Learn Pickleball with Derek
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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 4.5-5.0 level and find great satisfaction in seeing my students improve. I guarantee I’ll take your game to the next level!
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🏅Tournament Winner
📝PPR Certified
🔥319 Lessons
⭐️Ex USTA ranked tennis player
✨Tournament Competitor
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Reviews
Total reviews165
Average rating
4.97
Hub U.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 2
I had an awesome one-hour pickleball lesson with Derek, and I couldn’t be happier with how it went. He’s got this great balance of strategy, drills, and tweaking your form that really made the session fly by. Derek quickly figured out where I was at skill-wise and gave me drills that were both super helpful and actually fun.
What I really appreciated was how Derek made everything so easy to understand, especially the strategies that usually seem complicated. He spotted a few things in my form that needed fixing, and with just a few adjustments, I could already see a difference in my game. By the end of the hour, I felt way more confident and left with some great tips to keep working on. If you’re looking to up your pickleball game, definitely get a lesson with Derek—he’s the real deal!
Kim S.Verified ✓
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 16
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.
Kris K.
Lessons taken: 1
Derek has taken my pickleball game to the next level. He is attentive and provides immediate feedback with a positive attitude! Derek finds drills to train you based on how you learn best due to his in depth knowledge of multiple racket sports. If you are looking for a dedicated coach to provide undivided support, he is the coach for you!
Channing L.
Lessons taken: 1
Best coach to help you level up your game with proper technique taught with patience, passion and compassion because he loves this sport as much as we do. Takes the time to know you first and then individualize a program just for you to gain confidence & get better!
Zohal N.
Lessons taken: 1
Signed up for 3 lessons with Derek, had my first pickle-ball lesson earlier this week. He was great and enjoyed playing for the first time ever! Looking forward to my next 2 sessions and eventually playing with other folks soon, highly recommend him.
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:4 courts available
DeAnza College
2098 miles awayOutdoors
John Mise Park
2095.2 miles awayOutdoors
El Quito Park
2096.4 miles awayOutdoors
Branham Park Pickleball Courts
2092.2 miles awayOutdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
When I'm usually available
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.mondays5 PM - 7 PM
wednesdays5 PM - 7 PM
fridays7 PM - 8 PM
saturdays7 PM - 10 PM
sundays5 PM - 7 PM
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.
What you need to bringWear athletic clothes, non-marking running/tennis shoes, bring some water, and your own paddle.
Paddles will be provided for you to demo if you don’t have one.
What I can bring- Beginner paddles
- Intermediate/advanced paddles
- Balls
Frequently asked questions
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!
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 with Derek⭑ 5 (165)