Private Lessons & Coaches in San Rafael, CA

Note: most lessons will need to be booked a week out to ensure courts are available I'm a USTA 4.5 tennis player and a 4.0 PPR Certified Coach who has been playing pickleball for 5 years and teaching for the past three years. I've taught students who have never had a paddle in their hands, as well as students at the 3.5/4.0 pickleball level. I love teaching tennis players the differences in the game and the adjustments that need to be made.

"Lisa is fantastic! I just wanted a few lessons to brush up on the fundamentals. Lisa quickly diagnosed exactly what I needed to focus on, and we made tremendous progress. Now I feel so much more confident on the pickleball court!

Mahdi Hentati, an esteemed tennis coach originating from Sfax, Tunisia, is a distinguished graduate with a degree in Physical Education, specializing in Tennis from L’Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Sfax. Commencing his tennis journey at the age of 8, Mahdi has earned national recognition through his dedicated participation in competitive tennis. His coaching ethos revolves around a personalized approach, acknowledging individual paces and motivations, thereby creating an environment where players can comfortably and effectively realize their maximum potential. Beyond the physical dimensions of the sport, Mahdi perceives sports as a conduit to a healthier lifestyle, imparting crucial lessons in self-discipline and empowerment. Throughout his illustrious career, Mahdi’s unwavering commitment to coaching is fueled by a genuine passion for pedagogy and the immense satisfaction derived from assisting diverse individuals in achieving their athletic and personal aspirations. His coaching philosophy transcends conventional boundaries, embodying a holistic approach that extends far beyond the confines of the tennis court. Mahdi Hentati stands as a testament to the transformative impact of sports in shaping the lives of those he guides.

"The lesson with Mahdi was quite good, and I appreciated the focus on specific drills that helped improve my consistency. Though I’m still working on my serve, I feel more comfortable with basic rallying now. It’s encouraging, and I’d consider trying another lesson to build on this progress.

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.

****NOTE: FOR EVERY ADULT SESSION, A SOLANO COUNTY JR RECEIVES A FREE SESSION**** For the past 20 years, I have been coaching and instructing many of the top golfers in Solano County. I firmly believe that "great players make great coaches." Here are some of my esteemed references: Aaron Beverly: Aaron has competed on the PGA, APGA, and Canadian Tours. During his time at Sac State, he broke numerous records and has won on the APGA Tour. He holds several course records, including a 59 at Rancho Murieta. Easton Hether: Currently a sophomore at Cal State East Bay, Easton has already secured first-place finishes in tournaments and was named the 2023 Conference Freshman of the Year. Anthony Del Dotto: A Class A PGA Professional and graduate of PGA/PGM New Mexico State, where he was a Jones Cup Champion. Mark Mills: Operations Manager at Jelly Belly. Mark improved from shooting over 100 to breaking 90 in just months through dedication to my 'Five Keys Method.' Although I now coach part-time, I have spent the past 20 years coaching and instructing for The City of Fairfield, Holy Spirit Middle School, and most recently, the Vacaville High Bulldogs. More than 10 of my students have gone on to play at the college level. But one of my proudest accomplishments is every junior player I have coached that went on to play in high school made their varsity squad as freshmen. Throughout these two decades, I have developed "The Five Keys" method of rapid learning. While I have specialized in instructing juniors with aspirations to play at the highest level, this method is designed for players who cannot dedicate hours each day to practice. The Five Keys Method focuses on accelerating progress without requiring extensive practice time. The Five Keys has consistently proven its effectiveness over the years, and I take great satisfaction in helping golfers achieve their personal goals, whatever they may be.

"Getting a lesson with Thomas was quite helpful. The information he shared really clarified some swing mechanics for me, which I hadn't fully understood before. Though I still need to work on steadying my stroke, I’m hopeful I can improve further with a bit more practice. If you're considering it, I’d say, why not try a lesson like this?

Experienced Miami tennis coach with a tennis journey spanning over 25 years. Started playing at the young age of 3 and honed skills at UCLA for 2 years before transitioning to the professional circuit. Achieved an impressive ATP Pro Tour ranking of #119 in the world and secured 2nd round positions at prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open. With more than a decade of coaching under my belt, I'm dedicated to sharing my wealth of knowledge and expertise with aspiring tennis players.

"Dennis was a fantastic coach! I’ve tried many other coaches in the Bay Area and he is the only one that was actually a top ranked professional player. Many other claim to be but played 1 or 2 events and say they are. I learned more from Dennis in a month than I have with other coaches in a year.

