginner or an ambitious player chasing the next level, I'll meet you where you are and help you get there.

Currently, I am the Chief Operator of Grit Athletics Performance Strength and Co-Operator of SAYA (student athlete youth academy), both based in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. I am also the Defensive Coordinator at Lawrence HS (Lawrence, MA). I train mainly in Methuen and am also able to come to You! My goal is to help You, as an athlete or your team fill in the "g.a.p.s." in your (their) game. It is my belief that most football players can elevate their game with a shift to more skill work, pertinent to their position(s), and going through the process of becoming a true student of the game; players tend to execute "faster" and more consistently when they understand the details of the game, while also mastering the basics and fundamentals. My football coaching and training experience has spanned the NFL, semi-pro, college, high school, and middle school levels. In the professional arena, I have been a strength and conditioning coach for the Washington Redskins. I have been a strength, speed, and conditioning coach at Georgetown University; my teams have included Football, Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball, Women’s Soccer, Softball, Crew, Men’s and Women’s Track, Swimming and Diving, and Men’s Soccer. At the high school level, I have assumed roles as a Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and a positional coach (Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Defensive Backs, and Linebackers); off the gridiron, I have been a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach and student adviser. I also have trained and coached at the middle school level: football, basketball, and physical education. I am certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Typical age groups include collegiate, high school, and middle school athletes. What makes me different? I have a effective and proven process to meet athletes where they are at and execute a game plan to elevate their ability, while building their growth, character, and football IQ! My role is to serve each athlete and assist their respective journeys. Thank You!

"“My son has attended many camps during his high school football career and many don’t even compare to the 3 sessions he had with my son….the only complaint I have is that I didn’t find Coach Dawon sooner!!”

I've played for most of my life. It's very fun and one of the best ways for me to enjoy life. Still playing now whenever I get the chance and I'm always looking to improve. This approach I like to extend to anyone I'm instructing. To help foster a love for the game, a good team work mindset, a desire to keep improving, and self belief and discipline. Coaching wise I've coached 6-8th grade boys for a season. Which was one of the best times I've had as of recent. Shout-out raptors.