Play Pickleball at May Nissen Park

I'm Coach Darren and I specialize in improving skills through targeted drills with a pickleball machine. My focus is on addressing weaknesses and specific shots such as more consistent and powerful backhands, hitting speedups and defending them, third shot drops, topspin rolls, resets, countering slices and dinking and flicks. By emphasizing technique and repetition, I help players improve their confidence on the shots, reduce errors and win more.

"Great coaching technique. Darren helped me improve my skill level and genuinely care about my progress.

Hi! During my high school and college years, I played varsity tennis and even earned an invitation to the Junior Davis Cup tryouts. I then channeled my passion for the sport into coaching, leading to a head Varsity tennis coach in high school. These days, I've immersed myself in coaching pickleball, drawing from my rich tennis background to nurture and elevate players in this exciting game. Unlike many other coaches I earned a California State Bachelors degree which included a fifth year California State Teaching Credential. This training has given me the special skills to teach and coach my students at all levels of the game. It’s my passion. I recently won the Gold Medal 🏅in the Mixed Doubles at the Tri-Valley Pickle Ball Championships.

"Great teacher, very patient and detailed

Mary's coaching style is encouraging, friendly, and at times, challenging, designed to bring out the best in her players' performance. An athletic individual, she played multiple sports in high school, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball, which has given her a well-rounded understanding of sports and fitness. Last summer, Mary coached beginners to intermediate-level players for Lifetime Activities in Walnut Creek, CA, where she helped athletes build skills and confidence. With a current DUPR skill level of 3.75-4.0, she brings both experience and passion to her coaching, motivating players to push their limits and achieve their personal best.

"Able to play a pick up game with other players cycling through and learned live tips

Passionate professional athlete making waves in Pickleball and Racquetball pro circuits represent Team India in World Games 2025. With a background deeply rooted in these dynamic racquet sports, I bring experience and a competitive edge to my coaching. My coaching style is about unlocking your potential, refining your skills, and advancing your game. Whether you're a beginner aiming to master the fundamentals or a seasoned player seeking advanced techniques, I'm here to guide you on your journey to success. Let's elevate your game together!

"Worked on keeping ball in front of me during resets and dinks. Also worked on shuffling.