Get a free trial lesson with Derek

Reputation

SuperCoach

🏆

Derek is a SuperCoach ranked in the top 3% coaches based on reliability, responsiveness and student feedback, often exceeding expectations.

Reliability

Always reliable ⭐ Shows up on time and ready to teach every lesson. You can count on them.

Average rating

5.0

173

Derek is a SuperCoach ranked in the top 3% coaches based on reliability, responsiveness and student feedback, often exceeding expectations.

Kim S.Verified ✓

Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 16•Verified ✓

Derek listens to what you want to work on and adjusts his teaching on the spot to include that skill. Derek is himself an amazing player and a good role model to learn from. Derek is extremely patient with his students no matter what level they are at. He is always very calm on the court and is very accurate with his suggestions of how to make adjustments to become a better player. Derek is able to give suggestions on skill adjustments as well as strategies for the game. If ever I need lessons to improve my game, Derek is my first choice.

Wendy L.Verified ✓

Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 12•Verified ✓

Very patient and nice

David C.Verified ✓

•Lessons taken: 10•Verified ✓

Derek is a great coach. He observes, analyzes and give suggestions to my weaknesses. I’ve already improved in my first lesson!

Jessica J.Verified ✓

Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 6•Verified ✓

I learned so much and has a blast while doing it. Derek is an excellent teacher.

Sida W.Verified ✓

•Lessons taken: 4•Verified ✓

Derek is super patient and helps me identify defect in my form! Great teacher!

Randall B.Verified ✓

•Lessons taken: 4•Verified ✓

It was great, coach was patient with me

Pickleball with Derek R.⭑ 5.0 (178 reviews)

How it works

Beginner training plan

Your first lessonBuilding the Foundation In our first session, we’ll focus on the fundamentals: stance, grip, and basic strokes. You’ll learn proper forehand and backhand techniques, as well as how to move efficiently on the court.

Lesson 11+Mastery and Competitive Play These sessions are for building mastery and preparing for competitive play. We’ll focus on advanced drills to sharpen your reflexes, improve footwork, and enhance your ability to read your opponent. You’ll learn how to adapt your game to different playing styles and gain the confidence to excel in recreational or competitive settings.

Lesson 4-10Refining Technique and Introducing Strategy In this phase, we’ll dive deeper into advanced fundamentals, like the third shot drop, transitioning to the net, and cross-court dinking. You’ll work on refining your serve, improving consistency, and understanding positioning on the court. We’ll also begin playing practice points to develop your strategic thinking and decision-making during games.

Lesson 2-3Developing Control and Net Play These sessions are all about gaining control and mastering essential skills at the net. You’ll learn how to dink, volley, and return serves effectively. We’ll also start introducing game strategy, including shot placement and how to keep the ball low to maintain an advantage.

Advanced training plan

Your first lessonAssessment and Advanced Fundamentals In our first session, we’ll assess your current skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. We’ll revisit advanced fundamentals, including footwork, paddle grip adjustments for specific shots, and shot accuracy. The focus will be on fine-tuning techniques like topspin drives, power serves, and defensive resets to lay the groundwork for higher-level play.

Lesson 11+Competitive Edge and Mental Toughness At this level, we’ll focus on building your competitive edge through advanced tactics, match preparation, and mental toughness. You’ll work on adapting to different playing styles, perfecting your court coverage, and executing clutch shots under pressure. Whether it’s tournament preparation or dominating recreational games, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to consistently outperform your competition.

Lesson 4-10Advanced Strategy and Match Play This phase emphasizes strategic thinking and execution during games. You’ll practice shot combinations, master the third shot drop under pressure, and develop patterns for offensive and defensive play. Through intense drills and point simulations, we’ll refine your ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves, adjust your game plan, and control the pace of play. We’ll also discuss advanced skills such as how to Erne, and hit around the post (ATP).

Lesson 2-3Mastering Net Play and Control These sessions will enhance your precision and control at the net. We’ll work on advanced dinking strategies, aggressive volleys, and deception techniques to outplay opponents. You’ll also learn to identify and exploit weaknesses in your opponent’s positioning during net exchanges.

Cancellation Policy

We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!

If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.

And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.

Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!

Pickleball lessons with

Coach Derek Rungsea

From$162 per lesson

•

Pickleball lessons with

Coach Derek Rungsea

From$162 per lesson

•

SuperCoach

🏆

•

Derek is a SuperCoach ranked in the top 3% coaches based on reliability, responsiveness and student feedback, often exceeding expectations.

Coach Rating

5.0•178 reviews

SuperCoach

🏆

•

Derek is a SuperCoach ranked in the top 3% coaches based on reliability, responsiveness and student feedback, often exceeding expectations.

Coach Rating

5.0•178 reviews

About your pickleball coach

As a former USTA top-30 ranked junior tennis player with additional formal table tennis training, my experience allows me to teach pickleball with advanced technical perspective on stroke mechanics, grip, proper footwork (this is often disregarded), competitive insight, and winning strategies. I love teaching students of all skill levels the proper fundamentals of the game so they can have fun, exercise, and socialize. Currently, I play at a 5.0 level and find great satisfaction in seeing my students improve. I guarantee I’ll take your game to the next level!

👋

Teaches: Adults, Seniors

🌱

Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts

📍

Lives in: Belmont, California

🎓

Years Playing: Not specified

🔥

Given: 349 lessons

Derek's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Derek's availability

Find a location and time that works for you

Alexander Park - Belmont

Free

2106.2 miles away

Branham Park Pickleball Courts

Free

2092.2 miles away

Doerr Park

Free

2092.2 miles away

Availability on all locations

Near Belmont, California

No availability for this date

Didn't find a time or location that works with Derek?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)

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Accomplishments

🏓5 UTR-P

🏅Tournament Winner

➕Tournament Competitor

➕Former USTA ranked tennis player

Certifications & Badges

🎓2+ Years Teaching

📝PPR Certified

Get a free trial lesson with Derek

Reputation

Frequently asked questions

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Cancellation Policy

Coach Derek Rungsea

Coach Derek Rungsea

About your pickleball coach

Derek's availability

Derek's availability

Alexander Park - Belmont

Branham Park Pickleball Courts

Doerr Park

Accomplishments

Certifications & Badges