Best 20 coaches for lessons near Elkins Park, PA
These coaches teach at top ranked spots and have great lesson fulfillment & student reviews.
With a background in competitive table tennis, I transitioned to competitive pickleball three years ago and haven't looked back. As a tournament player, I’m fascinated by the diverse athletic backgrounds that pickleball players bring to the court. I believe there's no single correct way to play; instead, players can leverage their unique strengths to develop their own style. I’m excited to help you enhance your pickleball game by building on your existing skills and talents.
"Today was my last lesson with Zach. After 3 months of lessons with Zach, my skill level has improved dramatically and I have met my goal. Zach is an amazing coach and highly recommend him.
Zachary
Hello, I'm John Philip, originally from The Caribbean. I hold a master's degree in accounting from college. For over 35 years, I've dedicated myself to teaching tennis professionally, earning certification as a USPTR Professional 1. My experience spans across all age groups, where I've fostered a passion for tennis and skill development in countless students.
"The lesson with John was quite helpful, especially in working on my serve and return. Though I still need to work on consistency, I appreciated how he explained some of the court positioning, which made a noticeable difference. Still, I’m hoping the next lesson can focus a bit more on footwork to improve that aspect. If you're looking for someone who’s attentive and makes effort to clarify technique, you might find John worth trying.
John
Pickleball enthusiast and 3.5-ranked player based in Philly. With 1.5 years of experience on the court, I'm passionate about growing the pickleball community and helping others develop their game. Let's connect and have some fun!
"That lesson with Opeoluwa was exactly what I needed. I think the focus on serve and return skills will really pay off. I guess I’ll need to practice more to see more progress, but that’s normal. Ope provided with extremely valuable feedback and corrected mistakes right away and did do in an extremely kind way.
Opeoluwa
Meet Pancho,a longtime caddie at Merion Golf Club, who earned the reputation as a "swing whisperer" with a wealth of knowledge and an easygoing approach to teaching. Despite his modest demeanor, Pancho’s insights, drawn from decades of experience, have helped golfers refine their technique with simple but effective tips. Was Assistant Golf Professional at Cobbs Creek Golf Course.
"I'm pretty satisfied with how the lesson went, especially since Pancho emphasized continuing to practice ball striking and good finishes. I hope to get a tune-up on what we've already covered, just to keep things consistent. Still, I think my game can stay steady with a bit more focus on those areas. Nothing flashy, but a solid step forward. If you're looking to work on fundamentals like good finishes, Pancho's approach could be worth exploring.
Pancho
I remember first hearing about the game from a family friend a few years back. I then saw some matches and thought this is an easy game made for senior citizens. I learned real fast how foolish I was. I went to a local park to try it out for the first time and took to it quickly. Gaining false confidence from this I was asked by some regulars to join them. Thinking to myself that it would not be hard to defeat some senior citizens and move on to some more competitive play with people closer in age and abilities. Let me tell you when I say these regulars showed me no mercy. They were hitting shots by me and blocking my hard drives right back. I was flabbergasted. I could not believe that I could barely muster a point against them. It didn’t matter who I played. Men, Women, Young, & Old, all had a turn in taking advantage of me. With my pride bruised & battered and thoroughly humbled by my beating, I vowed from that day on to NEVER be beaten by another grandma again lol 😂 . In all seriousness I fell in love with the game and have been addicted ever since. I’ve dedicated myself to getting better and showing others the joy that is Pickleball. It brings me great pleasure in helping others get better and achieving their goals. The hours spent helping friends and family and practicing is equally as enjoyable as playing it myself. The biggest treasure is teaching my eldest of 3 boys the game and playing with him. Hopefully I will be able to share the love and passion for the game with others. “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”, is what they say, right!
"We worked on game strategy
Minh
Tom has been a PPR certified professional since 2021. Tom is a 5.4 DUPR rated player, ranked 11th in the state of New Jersey and has played in over 100 pickleball tournaments in 20 states. Some of his career highlights include a gold medal at the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships and a bronze medal at the 2023 US Open Pickleball Championships. Tom is passionate about pickleball and loves coaching players of all levels from beginners to advanced. Tom’s extensive tournament, playing and coaching experience will help guide you to achieve your pickleball goals.
"The first day with Thomas clicked for us and we left with practical tips we can apply right away. We had never played pickleball before our lesson. Within an hour, Thomas had us serving and hitting, and also introduced the basics of keeping score. We know that we still have a lot to learn, which is why we are looking forward to the next lesson.
Thomas
Beginning my tennis journey at the age of 17, I quickly became enamored with the sport despite never having held a racquet prior. Previously with a UTR of 13.3 and a PTR certification, my coaching emphasis is on the mental aspects of the game. My innate curiosity has always driven me to understand the thought processes players undergo, especially when facing challenges on the court. In my coaching journey, I prioritize fostering a resilient mindset, enabling players to navigate and overcome pressure situations effectively.
"Luis is a very good coach. He is very knowledgeable and offers a friendly and relatable approach to his lessons. I will be reaching out again in the future.
Luis
Driven by a lifelong passion for golf, I've spent the last 23 years sharing my knowledge and experience with others. As a former D1 athlete, I understand the dedication and commitment required to excel in this sport. My coaching style blends technical expertise with a supportive and engaging approach to help you unlock your full potential on the course.
"Getting more comfortable with my form really made a difference during the lesson, and Sean’s help is definitely pushing my golf swing to be stronger and more powerful. Though I still want to work on generating more distance, I feel like I’m on the right track. Still, I think focusing on that aspect could really make a difference next time. If you're looking to improve your swing with a steady, measured approach, I’d suggest giving Sean a try.
Sean
Matt Ryan – Certified PPR Pickleball Coach As a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach with a strong background in tennis, I bring both technical knowledge and a genuine passion for helping players grow their game. My coaching focuses on proper form, efficient swing mechanics, and the connection between technical skill and tactical play. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your competitive edge, I tailor each lesson to your goals and learning style. My approach is patient, encouraging, and built around helping you feel confident on the court—one rally at a time.
"Matt helped me reframe my understanding of proper technique, approach, and strategy. His tips have improved my game.
Matt
3.56 level pickleball addict! Introduced to pickleball about 7 years ago. I come from a running background so took some lessons but was instantly hooked, now I play at least 6 days/week. I have medaled in some local tournaments but mostly want to help beginners/intermediates find the same love of/passion for for pickleball that I have!
"Excellent coaching. Shows me ways to improve.
Chantal
I’ve been a lifelong golfer, learning the game under the guidance of a Golf Digest Top-50 coach starting at age 10. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of both the technical and mental sides of golf. My coaching focuses on simplifying the game, building confidence, and giving players the tools they need to consistently lower their handicap and most importantly, enjoy golf more.
"I'm getting better at golf with Matthew's help. His explanations and feedback are really clear, and I found them quite helpful in understanding what I need to work on though. Still, I look forward to practicing more and seeing how my technique improves over time.
Matthew
Good afternoon my name is Coach Thomas. I played basketball played overseas coach high school basketball for several schools also assistant coach for Salem community college teaching kids how to move out the Basketball Learning, the right footing learning how to shoot forms also learning how to play defense, so I’m pretty good in several areas