Private Lessons & Coaches in South Salem, NY

I'm a passionate tennis enthusiast with experience training & teaching players of all levels, from beginners to elite high performers. I've coached two high school boys' teams, college tennis and a women's travel team, and I've competed at the collegiate level and at the 5.0 USTA level Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to elevate your game, tennis is truly a sport for life. My goal is to help players discover the joy, confidence, and discipline that come from the game. Through a blended learning approach, I focus on developing both cognitive and technical skills so you can improve faster and play smarter. Together we can set goals, push past obstacles, while always having fun. Being fully present.

"Amazing coach who is easy and fun to work with. Great teaching technique and overall nice guy.

Hey, I'm Coach Alex. Born and raised in New York with a passion for the game of tennis. For two decades, I've developed my tennis and coaching skills with the goal of sharing my love for tennis and training the next generation of tennis players. As a former high school and college player with extensive training and experience, I offer a unique perspective, teach you proper tennis lingo and technique, and share proven strategies to improve your game. My passion lies in fostering a fun yet disciplined environment for growth, with a focus on teaching novice, beginner, and intermediate players of all ages. Go ahead and book a session with me for some serious growth and fun. You won't regret it!

"I think the lesson was so helpful. I enjoyed the combo drills and the serving and volleying practice. Those parts really stood out. I’d like to do more all-around practice, particularly focusing on hitting the ball crossing the court better. Alex is an awesome coach and knows exactly how to help you improve your technique and also explain it really well.

I played division 1 tennis for University of Hartford. Since than I take pride in being one of the busiest USTA Eastern tournament Men’s player. I’ve achieved numerous age division #1 rankings in the East as well as national rankings. I like to share some of my experience to my students. I’ve been a certified member of the USTA for about 30 years as well as over 30 years experience as a full time tennis instructor

"Great drills, nice guy, chill start.

Dynamic tennis coaching tailored to your needs! Whether you're looking to hone your fundamentals, engage in practice drills, or dive into high-intensity hitting, I've got you covered. I cater to individuals or small groups of up to 4 students. Reach out with any questions!

"I was a complete beginner when I first met Elijah 3 months ago. Very quickly he was able to assist me with getting the right equipment and oriented me with ease. Coach Elijah breaks down all the components of the game and is patient yet firm in his approach. He also has great supplemental equipment to fast-track training ground strokes, footwork, etc. He helped me develop a one-handed backhand that actually has “fire power” and I feel much more confident going to the tennis court.

Golf is all about “muscle memory.” For my first 10 years of golfing, I relied on my own swing. While I enjoyed the game, my improvement was limited. Then I met an instructor who spent six months helping me rebuild my swing and correct my fundamentals. Did those lessons fix my swing? Yes and no. The lessons gave me the right foundation, but it actually took nearly two years for the changes to become natural. Why? Because my body had repeated the same motion for 10 years. Those old habits were deeply ingrained, and replacing them required thousands of repetitions. Why do I share this experience? Because beginners have a tremendous advantage. They can learn proper fundamentals from the start instead of spending years correcting bad habits later. Any qualified instructor can teach the basics of a sound golf swing. After that, the key is repetition. The more you practice correctly, the faster your body learns and remembers the movement. Golf is all about muscle memory—but muscle memory must be built the right way from the beginning. Since I rebuilt my swing—not perfectly, but close to a fundamentally sound and repeatable motion—I have been helping friends and their friends improve their games. Last September, I earned my USGTF certification, which was a meaningful milestone in my golf journey. My lesson rates are intentionally affordable. It is not because I undervalue my time or experience. Rather, I remember how difficult it was to find quality instruction at a reasonable price when I was looking for one. I believe golf should be accessible to anyone who wants to improve, and I plan to keep my rates that way. One thing I always tell my students is that golf improvement happens during practice, not during lessons. Lessons provide direction, but practice creates results. Without enough practice between lessons, progress becomes slower and more expensive because you are relying solely on lesson time. Professional golfers often hit thousands of balls to make a small adjustment. While amateur golfers do not need to practice at that level, repetition is still essential for building proper muscle memory. To help my students improve between lessons, I provide FREE video analysis. Students can send me their swing videos while practicing, and I can offer feedback before bad habits become permanent. With 25 years of golfing experience, USGTF certification, and structured drills designed for independent practice, I can help you improve one step at a time. Whether you are a beginner learning the fundamentals or a golfer trying to break through a plateau, I would be happy to help. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

"Eric is engaging, patient, and makes learning enjoyable.

With years of paddle and racquet expertise under my belt, I bring a wealth of knowledge to each lesson. I've designed various training programs for players of all different skill levels that delve into the techniques and strategies of the game. My goal is not only to help you better understand the game, but to help you become the best player that you can possibly be. I look forward to helping you elevate your game!

"I saw increase of interest and skill

For the past 15 years, I've cultivated a deep passion for basketball, blending skill with a positive approach. My coaching focuses on tailored development, empowering players to reach their full potential on and off the court.

"Phils was great. I’ve had other basketball coaches in the past and none can even compare to Phils. He was so engaged and giving me advice after every rep and shot. He helped me with my dribbling, IQ, and decision making. And it’s only the first lesson! Strongly recommend, you won’t regret it!

Edward Gasca Buelvas is a dedicated sports player with a passion for volleyball and tennis. With 14 years of experience in volleyball and over two decades dedicated to tennis, he has achieved a commendable 3.5 level in the sport. Edward's coaching style focuses on prioritizing mental preparation over technical and physical aspects, ensuring a well-rounded approach to skill development.

"He was fantastic in his approach and understanding of what the main issues I had were.