Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Oakland, CA

My name is Zach Tone and I just graduated from San Diego State University! I was the president of the pickleball club there for 3 years, and played competitively in collegiate tournaments around the country. I have taught over 100 students the sport, and I have a passion for helping people get better. I also work with the National Collegiate Pickleball Association in order to find high quality coaches for junior leagues!

"Great coach. I’m brand new before the lesson. After 3 lesson I’m so confident now. Very encouraging, very patient. Thank you 🙏

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, I’ve got you covered. Over the past year, I’ve taught well over a hundred lessons, helping students of all ages and backgrounds build confidence, improve technique, and enjoy the game. With 3 years of playing experience, tournament wins, and a 4.0 DUPR rating, I bring both skill and patience to every session. My teaching style is structured yet fun. I focus on breaking down mechanics, footwork, and strategy in ways that feel natural and easy to apply on the court. Students consistently describe me as insightful, engaging, and knowledgeable, and I’m proud of the strong ratings and positive reviews I’ve earned along the way. My goal is simple: to create a supportive environment where progress feels exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your game to the next level, I’ll help you unlock your full pickleball potential. Let’s hit the court and level up your game together!

"Oh, I’d say the lesson was quite helpful, especially with the good advice and games included. While I still need to get better at standing and technique, I feel encouraged to keep practicing. Eric’s guidance was steady, and I appreciated the focus on improving overall. If you’re looking to refine your pickleball skills, giving Eric a try could be worth a shot.

My Pickleball story began in 2021, and it was love at first swing. I found myself on the courts 5-6 days a week, dedicating at least 3 hours each day to perfecting my game. I was hungry for improvement, so I embarked on a self-guided journey, delving deep into the nuances and strategies that make Pickleball so captivating. Today, I'm not just a player; I'm a mentor, a guide, and your biggest supporter. I'm here to help you ignite your passion for Pickleball, whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or aiming to sharpen your competitive prowess. Let's embark on this journey together and transform your game, one swing at a time.

"Antoine was so patient and easy to work with. He taught me, my wife, and my two kids how to play the game in less than an hour. When he left, we had a blast playing together, working on our swings. We will definitely be working with Antoine again!

I'm Will, Captain of the UC Berkeley Pickleball team. I am a 4.62 DUPR and currently ranked #52 in the collegiate pickleball rankings. My teaching philosophy is one that is flexible to best suit your needs as a player. Whether it is refining specific shots or pickleball strategy, I want to elevate the part of your game that will make you the player you want to be! Most of all, I love to compete and have fun on court. Feel free to reach out to me at 510-725-1642 to discuss working together!

Certified Pickleball Coach, RPPk & ICI Walnut Creek, CA (Private Court) James Tucker is a certified pickleball coach based in Walnut Creek, CA, with a lifelong passion for racquet sports. He began playing tennis at age six and competed in USTA singles and doubles for many years before discovering his love for pickleball and padel. James now offers private coaching on a dedicated court and can organize games for players of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, James provides personalized instruction and strategy tailored to help you improve fast. Certified through DUPR, Tyson McGuffin’s program, RPPk (The Registry of Pickleball Professionals), and the International Coaches Institute (ICI), James has trained under some of the most respected organizations in the sport. The coaching methods he applies have been used to develop elite racquet sport athletes worldwide. In addition to on-court coaching, James is available to support your tournaments and offers game analysis using video review to identify areas for improvement. His coaching style blends proven technique with enthusiasm and strategic insight, making him a trusted resource for anyone serious about elevating their pickleball game.

"I took a clinic from James and it was amazing. I really like his style and how he simplifies the instructions in a positive way. My husband and I are now doing private lessons with him weekly and our games are getting so much better at a rapid pace.

4.4 DUPR competitive player with 3+ years of tournament and rec experience. Recent results include 2nd place in a 4.5 mixed Moneyball and 1st in an all-men’s MLP-style event. I specialize in beginner-friendly coaching that helps players improve fast and break through to the 4.0+ level. My approach is simple and practical—focused on consistency, smart shot selection, and real-game strategy. If you want structured, results-driven sessions that translate to actual match play, I’ve got you.

Greg has been teaching for over 4 years, during which he has worked with more than 3,500 students through both group classes and private lessons. His extensive experience allows him to adapt his teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. Greg is passionate about helping students reach their full potential, using his knowledge and skills to guide them toward success. His dedication to education and his commitment to student growth make him a highly valued instructor.

"Greg’s willingness to come and watch me play then Taylor a lesson for the things he sees I need help on. The positive attitude he brings makes me want to keep going.

I have a background in fitness and racket sports spanning 15+ years. In my career, I've spent years mentoring and coaching software engineers while being an engineering professional, and I bring that same analytical problem solving to my pickleball game, and to my pickleball and fitness coaching. I've played in over 100 competitive tournament matches, medaling in 4.0 Mixed Doubles and 4.5 Men's Doubles. Please reach out if you have any inquiries.