26 Pickleball coaches & instructors for lessons in Upper Montclair, NJ

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PICKLEBALL COACH I know what it takes to compete — and I coach from that experience, not just from a certification manual. I CAN DIAGNOSE FAST Most coaches give generic feedback. I identify what's actually wrong — quickly — and we make real progress in a single session. No wasted time, no vague cues. I UNDERSTAND men…er…WOMEN…er, people! That’s it, people. The dynamics, the mental pressures, the physical realities of being a (man, a woman, or a muppet) on court. 
I bring empathy and edge in equal measure. No mansplaining. Ever. EQ, off the charts, (HOW)ever! I COACH THE WHOLE PLAYER Technical, tactical, mental. I know when to push and when to have patience. I'll enhance your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and tailor everything to who you are as a player. EVERY PLAYER HAS A GOAL WORTH CHASING. My students range from 3.0 players discovering the sport to 4.5+ competitors chasing a rating or a tournament result. Mostly women — but not exclusively. What everyone shares is a goal, even if they haven't fully defined it yet. Sometimes the goal is simple: beat Suzy at league night. Sometimes it's bigger: find your inner athlete, feel confident on court, connect to something that's genuinely yours. Often the goal evolves — students come in wanting one thing and discover something they didn't know they were looking for. I'll meet you where you are and hold the highest vision for where you can go — while understanding that progress isn't always linear and some days are just harder than others.

"If you’re looking for a coach who is both easy to get along with and highly skilled, Chris is the one. He brings a contagious energy to the court, and it’s clear he clearly loves the game. I really appreciate how he adapts his teaching style, to my needs, using fun drills that keep me motivated while noticeably improving my game. It is a huge plus that he’s such a strong player himself; his demonstrations are always spot on!

Don DiLorenzo – Certified Pickleball Instructor I’m a PPR-certified pickleball instructor with over 4 years of coaching experience, working with players of all ages and skill levels—from brand-new beginners to advanced competitors. My goal is to make learning fun, approachable, and tailored to each player’s unique style and goals. Whether you’re looking to build a strong foundation, fine-tune your technique, or develop winning strategies, I offer clear, supportive instruction that helps you grow your game with confidence. I specialize in fundamentals, court positioning, shot selection, and game IQ—while keeping sessions dynamic, safe and engaging. Let’s get you playing smarter, faster, and with more enjoyment every time you step on the court!

"Don is an excellent choice for seniors looking to learn or improve at pickleball. He understands the limitations of people that are slightly older like myself. He focuses on fundamentals, puts safety 1st and explains how to play smarter not harder while creating a relaxed, welcoming environment. Players feel supported and comfortable at every level. Keeps the fun in the game.