Private Tennis Lessons & Coaches in Matheny, CA

For four decades, I've been deeply immersed in the world of tennis, honing my skills as an experienced player and passionate coach. My approach centers around fostering a fun yet focused environment where students of all levels can thrive. Let's work together to elevate your game and unlock your full potential on the court!

"James has a strong passion and dedication in teaching me in tennis and pickleball. Anytime I call him to play he will not hesitate to accommodate me and help me improve my backhand stroke and adding some pointers to also improve my serve which is my weakest stroke in tennis.

With over two decades of experience in the tennis industry, I offer a unique 360-degree perspective on the game. My background spans from serving as a Director for family tennis clubs to coaching varsity high school teams and running impactful non-profits. My expertise includes: • Junior Development: Certified USTA 10 & Under specialist with a track record of developing #1 ranked high school players. • Adult Competition: Captained and coached 4.0 men’s teams to the playoffs; experienced in singles, doubles, and mixed play. • Community Impact: 20+ years creating public park programs, camps, and tournaments for at-risk communities and seniors. • Rules of the Game: A USTA Official for over 10 years, ensuring my students understand the game as well as the pros. From kindergarteners to college athletes, I am passionate about helping every player find their rhythm on the court.

"If you are looking for a tennis coach who treats the sport as a craft rather than a transaction, Sean is in a league of his own. I came to Sean with a unique background: a former ping-pong champion from China, raised in Germany, with a deep appreciation for technique but zero experience on a tennis court. From our first session, Sean didn't just give me "drills"; he asked for my goals. I told him I wanted to win the very tournament I had just finished spectating as a beginner. He Values Breakthroughs Over the Clock: In an era where sports like pickleball and tennis are becoming hyper-monetized and often unaffordable, Sean is a rare breed. We trained 2–3 times a week, and if we were on the verge of a technical breakthrough, he would blow right past the hour mark. He never looks at his watch, and he never charged me for that extra time. He cares more about the "lightbulb moment" than the invoice. He immediately identified how to translate my table tennis "gifts" to the big court. He provided me with a rigorous practice outline for my solo days, ensuring every minute I spent on the court was purposeful. After just 11 months of training, I entered that tournament at the 2.5 level and won the whole thing. It felt as rewarding as any trophy from my childhood. Sean even showed up to support me during the finals. When the crowd applauded him, he refused the credit, insisting he was just there for inspiration and that I did the work. The Ultimate Compliment The best testament to Sean’s coaching? By the end of the tournament, people who refused to hit with me months ago were accusing me of being a "sandbagger." It’s an irony we still laugh about—it wasn't that I was hiding my skill; it was simply that Sean’s coaching accelerated my growth at a rate that seemed impossible to outsiders. Sean isn't just a coach; he is a world-class teammate. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned athlete looking to pivot, he will help you find your "A-game" and then some.