Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in South Kensington, MD

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.

I’ve spent over a decade playing and teaching tennis competitively, and now I’m diving into the world of pickleball. I’m passionate about how inclusive the sport is and love helping players of all levels build their confidence and discover new growth areas on the court. My goal is to make the game enjoyable and rewarding for everyone I coach. Note: the price on TeachMe.To is for me to rent an indoor facility for us to do our lessons. For other locations, please message me about pricing!

"I thought Ben did a fine job working on retooling some fundamentals that I thought I had down pretty good. He views things from a different perspective and simplifies them into actionable ways to improve.

I’m Aaron Gamble (AG) — a coach, community builder, and lifelong athlete dedicated to helping people move better, play better, and live better. With over 15 years of experience in fitness, wellness, and athletic coaching, I bring a unique blend of personal training, holistic wellness, and high-level pickleball instruction. As the founder of AG Fitness and AG Pickleball, I’ve built one of the most vibrant and encouraging pickleball communities in the DMV—where beginners grow, competitors sharpen their edge, and everyone feels like they belong. My coaching goes beyond just technique. I focus on movement efficiency, injury prevention, strategy, and confidence—so you’re not just improving your game, you’re improving your body and mindset. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or pushing toward advanced play, I’ll meet you where you are and help you elevate. My philosophy is simple: Stay Encouraged.

"After 20 lessons with Aaron, I can confidently say he’s one of the most effective coaches I’ve worked with. He goes far beyond fundamentals—focusing on high-level strategy, shot selection, patterns of play, and decision-making under pressure. His ability to break down advanced concepts while keeping sessions engaging and competitive is exceptional. I’ve seen significant improvement in my consistency, court IQ, and overall performance in match play. If you’re serious about elevating your game, Aaron is the coach to work with.

I combine my tennis background and coaching experience to help players master the fundamentals of power, placement, and purpose. My singles-based strategy training creates confident, adaptable doubles partners who know how to win from every position on the court. I focus on developing powerful serves, clean groundstrokes, and smarter point construction that improve shot selection and on-court decision-making. 🎾 “Points Planned with Purpose”