Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Castro Valley, CA

Hi I'm Joshua Tam! I coach focusing on decision-making, consistency and repeatable shots. I am a believer in that techniques like dinking, resetting, blocking are key to a strong pickleball foundation. These are my greatest strengths that have allowed me to do very well in high level money tournaments. Whether you're brand new to pickleball or trying to break through a current level plateau (3.0-3.5-4.0+), lessons are tailored to your specific needs! My personal tournament results include 2nd place in 4.0. 4th in 4.5, and 2nd place in 5.0 DUPR events.

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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.

Stuck at 2.5–3.5? I specialize in individualized pickleball lessons for players who want to break through their plateau and build a strong, reliable foundation. Many players reach 2.5–3.5 simply by playing more. But eventually, experience alone stops working. Their shots stay inconsistent—and often they don’t understand why. That’s where I come in. Every lesson is customized to identify what is really holding your game back and rebuild the foundation behind it. I don’t just teach HOW to hit a shot. You’ll understand: WHY the shot works WHEN to use it WHAT to do in different situations HOW to execute it consistently Even within the HOW, you’ll learn the principles behind the technique—not just copy a motion—so you can recognize mistakes, make adjustments, and improve independently. My approach: Assess → Understand → Fix → Practice → Apply We focus only on what your game actually needs—whether that’s your serve, return, drive, drop, dink, reset, footwork, positioning, or shot selection. New to pickleball? You’re welcome too. Build the right foundation from day one so you can progress faster and avoid habits that become harder to fix later. Understand Your Game. Build Your Foundation. Level Up.

"Logan is super professional and definitely a great instructor!

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.

I’m Daniel, a PCI certified instructor! My coaching emphasizes strong fundamentals and a clear understanding of the moving parts in today’s evolving game, helping players improve skills and adapt with confidence. My background in sports is ping pong, tennis and golf help me bring a cross-sport perspective to every lesson. This approach helps me explain through different views to build consistency, strategy, and enjoyment on the court. I really enjoy helping students improve! Thanks!

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I’m a recently retired orthopedic surgeon who has transitioned into a highly rated Pickleball player and certified instructor with Pickleball Coaching International. With over 20 years of experience coaching youth sports, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to the game. My keen eye for teaching allows me to tailor lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, and I’m dedicated to helping you elevate your Pickleball skills to the next level. Let’s get started!

"Excellent coaching with high yield tips!

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!!

I've been immersed in the world of racket sports since childhood, captaining my high school tennis team for two years and also enjoying table tennis. Now, my passion lies in pickleball, where I'm eager to share my expertise with you. My coaching focuses on practical skill development and building muscle memory through effective drills and exercises. I'll equip you with the right knowledge and techniques to get you confidently playing on the court in no time. Let's work together to elevate your pickleball game!

"Rimi’s lesson’s were incredibly helpful — it really refined my shot placement and deepened my understanding of the game’s nuances. She pointed out key areas I hadn’t focused on before, and I could immediately notice the difference. What stood out most was how Rimi blends both the physical and psychological aspects of pickleball — her calm, practical approach makes learning both effective and enjoyable. Highly recommend!