Private Lessons & Coaches in Hillside, NJ

Tennis has been a lifelong passion for me, but about three years ago, the magnetic allure of pickleball caught my attention. Intrigued and motivated to spread my love for this sport, I pursued PPR certification and embarked on a teaching journey that has now spanned over a year. My teaching endeavors have seen me conducting numerous classes, reaching out to hundreds of players at various levels of expertise, all within the welcoming environment of the YMCA. Pickleball is more than a game; it's a community, a vibrant connection of enthusiasts coming together to enjoy the thrill of the sport. As a dedicated instructor, my mission is to share this excitement and the skills that make the game enjoyable for players of all backgrounds and levels. My goal is to contribute to the growth of pickleball and help individuals discover the joy of this engaging and dynamic sport.

"I love James! Best coach for a newbie like me.

With over 20 years of coaching experience and a background as a former Division I athlete, I bring high-level insight and proven methods to help players of all levels elevate their tennis game. My coaching focuses on strong fundamentals, tactical awareness, and building from the ground up—starting with footwork and attention to detail. I also emphasize “small victories” and SMART goals to create clear progress while keeping training fun, engaging, and motivating.

Hi! I’m Simon, a passionate pickleball player with a love for helping people of all ages and skill levels get into this fast-growing, fun, and social sport. I started playing pickleball a year and quickly fell in love with the game’s mix of strategy, movement, and community. Whether you’re a total beginner looking to learn the basics, or someone with experience hoping to sharpen your skills, I focus on building strong fundamentals in a relaxed, encouraging environment. My lessons emphasize proper technique, court positioning, strategy, and—most importantly—making the game fun and accessible.

"Simon was kind, knowledgeable and kept the class moving . He has a great balance between correction and compliment.

I’m a tennis player and coach currently attending the University of California, Irvine (UCI). I was a 2-year captain of my high school tennis team, earned All-League honors twice, and helped lead my team to two league championships. I’ve worked as a hitting partner at Yonkers Tennis. I’ve also given independent tennis lessons to kids and adults of all ages, and I really enjoy working with kids and helping them build confidence and improve their game. I am teaching tennis to help pay for college.

"I had my first lesson with Coach Andre, and it was a great experience! He was patient, friendly, explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable on the court.

Hi, I'm Anthony! I have been playing tennis for over 20 years and coaching for nearly 8 years. I most recently worked as a pro at UPenn Racquet Club before moving back to NJ. Alongside being a USPTR certified tennis coach, I'm also deeply involved in the arts as an actor, filmmaker, and singer. Tennis coaching is my passion, but when I'm not on the court, you'll likely find me immersed in the world of cinema. I'm particularly proud of my film "ETHEREAL," which has played at various film festivals. Balancing my love for both sports and the arts is what makes my life truly vibrant and fulfilling.

"Highly recommend!!

Hello, fellow Pickleball enthusiasts! Are you eager to elevate your game to new heights? If you're feeling stuck or unsatisfied with your current skill level, I'm here to assist you. Whether you're aiming to step into the tournament scene, introduce your partner to the sport, or simply break through a performance plateau, I've got your back. I've immersed myself in Pickleball for some time now, and my focus has shifted toward coaching and instruction. Let's work together to propel your abilities forward through a blend of engaging mini-games, skill-focused drills, and dedicated practice. Get ready to take your Pickleball journey to the next level!

"Absolute perfection. Professional, insightful instruction & so much fun. Worth every penny & will be rebooking soon!

I'm a dedicated pickleball coach focused on helping players of all levels elevate their game. My passion for the sport fuels my commitment to create a fun, supportive learning environment. I played tennis for over 15 years at a high level and I have a big emphasis for purposeful reps, footwork and really getting things down technically to execute and start winning in games/tournaments! Every small aspect of the game is crucial and I will help you gain confidence and sharpen your all-around game!

"Zach was very polite, knowledgeable and experience when it came to coaching me in pickleball. He’s very passionate about the sport and has plenty of tournament experience which helped me really advance my game and get me to a 4.0 rating. 3 sessions with Zach and my game has made huge improvements including my DUPR rating. Thank you Zach for the coaching, will be booking you again in the near future!

With 16 years of experience in volleyball, I now dedicate my career fully to coaching athletes at a professional level. My background as a long-time player gives me a unique perspective on the technical, tactical, and mental demands of the game internationally. I specialize in developing players’ skills, building team strategies, and fostering resilience and discipline both on and off the court. My coaching philosophy emphasizes precision, teamwork, and growth—helping athletes reach their highest potential.

"Coach Onur is a great Coach, extremely knowledgeable. Any kids who train by him will be a winner 🏆. It is facts

Hey there! I'm Nicholas Valencia otherwise known as Coach Nick. I have college level baseball experience as both a player and a coach. I believe that every baseball player learns differently. The lessons and drills I provide are tailored towards YOUR unique goals and needs. No two players I coach will ever have the same exact routine, which is what makes private coaching so special. Our relationship will be symbiotic and I will guide you on the path to success. Looking forward to working with you!

"Nicholas did a great job !

Hi, my name is Kunal. I have been coached by some of the best. Still playing tournaments all around. I love the sport, and everything about it. With the lessons It's nice to be able to share my passion with others and it is satisfying if they end up enjoying the sport that I love! I have been playing Tennis for 15 years, and Coaching for 5 years. I have won the Hudson County Singles Title, and have played College tennis for 3 Years.

"Kunal was great. He was patient and paced the first lesson according to my level. It was a great workout today. I love it.