33 Pickleball coaches & instructors for lessons in Watchung, NJ

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!

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.

I’ve been playing for over five years, and my passion for the game has only grown stronger. Each year has brought new challenges and opportunities for improvement, fueling my desire to excel. I love sharing my knowledge with others and helping them develop their skills as well.

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

Level 2 Certified Pickleball Instructor | DUPR Coach Charles Famulare is a PCI Level 2 Certified Pickleball Instructor and DUPR Coach dedicated to helping players elevate their game in today’s evolving pickleball landscape. He has trained over 100 players through private lessons and clinics, working with youth and adult athletes from beginner to advanced levels. Charles emphasizes strong fundamentals, efficient footwork, smart positioning, and intentional shot selection, helping players adapt their style through improved dinks, drives, drops, body and paddle positioning, court awareness, and strategic decision-making. Specializing in beginner and intermediate development while also supporting advanced players, Charles uses a clear, engaging, and proven coaching approach to build consistency, confidence, and match-ready skills. He is a Paddle Fit Expert who has helped more than 60 players find the right paddle for their style of play, and an experienced Titan Pickleball Machine trainer, using structured machine sessions to improve reaction time, shot quality, and performance under pressure. With over 15 years of youth sports coaching experience, Charles delivers purposeful, results-driven training that helps players improve quickly and enjoy the game at a higher level. Train with purpose. Play with intention.

"Amazing clinic today. Thank you for the two hours of fun.

Discover the joy of pickleball! As an experienced player with two years of coaching, I bring a passion for the game and a knack for helping others elevate their skills, regardless of their starting point. Let's get on the court and have some fun while we play!

Fueled by a passion for pickleball and Basketball, I bring two years of coaching experience for Pickleball and 40 years of experience playing basketball to help players of all levels elevate their game. As an experienced player, I tailor my approach to ensure a fun, engaging, and effective learning environment.

"You won't regret choosing Shaan as your coach! He brings an amazing energy to every session. What stands out is how he blends his two years of pickleball coaching experience with his lifelong love for basketball – it gives him a really well-rounded perspective. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques, Shaan creates a fun, motivating, and incredibly effective learning experience. He's truly dedicated to helping you succeed."

As an experienced player with seven years of pickleball and 30+ yrs of tennis coaching experience, I bring a fun yet focused approach to learning and helping you elevate your game, no matter your skill level. Let's get you started, rallying with confidence and strategy! As an East Harlem resident, I use the E. 108St & 3rd Ave playground courts on Sat/Sun & wkdays 7:30am-12n (when public schools are closed). Schooldays: 8am-10am.