Private Lessons & Coaches in San Mateo, 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.

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.

Embark on a transformative tennis journey with me! As a former pro athlete with 27 years of playing experience, I'm passionate about fostering growth and igniting a love for the game in players of all levels. My coaching philosophy centers around a blend of technical refinement, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude. Let's unlock your full potential together!

"Honestly, I was pretty impressed with Alessio’s ability to quickly identify my issues and give clear guidance. I learned some key foundational things that I think will really help my tennis. Though I still need to work on my forehead positioning and troubleshoot my backhand, I feel hopeful about my progress. Definitely worth trying if you're new and struggling to improve.

Originally from Israel, my love for tennis began at age 9, leading me to train at various top academies in my home country. By my late teens, I had achieved the 2nd spot in a national tournament and competed internationally, which deepened my passion for the sport. My journey took me to Spain for further training and then to the United States, where I played singles and doubles for a Division 1 tennis team for 4 years. Now, I find immense joy in coaching and watching my students grow both in their skills and their appreciation for the game.

"Adi is a world class tennis coach. I started working with him to rebuild several fundamentals that I learned the wrong way. He patiently worked with me and improved my game and technique remarkably. He uses video recordings to deeply analyze your technique and track your improvements, which is not something I experienced with other coaches. Several people I play with have commented on how much I improved since I started working with him. He spends the lesson focused on improving your game the whole time, and he can 10x your game if you’re willing to put in the work. Can’t recommend him enough.

With over two decades dedicated to the art of tennis, I bring a wealth of experience to every lesson, with playing experience at a high level. My passion is to develop well-rounded players through personalized coaching strategies. I'm committed to guiding students towards achieving their tennis aspirations.

"Fabulous coach! Patent, caring, and encouraging. Will definitely recommend this coach.

I’m Daniel, a PCI certified instructor! My coaching emphasizes strong fundamentals and a clear understanding of the moving parts in today’s evolving game, helping players improve skills and adapt with confidence. My background in sports is ping pong, tennis and golf help me bring a cross-sport perspective to every lesson. This approach helps me explain through different views to build consistency, strategy, and enjoyment on the court. I really enjoy helping students improve! Thanks!

"Dan is articulate patient and works on the fundamentals of your swing and how can tp apply what you’ve learned to your game strategy. Just one lesson and I thought it was a big breakthrough because he was able to identify immediately what I’ve been doing wrong and why I had been exerting to much energy into my swing.

For three decades, I've had the privilege of refining swings and shaping golfers, drawing on my experience as a college coach. My passion lies in making the complex simple, helping you unlock your potential with proven techniques and a touch of humor along the way. Let's get you playing your best golf yet! Bob Wang brings over 30 years of coaching expertise to help golfers of all skill levels improve their game and reach their full potential. He is certified in advanced swing analysis technologies, including SportsBox AI 3D analytics software, V1 Sports pressure mat, and Hackmotion wearable sensor technology, allowing him to provide cutting-edge instruction that integrates data-driven insights. His personalized lessons are tailored to each student’s strengths and learning goals, focusing on building strong fundamentals, improving performance, and enhancing the overall golf experience. Fluent in both French and 中文, Bob welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and offers an inclusive learning environment. In addition to his teaching skills, Bob is a highly trained club fitting expert, having completed professional training at Golf Galaxy. He incorporates equipment optimization into his coaching, offering comprehensive swing evaluations with video and pressure mat analysis. An active 8-handicap golfer, Bob blends technical precision with practical experience to deliver dynamic, engaging instruction. Passionate about personal growth and lifelong learning, he has successfully guided hundreds of students to improvement and success. Bob is currently on staff at Golf Galaxy and Mariner Point Golf Center, where he continues to share his dedication to golf education. let me know if that looks good. just rewrote in 3rd person and highlighted skills / credentials

"Bob is awesome! Expert coach with tons of experience, knowledge and technology to help dial in your game.

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.

🎾 Elite Tennis Coaching with a Modern Twist 🎾 Hi! I’m Vlada, founder of Lit Tennis (www.littennis.com), where we blend high-performance tennis coaching with self-growth, discipline, and confidence-building—on and off the court. Based in the Bay Area, I work with kids, teens, and adults, tailoring each session to elevate not just your technique but also your mindset. As a former competitive player, certified coach, and social media creator, I bring a creative, dynamic, and luxury-inspired approach to tennis. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring pro, you’ll leave every lesson feeling empowered, stronger, and more in love with the sport. Let’s make tennis your new favorite obsession. 💫

"That lesson sparked clear momentum, and I appreciate the focus on fundamentals, Sydney’s learning a lot, and I felt steady improvement. A few more basics would help, yet I’m looking forward to building on this strong start, and I’ll keep practicing as we tighten the basics. Now, I’m curious how the next lesson will shape my rallying.

Looking to refine your swing and lower your score? I'm a college golfer with five years of experience playing and coaching players of all levels. Let's work together to elevate your game – I'm passionate about making golf enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

"Great coach, only have had one lesson so far but I really love how he breaks down the mechanics and makes you take breaks when errors occur. I learned a lot in just this one lesson from wrist control to positioning to tempo. I can’t wait for future lessons!