Private Lessons & Coaches in Palatine, IL

I bring 13 years' ice hockey coaching experience to every session. I specialize in skating mechanics, puck skills, tactical positioning and player development, guided by a deep passion for the sport and a focus on enjoyable progress. I also can do off ice workouts and skill sessions.

Golf is my passion and I’ve been playing golf for over 40 years. My love for the game is something I wish to share with my students. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just learning I will tailor your lessons to your level of playing experience. Don’t wait to improve your game let’s team up now!

"Stu made himself available to give me one quick lesson that shaved off multiple strokes from my game. Reminding myself of his tips not only helped me at the range but carried its way to the course. He improved my stance and my swing and I’d recommend him to anyone looking for an instructor who will meet you at your skill level. Kelly H

Hi Everyone! I’m Josh Handelman, a local golf instructor and former competitive player (New Trier High School golf, trained under the Northwestern golf staff). I recently went full-time as a private golf coach, working alongside Wildcat Golf Academy’s youth program. I offer private lessons, group lessons, playing lessons, and clinics for all ages and skill levels. Would love to help any neighbors — or their kids — looking to pick up golf or sharpen their game this season. Feel free to reach out!

"As a low-single digit handicap, I was skeptical a lesson would move the needle - but Josh caught a subtle timing issue in my downswing and we quickly worked to get back on track

Professional Tv and Film Actor/Writer/Producer. Over twenty-five years pro experience. Over forty-five SAG-AFTRA credits, including Amazon’s Critic’s Choice Nominated tv series PATRIOT, PERPETUAL GRACE LTD and the hit HBO show DTF. ST. LOUIS. Strong, detailed, creative, and energetic. Self-motivated. Credits accessible on IMDB.

My deep background in tennis and racket sports gives me a technical edge most pickleball coaches simply don’t have. I understand spin, footwork, and court geometry at a level that translates directly. Add I entrepreneurial drive and hands-on coaching ambition, and I bring both the skill set and the passion to genuinely develop players.

"I’ve been competing at the 4.5 level for two years and hit a wall. My coach completely rebuilt my reset mechanics, tightened my erne execution, and gave me a clear game plan for tournament play. Within two months I won my first gold medal at a regional event. This coaching is the real deal.

Racket sports expertise transfers seamlessly to padel’s unique blend of tennis technique and wall play, giving me an instant coaching foundation most instructors lack. On top of that, I’m actively building a padel club in Algeria from the ground up, that level of investment in the sport signals real passion and vision that players and investors alike will trust.

"I play in a regional padel league and needed serious tactical upgrades. My coach analyzed my pair dynamics, fixed my tendency to over-smash from the back, and drilled transition patterns until they became second nature. Our team jumped two divisions this season. Coaching at its absolute finest.

I played soccer recreationally in weekend leagues for 10 years, coached my son for six and rose to advanced AYSO coach and a member of the AYSO Evanston board before stepping way from the game. I have since returned, passing the IHSA coaching course in 2025 and working with Super Soccer Stars as a coach and assistant coach, teaching children ages 5-12.

Igniting passion and skill on the court is my specialty. As a solid tennis and pickleball player, I taught highly regarded skills clinics in the local community. Most of my players experience rapid progress on the court and leave the clinic with much more confidence and enthusiasm for the game. I offer tailored instruction to elevate your game, making learning fun and effective. Let's achieve your goals together! I’m passionate about the sport and would like to help as many people learn and improve as possible. If you need a lesson outside of Wilmette in the north shore area, please send me a request. I’ll see what I can do. All my sessions will be tailored specifically to individual players. Here’s an overview of what we will do based on your levels: For Beginners: Building the Foundation The goal is to get you up and running so you can truly enjoy your new sport. I will focus on laying a solid technical foundation and teaching you the key strategies needed to start playing matches. By understanding the "how" and the "why" early on, you will see consistent, rewarding progress over time. For Intermediate Players: Breaking the Bottleneck I will identify exactly what is holding you back—the specific moments where you feel uncomfortable or lose points repeatedly. We’ll use purposeful, engaging drills to turn those weaknesses into strengths. Often, refining just one specific shot can transform your entire game. From there, we will progress into advanced shot selection and point construction. For Advanced Players: Mastering the Margins At this level, it’s about fine-tuning your unique style. I will analyze your game to sharpen your anticipation, balance, and footwork. Our sessions focus on high-level decision-making, precise targeting, and superior ball control. Finally, we’ll integrate the "secret sauce" of the competitive game: mental toughness and peak physical fitness.

"I’m an advanced tennis player. Playing pickleball is easy but also humbling as I level up when patience and strategy become critical. Wen helped me understand the key difference between the two sports and develop skills and intuition to play competitively in pickleball.

10 years of coaching experience from ages of 4-22, from children just beginning to college players. I also have 10 years of experience working in various school settings, including regular and special education schools.

Guiding players from fundamentals to high-performance with clarity and energy, I have 15 years teaching and playing basketball at youth and competitive levels. My passion for basketball drives a curriculum blending technical expertise, tactical insight, and a supportive, engaging approach.