Private Lessons & Coaches in Cortlandt, NY

On the court, strategy trumps all. As a tournament winner with 8 years of experience coaching pickleball, I help players elevate their strategic game to achieve peak performance. Let's unlock your potential and make pickleball your winning game! I have 32 yrs of teaching experience along with coaching many team sports as well as swimming, tennis and triathlon. I have also won many tennis tournaments and recently won at NY Senior Games in Pickleball. I look forward to working with you.

Justin, originally from Commack, NY, earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in psychology from Hofstra University. He has 22 years of experience playing and coaching tennis and, in 2024, was named the USTA Eastern Tennis Professional of the Year. He joined the SPORTIME team in 2020, as a tennis coach, and was promoted to Director of Tennis in 2023.

"Justin has really changed my view of the sport. Really great person overall and obviously an amazing coach.

For over a decade, I've been sharing my passion for ping pong. Now I'm using that experience in helping players of all levels discover the joy of this fast-growing sport of pickleball. My focus is on building a strong foundation, developing strategic skills, and fostering a love of the game in each of my students.

"Lesson was fantastic, Martin’s explanations were concise, easy to learn and repeatable.

I'm a passionate pickleball coach with a deep understanding of the game's intricacies and a proven track record of helping players of all levels improve their skills and reach their full potential. I've been coaching for over five years, and my coaching philosophy focuses on building a strong foundation, developing strategic thinking, and fostering a love for the sport.

"My lesson with Emmy was quite informative, especially since he analyzed my faults and focused on the basics like paddle control, follow through, and stance. Still, I need to keep working on integrating these habits into my play, though. I am not happy that AI or your website just summarized my previous feedback and said I could clear it all or edit it. Well, I listed just about every individual task that Emmy helped me with and it was summarized out in his review. Don’t have the time to list it all again. Whatever. As my 5 stars stated, Emmy’s lesson was awesome for me.

I have been a dedicated fitness instructor since 2012 and a pickleball coach since 2023, teaching numerous classes and helping players of all levels improve their game. With a passion for making the sport fun and accessible, I focus on building skills, confidence, and a strong sense of community on the court. As a bilingual instructor fluent in English and Spanish, I enjoy connecting with a wide range of players and creating an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels welcome.

"Honestly, I found Geraldine’s lesson quite enjoyable and actually pretty helpful. She made it super fun, loved it really. Though I think I could still use more practice on some techniques, her relaxed style kept me engaged without any pressure. If you’re looking to sharpen your pickleball skills, it might be worth giving her a try.

I am a USGTF Golf Teaching Professional with over 15 years of coaching experience, having taught through organizations such as First Tee, Harlem Golf Academy, and Bilancio Fitness Management. I am passionate about helping golfers develop strong fundamentals, with a focus on creating consistency and confidence in every swing. My greatest reward is seeing a student’s reaction when they make that first solid contact and experience real progress for the first time. I work exclusively with individual clients to provide focused, personalized instruction tailored to each player’s goals.

"I was really impressed by James's training style and how much I learned in such a short time. The lesson was clear and effective, making it easy to grasp key techniques quickly. If you want to improve your golf skills with a great coach, James is definitely worth trying. Looking forward to more lessons like this! ⛳🙂

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PICKLEBALL COACH I know what it takes to compete — and I coach from that experience, not just from a certification manual. I CAN DIAGNOSE FAST Most coaches give generic feedback. I identify what's actually wrong — quickly — and we make real progress in a single session. No wasted time, no vague cues. I UNDERSTAND men…er…WOMEN…er, people! That’s it, people. The dynamics, the mental pressures, the physical realities of being a (man, a woman, or a muppet) on court. 
I bring empathy and edge in equal measure. No mansplaining. Ever. EQ, off the charts, (HOW)ever! I COACH THE WHOLE PLAYER Technical, tactical, mental. I know when to push and when to have patience. I'll enhance your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and tailor everything to who you are as a player. EVERY PLAYER HAS A GOAL WORTH CHASING. My students range from 3.0 players discovering the sport to 4.5+ competitors chasing a rating or a tournament result. Mostly women — but not exclusively. What everyone shares is a goal, even if they haven't fully defined it yet. Sometimes the goal is simple: beat Suzy at league night. Sometimes it's bigger: find your inner athlete, feel confident on court, connect to something that's genuinely yours. Often the goal evolves — students come in wanting one thing and discover something they didn't know they were looking for. I'll meet you where you are and hold the highest vision for where you can go — while understanding that progress isn't always linear and some days are just harder than others.

"If you’re looking for a coach who is both easy to get along with and highly skilled, Chris is the one. He brings a contagious energy to the court, and it’s clear he clearly loves the game. I really appreciate how he adapts his teaching style, to my needs, using fun drills that keep me motivated while noticeably improving my game. It is a huge plus that he’s such a strong player himself; his demonstrations are always spot on!

Don DiLorenzo – Certified Pickleball Instructor I’m a PPR-certified pickleball instructor with over 4 years of coaching experience, working with players of all ages and skill levels—from brand-new beginners to advanced competitors. My goal is to make learning fun, approachable, and tailored to each player’s unique style and goals. Whether you’re looking to build a strong foundation, fine-tune your technique, or develop winning strategies, I offer clear, supportive instruction that helps you grow your game with confidence. I specialize in fundamentals, court positioning, shot selection, and game IQ—while keeping sessions dynamic, safe and engaging. Let’s get you playing smarter, faster, and with more enjoyment every time you step on the court!

"Don is an excellent choice for seniors looking to learn or improve at pickleball. He understands the limitations of people that are slightly older like myself. He focuses on fundamentals, puts safety 1st and explains how to play smarter not harder while creating a relaxed, welcoming environment. Players feel supported and comfortable at every level. Keeps the fun in the game.

I have been playing for 3 years and coaching for two years and enjoy every minute spent teaching. I am a certified pickleball instructor (PPR 2024) and experience below: 2024-2026: Teaching adult beginners in New Canaan and Darien with Steve O'Connell Racquet Sports 2026: Teaching adult intermediate beginners at the Rye YMCA and New Canaan YMCA 2026: Teaching adult beginners and intermediates at PickleRage in New Rochelle (indoor facility). 2026: Teach private lessons

Fueling your fitness journey is my passion! For over six years, I've helped individuals achieve their fitness goals with tailored programs and valuable nutrition coaching. Let's reach your goals together!

"I’ve been training with Abraham for almost two years, and he’s been fantastic to work with. He’s extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything clearly. He knows how to challenge me and keep me motivated without being overly intense. Abraham is also great about providing guidance on what to do outside of our sessions, which has really helped me stay consistent and make steady progress. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled and supportive trainer.