Private Lessons & Coaches in El Cerrito, CA

Hi I'm Derek! I recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz, where I played four years of college soccer as a winger and an outside back. Since graduation, I have continued to stay involved with the sport both as a fan (come on Arsenal) and by playing in the SFSFL and other pick-up games around the city. As a coach, I use my experience with technical drills I have found most effective during my 16+ years as a player, and shape my sessions around whatever skills you'd like to work on, whether that be finishing, defending, technique, etc.

"The lesson was pretty good, especially since I appreciated how close Derek liked to stay nearby during the drill. Though I still need to get more comfortable with the ball, I feel like I made some decent progress, and the lesson highlighted that proximity can really help with focus. Hopefully, next time I can build more confidence with ball control. If you’re looking for a coach who keeps things close and helpful, Derek might be worth a try.

Unlocking your full potential on the golf course is my passion! I've dedicated my coaching career to helping golfers of all levels improve their game, building confidence and fostering a love for the sport.

"I loved how Travis really targeted my flaws and helped me work through them. The focused approach made a noticeable difference in my swing. If you want a lesson that zeroes in on your specific needs, Travis is a great choice. Definitely give his lessons a try if you’re looking to improve your game. ⛳️

I’m a recently retired orthopedic surgeon who has transitioned into a highly rated Pickleball player and certified instructor with Pickleball Coaching International. With over 20 years of experience coaching youth sports, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to the game. My keen eye for teaching allows me to tailor lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, and I’m dedicated to helping you elevate your Pickleball skills to the next level. Let’s get started!

"Jeff is a fantastic coach for players who want to make the jump from intermediate to advanced pickleball. He has a great way of breaking down strategy, shot selection, and positioning so it actually clicks on the court. His feedback is always spot-on, and he pushes you just enough to improve without feeling overwhelming. Thanks to his coaching, I’ve become more confident, smarter in my play, and better prepared for competitive games. Highly recommend him if you’re serious about leveling up!

Stuck at 3.0 level? I can upgrade you. Newbie? You can beat your equivalent after learning from me. My sessions are tailored and varies depends on who you are: -New to Pickleball: I will help you quickly emerge into the game and enjoy it, regardless your sport background or experience. Step 1: Game rules: I will explain it in the easiest and most memorable way. But lets be honest, your time is valuable and the rules can be easy self-learning process with the internet. Step 2: Basic pickle ball - Pickleball 100 focus on: Proper paddle grip Touch feeling Short distance swing Long distance swing Proper Footwork for effortless movement Step 3: Learn the basic shots ( serve, return, drive, drop, dink..) Understand purpose and technicality of the shots Practice till you make it Step 4: Roll into the game and learn from your mistake. ***Newbies usually need a certain amount of time to master most basic shots. I highly suggest you go with me for at least 5 sessons to learn in a systematic way and build a strong foundation for your further progress. *** I ll be frank and genuine to you, slow and stead is the only way to build your game. Rushing will only slow you down *** -Intermediate: struggling with core shots (drive, serve, return, drop, dink..): Step 1. Assessment: let me see how you hit it, I will tell you what can be improved. Step 2. Understand the shot: why, when, where, and how. Understanding what you do is most crucial for improvement. Step 3. Practice: I’ll break the shot down into small moves. We focus on mastering one move at a time. Then combine them into a complete shot. Step 4. Reinforcement: its trial and errors process. We keep drilling and fixing mistakes untill you got it. Step 5. Bring it to the game (depends on situation): only if you are ready, we can play real games so you learn from your own mistake. Otherwise, rushing to the games only slowering your improvement. My lessons are always customized to your needs. Whether you want to focus on mechanics, strategy, or simply getting more comfortable rallying, I’ll assess and tailor each session so you see immediate progress. My teaching philosophy is simple: Quality over Quantity. I emphasize deep understanding and focused practice, so that after every lesson, you walk away with solid foundation and confidence to keep building your game on your own.

"Very good coach. Good observation and listening skills. Explain things in simple terms with interesting analogies. Definitely introduce to my friends.

James Fish is a certified USGTF (United States Golf Teachers Federation) golf instructor and performance coach who has worked in the Golf Industry since 1999. James is also a certified hypnotherapist from the Alchemy Institute of Hypnosis in Santa Rosa and holds a Master’s Degree in Transformative Arts from JFK University. He employs his knowledge of Buddhist and Shamanic thought in his teaching methodology. Addressing both the inner and outer game, James directs his students to develop their focus using his uniquely designed exercises and techniques. James is currently a Club Fitting Specialist for World Wide Golf and teaches at the Foxtail Golf Club in Rohnert Park, California. In August of 2021 James passed his test to become certified as a Master Teaching Professional and is now in his 14th year of Instruction.. Last month James was given a battlefield promotion within his teaching body of the USGTF to be the Professional Examiner for the Master Teaching Certificate program for central and Northern California starting in 2026. If you are serious about Golf and learning how to take your golf game to the next level, James Fish is your man. 🤓✨🏌🏻‍♂️⛳️✨🍀

""I wish I played golf so that I could benefit from James' expertise. He's such a great guy!"

Like you, I just love pickleball, and I love teaching and coaching others to improve dramatically by making simple, small adjustments. I have a Level II certification from the IPTPA and years of coaching experience here and in France, where I was the 2023 National Champion (50+). Let's play!

"I'm still getting the hang of pickleball, but Nic's lesson on improving my paddle control was quite helpful. I still feel like I could use more practice though, and maybe some focus on my serve.

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!

"The lesson with Kal was extremely helpful. I especially appreciated how he focused on core techniques that are actually useful on the court, like cutting of the ball, drive, and dink through wall drills.

Hi, I’m Nicole Yang, and I’ve been passionate about golf for over 10 years. My journey took me from picking up the game as a beginner to competing as an NCAA athlete, where I gained not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of the mental side of the sport. Now, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with others who are ready to start their own golf journey. My coaching focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing confidence, and making the game enjoyable from the very beginning. Whether you’ve never picked up a club before or you’re just looking for guidance on your swing and mindset, I’m here to help. Golf can be intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be! I’d love to help you get started.

"Had an amazing golf lesson today! Nicole was super helpful and great at breaking down my swing errors. She uses awesome mental visuals that actually make sense to a beginner. Clear instructions, great drills, and even provided the balls. 10/10 experience!

With two decades of golf instruction experience, I leverage my NCAA athletic background to cultivate well-rounded players. My passion lies in fostering skill development through tailored coaching, helping students unlock their full potential. Let's elevate your game together.

"Baseball background, had a real hard time avoiding my slice. A couple lessons with Dawson later and him fitting my driver properly and I was gaining 20 yards and hitting fairways. Changed my game for the better.

Ever dreamt of mastering the court like a pro? With 18 years of experience, including time as a professional athlete, I'm passionate about sharing my love for tennis and helping you achieve your full potential, whatever your level.

"This was my first tennis lesson. Fateh was patient and explained things clearly. Overall, it was a great introduction to tennis and I look forward to booking more lessons with Fateh.