Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Emerald Lake Hills, CA

Hi I'm Joshua Tam! I try coach focusing on decision-making, consistency and repeatable shots. I am a believer in that defensive techniques like dinking, resetting, blocking are key to a strong pickleball foundation. Just so happens, these are my greatest strengths that have allowed me to do very well in high level games. 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.

Let’s make pickleball the best part of your week. I bring experience, energy, and a love for the game to help you build confidence, improve fast and have a great time doing it!

"Oh, I was pretty pleased with the lesson with Natalia. She really helped me see some nuances in my pickleball game I hadn’t noticed before, especially around shot placement.

4.4 DUPR competitive player with 3+ years of tournament and rec experience. Recent results include 2nd place in a 4.5 mixed Moneyball and 1st in an all-men’s MLP-style event. I specialize in beginner-friendly coaching that helps players improve fast and break through to the 4.0+ level. My approach is simple and practical—focused on consistency, smart shot selection, and real-game strategy. If you want structured, results-driven sessions that translate to actual match play, I’ve got you.

Certified Pickleball Coach, RPPk & ICI Walnut Creek, CA (Private Court) James Tucker is a certified pickleball coach based in Walnut Creek, CA, with a lifelong passion for racquet sports. He began playing tennis at age six and competed in USTA singles and doubles for many years before discovering his love for pickleball and padel. James now offers private coaching on a dedicated court and can organize games for players of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, James provides personalized instruction and strategy tailored to help you improve fast. Certified through DUPR, Tyson McGuffin’s program, RPPk (The Registry of Pickleball Professionals), and the International Coaches Institute (ICI), James has trained under some of the most respected organizations in the sport. The coaching methods he applies have been used to develop elite racquet sport athletes worldwide. In addition to on-court coaching, James is available to support your tournaments and offers game analysis using video review to identify areas for improvement. His coaching style blends proven technique with enthusiasm and strategic insight, making him a trusted resource for anyone serious about elevating their pickleball game.

"I took a clinic from James and it was amazing. I really like his style and how he simplifies the instructions in a positive way. My husband and I are now doing private lessons with him weekly and our games are getting so much better at a rapid pace.

Driven by a genuine passion for pickleball, I've spent the last 8 years sharing my love for the game with others. As an Elite RSPA (Racquet Sports Profession) in Tennis and Pickleball, I bring a unique blend of decades of experience and expertise to every lesson. Let's work together to elevate your game and unlock your full potential on the court!

"Hi Anne- that was so much fun playing pickle the other day! It helped me when you said let your squash game come out in my pickleball game. I love that you connected the two for me. My confidence has grown!

Patient Experienced Pickleball coach focuses on helping beginners and intermediate players of all ages improve their game. Let me help you take your game to the next level and have a great time doing so! + Knowledge/Experience with a variety of paddles. + Students may demo high quality paddles during lessons. + Volair Ambassador 10% discount on all Volair merch using code vvpb.

"Excellent coach. Viet is knowledgeable, patient and encouraging.

Pickleball has become one of my favorite ways to connect with people, stay active, and have fun, and I love helping others experience the same thing! As a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach and mental health therapist in training, I focus on creating a supportive, encouraging, and judgment-free environment where players feel comfortable learning and growing. Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to sharpen your skills, I'll meet you where you're at and help you build confidence on the court. Together, we can work on specific areas of your game through personalized lessons tailored to your goals. My goal is not only to help you improve your game, but also to make sure you enjoy the process along the way!

"I have a tennis background but it was hard for me to transfer the skills to the dinking and drop shots. Coach R helped me develop the soft game very effectively!