Hey there! I'm Akash and I've been playing and teaching Pickleball for over 5 years now. I'm not only an experienced instructor, but also a 4.5 rated player. I love working with players of all levels, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills! I have been giving lesson to all kinds of players and am deeply committed to seeing that people have fun and fall in love with the game of Pickleball. My Coach - Tanner Tomassi What Can Pickleball Teach You about life? (See link below) https://teachme.to/blog/pickleball/what-will-pickleball-teach-you-about-life

"Great feedback and great energy!

With 30 years of experience nurturing voices, I empower students to unlock their full potential. As a concert performer, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you achieve your vocal goals, fostering both skill and artistry. Let's embark on a journey of musical discovery together! Meet Anna Lissa Jack, a talented singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and engineer and sometimes vocal coach from the San Francisco Bay Area. Anna has been singing and writing songs since she was a little girl. Her musical journey started at the Ephesians C.O.G.I.C in Berkeley, California, where she was pastored by the late Bishop EE Cleveland.  As she grew older, Anna developed a deep passion for harmony and experimenting with different vocal styles and musical genres. Anna’s talent really shone when she joined Castlemont High School’s Castleer’s. Under the guidance of the late great Phillip Lee Reeder, the Castleer’s became more than just a regular high school choir. He inspired many famous recording artists, who all credited Mr. Reeder for their musical journey. Some of Anna’s early musical influences include legendary artists like James Taylor, the Andrew Sisters, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Andre Crouch, the Matthew Sisters, Walter and Edwin Hawkins, the Jackson 5, Emotions, Carpenters, Carol King, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, The Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Bee Gees, Fifth Dimension, Switch, and many more. A close friend and brother, Larry Batiste, helped Anna get into AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Recording Artists) and introduced her to professional studio backup singing.  Anna has had the pleasure of working with many talented artists and has made a name for herself as a go to background singer.

Sushil is a sought-after coach and mentor, helping players of all levels unlock their full potential --teaches shot placement, strategy, smart play, and advanced racket skills. Sushil is a passionate and enthusiastic coach who customizes each session according to the skill level, play style, and goals of a player. Sushil is a former #1-ranked cricket player in the US and 🥈 silver medalist in badminton at the US Open Nationals, bringing the world-class athleticism to northern California Pickleball communities. Sushil has recently secured🏅 Gold medal at the San Diego USA Pickleball Tournament — a proven champion on the court. With a distinguished background in sports at the highest levels, Sushil brings a wealth of experience coupled with the strategic mindset and fastest hand-eye coordination to the pickleball. Sushil is a father of three athletic and academically successful boys and is a long term resident of Marin County. With 30+ years of success as an engineering professional in the Silicon Valley, Sushil brings a rare blend of discipline, commitment to excellence, versatility, and mentorship. Sushil is poised to make a significant impact as a coach and as a player and continue to inspire, teach and elevate the sport of pickleball in local communities.

"What sets my pickleball coach apart is his rare combination of elite athletic experience and analytical thinking. As a former badminton champion and an engineer, he understands how physics strategy and mechanics intersect on the court - and he explains it in a way that makes immediate sense. He quickly identifies what's happening in your stroke, clearly explains why it's happening, and shows you exactly how to fix it. He adapts his teaching to the individual player, which makes his coaching incredibly effective. I've gained both confidence and a deeper understanding of the game because of him.

For a decade, I've cultivated baseball talent, refining skills and fostering a love for the game. My coaching emphasizes strategic thinking and skillful execution. I will also help you get to whatever next level you would like to get too whether that be making an all star team at the youth level or making your high school team. Let's elevate your game together!

Kainoa Owens is a highly accomplished former professional soccer player. Born and raised in Hawaii & San Diego, Kainoa's passion for soccer began age four, leading him to pursue a professional career that spanned nearly a decade. Throughout his journey, he represented several prestigious clubs and garnered a wealth of experience, both on and off the field. In addition to his remarkable athletic achievements, Kainoa has encountered various injuries and recovery challenges along the way, allowing him to develop a deep understanding of the importance of functional movement and injury prevention. This firsthand experience has fueled his transition into the world of personal training, where he now shares his knowledge and expertise with clients seeking to improve their health and performance. As a seasoned athlete, Kainoa brings a unique perspective to his work as a personal trainer. His comprehensive approach to fitness emphasizes the significance of proper movement patterns, personalized exercise programs, and mental resilience – all key elements that have contributed to his own success as a professional athlete. With his extensive background in professional soccer and dedication to helping others achieve their wellness goals, Kainoa Owens is a highly sought-after personal trainer and an inspiring figure in the world of health and fitness.