Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Oakland, CA

Like you, I just love pickleball, and I love teaching and coaching others to improve dramatically by making simple, small adjustments. I have a Level II certification from the IPTPA and years of coaching experience here and in France, where I was the 2023 National Champion (50+). Let's play!

"I recently had a private pickleball lesson with Nic, Bekaert, and it was genuinely one of the best coaching experiences I've ever had. Nic focused our session on the kitchen game, specifically net volleys and dinking, and the improvement I felt was immediate. What sets him apart isn't just his elite-level knowledge; it's how he communicates it. He's a careful listener who takes the time to understand where you are as a player, and his explanations are clear, precise, and immediately actionable. The real test of any lesson is whether the coaching sticks when you're playing in real time, under pressure. So often, tips absorbed in a lesson evaporate the moment you step onto the court. Not with Nic. His strategies and cues are memorable and practical which is exactly the kind of instruction that translates into your game when it counts. Without question, Nic is the most effective coach I have ever worked with. If you have the opportunity to take a lesson with him, don't hesitate. -Chris B.

Hi! During my high school and college years, I played varsity tennis and even earned an invitation to the Junior Davis Cup tryouts. I then channeled my passion for the sport into coaching, leading to a head Varsity tennis coach in high school. These days, I've immersed myself in coaching pickleball, drawing from my rich tennis background to nurture and elevate players in this exciting game. Unlike many other coaches I earned a California State Bachelors degree which included a fifth year California State Teaching Credential. This training has given me the special skills to teach and coach my students at all levels of the game. It’s my passion. I recently won the Gold Medal 🏅in the Mixed Doubles at the Tri-Valley Pickle Ball Championships.

"Nick is a great teacher and is very thorough in explaining the game as well as technique. He’s very patient and gives good solid advice that has shown in my results. I am really enjoying learning from Nick and all his experience.

I'm passionate about introducing the world of pickleball to beginners, especially adults seeking a new sporting adventure. My coaching philosophy revolves around keeping things fun and engaging. With a personalized approach, I ensure that each individual not only grasps the basics of pickleball but also thoroughly enjoys every step of their journey. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or refining your skills, let's make pickleball a delightful and rewarding experience together

"Coach Carey was a very great coach he taught my girlfriend and I the foundations of pickleball and gave us a lesson at pickleball city he taught us how to serve how to return and how to improve our individual weaknesses he's a great coach

Stuck at Beginer - 3.5 level? I can upgrade you. Newbie? You can beat your equivalent after learning from me. My sessions are tailored and varies depends on who you are: -New to Pickleball: I will help you quickly emerge into the game and enjoy it, regardless your sport background or experience. Step 1: Game rules: I will explain it in the easiest and most memorable way. But lets be honest, your time is valuable and the rules can be easy self-learning process with the internet. Step 2: Basic pickle ball - Pickleball 100 focus on: Proper paddle grip Touch feeling Short distance swing Long distance swing Proper Footwork for effortless movement Step 3: Learn the basic shots ( serve, return, drive, drop, dink..) Understand purpose and technicality of the shots Practice till you make it Step 4: Roll into the game and learn from your mistake. ***Newbies usually need a certain amount of time to master most basic shots. I highly suggest you go with me for at least 5 sessons to learn in a systematic way and build a strong foundation for your further progress. *** I ll be frank and genuine to you, slow and stead is the only way to build your game. Rushing will only slow you down *** -Intermediate: struggling with core shots (drive, serve, return, drop, dink..): Step 1. Assessment: let me see how you hit it, I will tell you what can be improved. Step 2. Understand the shot: why, when, where, and how. Understanding what you do is most crucial for improvement. Step 3. Practice: I’ll break the shot down into small moves. We focus on mastering one move at a time. Then combine them into a complete shot. Step 4. Reinforcement: its trial and errors process. We keep drilling and fixing mistakes untill you got it. Step 5. Bring it to the game (depends on situation): only if you are ready, we can play real games so you learn from your own mistake. Otherwise, rushing to the games only slowering your improvement. My lessons are always customized to your needs. Whether you want to focus on mechanics, strategy, or simply getting more comfortable rallying, I’ll assess and tailor each session so you see immediate progress. My teaching philosophy is simple: Quality over Quantity. I emphasize deep understanding and focused practice, so that after every lesson, you walk away with solid foundation and confidence to keep building your game on your own.

"Logan is super professional and definitely a great instructor!

I’m a former math teacher and former tech exec turned pickleball enthusiast. Over the last couple of years, I’ve invested a massive amount of time studying the sport and breaking it down into its foundational pieces in order to teach myself how to excel at the game. In that time, I’ve gone from an absolute beginner to an advanced level player - I play at the 4.5+ level, I’ve won multiple medals in tournaments, and I’ve earned a Professional Coach certificate through PPR. In addition to independent coaching, I am also the lead pickleball coach at Bay Club Redwood Shores & Broadway. I am truly energized by teaching others everything I've learned about this sport. As a former math teacher and Harvard alum, I take an academic approach to coaching: lessons are planned in advance, skills are broken down into steps, there are opportunities to practice and make mistakes, and I provide written notes and videos post-lesson to solidify your learning. As a former tech leader, my coaching involves giving direct and timely feedback, relying on first principles to guide lessons, and adapting quickly to optimize your learning. Thank you for considering me and I hope to see you on the courts soon!

"Alan has been helping me so much with my game - my friends are impressed by my progress and I’m now more confident on court. Now working on my transition game and resetting - made good progress yesterday with Alan and looking forward to our next lesson. Alan is patient, supportive and very observant! An elite player and coach!!