Private Lessons & Coaches in Stafford, VA

I’ve been playing pickleball for four years and coaching for three, with consistent experience competing in tournaments. I’m on the court nearly every day and stay closely connected to the local pickleball community, especially in the Arlington area. Sports have always been a core part of my life—including basketball, soccer, and table tennis—but pickleball stands out as the most engaging, strategic, and social game I’ve played. As a coach, I combine drilling with live play, working alongside my students to develop solid shot mechanics, sharpen strategy, and improve decision-making under pressure. Beyond lessons, I help players plug into the local pickleball scene so they can continue progressing through games, leagues, and community connections. If you’re ready to elevate your game, I’d be glad to work with you.

"Instructor

During high school, I was the top-ranked junior golfer in Colorado, winning the 2019 Colorado State Junior Championship and earning Colorado Player of the Year honors. Originally awarded a full golf scholarship to Northwestern University, I later transferred to Georgetown University, where I completed my final year of eligibility while preparing to turn professional. Today, I work full time in finance but remain dedicated to the game through teaching and mentoring players of all ages. Previously, I served as a coach and instructor with the First Tee of Denver, leading fundraising efforts that raised over $42,000 between 2019 and 2020.

"Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable and was able to easily communicate and show me the issues with my swing. Also, communicated very well to ensure that I understood what I needed to do to get better.

Tennis has always been more than just a sport to me; it's a lifelong passion I've been fortunate enough to share with others for the past 20 years. As a former Division I athlete, I bring a unique understanding of the game to my coaching, blending technical expertise with a supportive and encouraging approach. Whether you're just picking up a racket or aiming for competitive play, let's work together to unlock your full potential on the court!

"I really enjoyed the lesson with Arun. The session was very good and kept me engaged throughout. The pace and structure worked well for me, making it easy to follow and improve. If you're thinking about learning tennis or sharpening your skills, Arun's lessons are definitely worth trying out. The positive energy made the experience enjoyable and motivating.

I’ve been playing tennis since age 7 and competed at the Division I level for Radford University, where I helped lead the team to two Big South Conference championships. With nearly 20 years of competitive experience, I bring high-level training, match strategy, and energy to every lesson. My goal is to help players improve quickly, build confidence, and have fun while developing a lifelong love for the game. 🎾

"Great coach! I’ll be doing another lesson

Igniting a passion for pickleball, I bring two years of dedicated coaching experience, cultivated from my time as a renowned snowboard instructor for years and coaching background in basketball. I'm dedicated to helping students of all skill levels elevate their game through focused instruction and personalized strategies.

"The lesson was quite helpful in refining my pickleball skills, especially points like better positioning. Though I still need some work on my volley, I think Tj's advice makes me hopeful for future progress.

Former tennis player and totally in love with Pickleball and want to promote pickleball to other players by giving lessons.

PTR Certified Professional. In his junior age, competed in 12u,14u &16u where he was ranked in top 20 juniors in national list. He graduated with a degree in sports and physical education in 2014. Since 2018 been proudly representing the USTA in Fairfax schools with a leading Net generation program. Was working as tennis pro with Blue Chip Academy and Timuquana country club in Florida. Since 2021 is a self-employed coach that provides private and group classes for beginner to to high performance tennis players, coordinating junior and adult programs, leading Club social events. His love for racket sports was enriched with a PPR certificate, he is also skillful in racket stringing. Felt a deep desire to share his experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge in helping junior and adult tennis players take their game to the next level. Although his competitive days are mostly behind him Stefan still plays at a 5.0 level.

"As a former tennis player, the experience with Stefan was unmatched. I appreciate his concise instruction with my 5 year old and wish my knee would still allow me to play.

Alex Cyrille Lago is a professional tennis player and coach from Côte d’Ivoire. I started playing tennis at age five and trained for eight years at a high-performance center in Casablanca, Morocco. As a junior, he reached Top 300 in the ITF rankings and achieved a UTR of 13. He proudly represented Côte d’Ivoire in Davis Cup competition and won multiple international championships. I teach any tennis level . Kid from age 5 to 18 and adults .

"Happy to see he’s slice getting better

I play pickleball for the love of the game — finding joy in every dimension it offers, from competition and fitness to connection and community. I’ve been immersed in the world of pickleball since 2021, developing my game to a 5.0+ level and coaching players across different skill levels and backgrounds. As a certified pickleball coach, I have worked with various organizations and clubs, helping new and experienced players sharpen their skills, develop strategic thinking, and enjoy the game’s fast-growing culture. My coaching style blends fundamentals with the creative freedom that makes pickleball both accessible and endlessly fun. By profession, I am an environmental scientist and international development expert with over 15 years of global experience in sustainability, climate resilience, and resource management. Off the court, I am a parent of three wonderful kids, and we call Annandale, VA our home — where pickleball has become part of our family’s rhythm of life. I also write about pickleball, sports culture, and the deeper meaning of athletic pursuit. My recent publications on Medium explore the spirit of the game and the origins of greatness in sports: • Do You Know Pickleball? — Read Here • Where Athletic Greatness Begins — Read Here For me, pickleball is not just a sport — it’s a movement, a mindset, and a growing community I’m grateful to be part of.

"Shamim is very knowledgeable and extremely personable. I enjoyed my lesson with him and plan to continue with a few more sessions in the near future.

Hey there! I've had the privilege of representing my country in three Davis Cup ties and competing in NCAA Division 2 Tennis. Now, my mission is to coach and nurture the next wave of tennis talent. If you're a junior player aiming for greatness, or experienced player trying to fine tune your game, join me on this exciting tennis journey!

"A highlight of the lesson was Dexter’s patience, which really made the experience enjoyable. The session felt well-paced and supportive, perfect for building confidence on the court. If you’re thinking about improving your game, Dexter’s lessons are definitely worth trying out. It’s a great chance to learn in a relaxed and encouraging environment. 🎾