Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in South Riding, VA

As an instructor at four different locations, I am deeply immersed in the vibrant world of pickleball, catering to players of all ages and skill levels. One of my latest ventures includes spearheading the introduction of pickleball at a brand-new indoor tennis location, boasting an impressive potential of 24 pickleball courts. Here, I facilitate both children and adult programs, nurturing the growth of pickleball enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. With nearly a year of experience at my second-largest location, equipped with 14 indoor courts, I specialize in corporate functions catering to groups ranging from 50 to 200 people. This dynamic setting allows me to foster teamwork, camaraderie, and skill development among participants, making each event memorable and impactful. In addition to my roles at these locations, I proudly serve as the top pickleball instructor for DC Park Recreational, contributing to the growth and accessibility of pickleball within the community. Through private lessons, clinics, and participation in tournaments, I engage with a wide spectrum of players, conservatively interacting with over 300 individuals each week. With a passion for pickleball and a commitment to fostering its growth, I am dedicated to providing exceptional instruction and fostering a welcoming environment where players can thrive and excel.

" Coach Ivan is a fantastic teacher! I’m still in the learning stage and haven’t played a real game yet, but his patience and structured drills have already given me so much confidence. He breaks everything down clearly and makes practice genuinely fun. Can’t wait to take what I’ve learned onto the court — highly recommend him!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Passionate pickleball player and coach who fell in love with the sport in December 2022. Since then, I've dedicated myself to playing and coaching, winning over 15 gold medals in tournaments and earning my highest rating of 4.1 DUPR by competing against talented players on the East Coast. I take pride in teaching others and building valuable skill sets that can be used on and off the court. I enjoy coaching driven players who aspire to be more competitive in pickleball, helping them reach their full potential.

"Jeaneen was very patient with me and encouraging and very positive throughout the lesson. She has a wonderful sense of humor which made the lesson a lot of fun.

I’ve been playing pickleball for four years and coaching for three, with consistent experience competing in tournaments. I’m on the court nearly every day and stay closely connected to the local pickleball community, especially in the Arlington area. Sports have always been a core part of my life—including basketball, soccer, and table tennis—but pickleball stands out as the most engaging, strategic, and social game I’ve played. As a coach, I combine drilling with live play, working alongside my students to develop solid shot mechanics, sharpen strategy, and improve decision-making under pressure. Beyond lessons, I help players plug into the local pickleball scene so they can continue progressing through games, leagues, and community connections. If you’re ready to elevate your game, I’d be glad to work with you.

"Instructor

Igniting a passion for pickleball, I bring two years of dedicated coaching experience, cultivated from my time as a renowned snowboard instructor for years and coaching background in basketball. I'm dedicated to helping students of all skill levels elevate their game through focused instruction and personalized strategies.

"The lesson was quite helpful in refining my pickleball skills, especially points like better positioning. Though I still need some work on my volley, I think Tj's advice makes me hopeful for future progress.

Marc is a high-level pickleball coach and former collegiate hockey player with a strong competitive background. He is a member of the Brooklyn Minor League Pickleball Team and has medaled in numerous 4.5+ tournaments, including gold at the DC Open, silver at the PPA Tour San Clemente, and bronze at the US Open. Marc brings his passion and experience to coaching players of all levels. Sponsored by Pickleball Drop Shop Use my code “MARC” (without quotations) at checkout to get discounts at pickleballdropshop.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"The lesson went pretty well. Marc gave me some good tips on court positioning, forehand/backhand drives and well as some placement strategies. I can take the feedback and work on it during my pickup games. Looking forward to the next lesson with Marc to keep building on what I’ve learned so far.

Former tennis player and totally in love with Pickleball and want to promote pickleball to other players by giving lessons.

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’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.