Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Montclair, NJ

For over a decade, I've been sharing my passion for ping pong. Now I'm using that experience in helping players of all levels discover the joy of this fast-growing sport of pickleball. My focus is on building a strong foundation, developing strategic skills, and fostering a love of the game in each of my students.

"Lesson was fantastic, Martin’s explanations were concise, easy to learn and repeatable.

On the court, strategy trumps all. As a tournament winner with 8 years of experience coaching pickleball, I help players elevate their strategic game to achieve peak performance. Let's unlock your potential and make pickleball your winning game! I have 32 yrs of teaching experience along with coaching many team sports as well as swimming, tennis and triathlon. I have also won many tennis tournaments and recently won at NY Senior Games in Pickleball. I look forward to working with you.

Michele's journey into pickleball began in 2017, driven by her preparation for the US Transplant Games the following year. Instantly enamored with the sport, she delved deep, earning both PPR Coach and IFP Instructor certifications in 2019 followed by RPO certification in 2025. As a dedicated Youth Pickleball Provider (YPP) with USA Pickleball, Michele's joy lies in coaching enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, fostering a love for pickleball within her community.

"Michelle was personable, patient, understanding and met me at the level I was at. She’s great at explaining and gave positive feedback which motivated me to keep going. It gave me confidence and helped me perform. I ran pretty late and she still gave me the same attention and helped me max out the most of the time we did have together. I highly recommend.

Passionate Pickleball player and coach. PPR certified and experienced in pickleball and soccer coaching instruction at league level. Specializing in coaching players of all ages and levels. Motivated by the gratitude of students and parents. Let's refine your game together!

"Will was very patient and a great instructor.

As a certified PPR Pickleball Professional, I bring both competitive experience and a strong coaching background to every lesson. Over the course of my career, I’ve competed as a seasoned tournament player, earning numerous gold medals and consistently ranking among the top players in the region. Highlights include being ranked #1 in the NJ/PA Cross Club League (4.0) and achieving a top 10 ranking in the 4.5+ league. My coaching philosophy blends technical instruction with a deep understanding of player development. I’ve worked with athletes from introductory through intermediate levels, helping them build solid fundamentals, refine their skills, and gain confidence on the court. With a broad history of coaching multiple sports, I bring a versatile approach that adapts to each player’s needs and learning style. Whether you’re new to pickleball or looking to elevate your competitive game, I’m committed to guiding players toward reaching their full potential while fostering a passion for the sport.

"Since I started taking lessons with Taylor, my game has completely changed. Not only is she professional and reliable, but she also takes the time to understand my weaknesses so she can help me improve each one. I’m really excited with the classes!

Experienced, enthusiastic, encouraging, and athletic pickleball coach (and player). Focused, can-do approach to skill and shot development including the thinking and strategy to point wins. Dynamic, positive approach centered around continuous improvement, fun, and safety.

"My son and I had an amazing lesson with Steve. He got us playing right away, and taught us the rules as we played. We had a blast. I highly recommend a lesson with Steve if you have been wanting to finally learn Pickleball!

Tennis has been a lifelong passion for me, but about three years ago, the magnetic allure of pickleball caught my attention. Intrigued and motivated to spread my love for this sport, I pursued PPR certification and embarked on a teaching journey that has now spanned over a year. My teaching endeavors have seen me conducting numerous classes, reaching out to hundreds of players at various levels of expertise, all within the welcoming environment of the YMCA. Pickleball is more than a game; it's a community, a vibrant connection of enthusiasts coming together to enjoy the thrill of the sport. As a dedicated instructor, my mission is to share this excitement and the skills that make the game enjoyable for players of all backgrounds and levels. My goal is to contribute to the growth of pickleball and help individuals discover the joy of this engaging and dynamic sport.

"I love James! Best coach for a newbie like me.

As a seasoned pickleball coach with a focus on integrating the physical and mental dimensions of the game, I specialize in helping players develop fundamental techniques and elevate their pickleball IQ. With over 5 years of coaching and playing experience, I've refined my skills alongside top players, deepening my understanding of the game and enhancing my coaching expertise. Holding the highest certification from the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association, I'm dedicated to unlocking each player's full potential and fostering the growth of pickleball at every level. Let's step onto the court together and take your game to new heights.

Fueling court confidence is my mission! With 3 years of experience and college coaching expertise, I help players of all levels sharpen their pickleball skills. Expect focused, fun sessions designed to elevate your game. I'm a certified pickleball coach known for clear instruction, smart strategy, and an encouraging teaching style. With a background in competitive play and years of coaching athletes of all ages, I focus on building strong fundamentals while helping players develop confidence and court IQ. I believe the game should be both competitive and fun. Whether teaching beginners or advancing tournament players, I blend technical coaching with a fun, motivating experience on every court. For the new recreational players, I help them feel comfortable on the court while learning practical skills they can use right away. With upbeat energy and easy-to-follow coaching, I create a relaxed environment where improvement feels natural- and laughter is always part of the session. For advanced levels, and those seeking a competitive edge, I'm a high-performance pickleball coach focused on developing technically sound, mentally tough, match-ready athletes. With experience competing and coaching at advanced levels, I bring deep strategic insight into footwork, shot selection, and pressure play. Players work with me to sharpen competitive instincts, elevate consistency, and build habits required for tournament success. For those that are more technique driven, I specialize in refining form, footwork, and efficiency on the court. With a strong background in sports movement and biomechanics, I help players develop smoother strokes, better balance, and smarter shot mechanics. Lessons focus on quality repetition, precision, and building a durable skill foundation. A. Beginner Lesson Structure (60 minutes) 1. Warm Up (5 min) - Light movement + paddle contact basics 2. Grip & Stance Fundamentals (5 min) 3. Dinking Technique & Control (15 min) 4. Volleys & Kitchen Rules (10 min) 5. Serve + Return Basics (10 min) 6. Mini-Game/Controlled Rally (10 min) 7. Q&A + Take-Home Drills (5 min) B. Intermediate Lesson Structure (75 minutes) 1. Dynamic Warmup (5 min) 2. Third Shot Options: Drop vs Drive (15 min) 3. Transition Zone Footwork (15 min) 4. Net Play Patterns (Dink to Attack) (15 min) 5. Situational Drills (10 min) 6. Live Point Play With Coaching (15 min) C. Advanced/Competitive Training (90 min) 1. Athletic Warmup + Reaction Drills (10 min) 2. Third-Shot Pressure Drills (15 min) 3. Speed-Up/Counterattack Training (15 min) 4. Doubles Pattern Work (15 min) 5. Defensive Reset Mastery (15 min) 6. Live Points & Strategy Coaching (20 min) D. Group Clinic Format (4-12 players) -Station-Based Drills: serving, dinking, drops, volleys -Rotating Partners: build chemistry & adaptability -Challenge Courts: king/queen of the court -End-of-Clinic Mini Tournament E. Private Lesson Flow 1. Player Evaluation & Goals 2. Customized technical work 3. Game-situational practice 4. Personalized improvement plan

With five years of pickleball instruction, I foster a supportive yet challenging environment for all skill levels. I’m dedicated to helping you unlock your potential and elevate your game with tailored strategies and techniques. Let's refine your skills and have fun!

"He was very professional in teaching and kept the entire 1h lesson with a lot of fun so that I never felt tired or bored. The beginner lessons from him were definitely worth it.