Private Pickleball Lessons & Coaches in Denville, NJ

Hello my name is Anthony and I am a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach! I got into pickleball last year and took to it fast, thanks to my tennis playing and coaching background. I have won medals locally and nationally. I recently won a Silver Medal in Men’s Singles at the Minto US Open Championships and a Bronze Medal at the APP New York City Open. I have also won a Bronze Medal in 4.0 Men’s Singles at a the Pickle Juice Spring Open. And won a Bronze Medal in 4.0 Men’s Doubles at the Monmouth County Cup. I am also a PTR Certified Tennis Professional (Level 2), an iTPA Certified Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT)-Tennis Fitness Certification and I am also Safe Sport Trained. I played USTA (United States Tennis Association) junior tennis where I had an 18 and Under Sectional Ranking in the Eastern Section. In addition, I am a former captain of the Colts Neck tennis team and I formerly played NCAA D3 tennis at Haverford College under Coach Sean Sloane. I have over 20 years of playing experience & 8 years teaching experience. I started playing pickleball Summer of 2023 and have quickly taken to it. I play and drill at least 3 times a week and I am really enjoying the sport. I have been able to parallel all of my tennis playing and coaching experience to pickleball and as a coach, I incorporate the proper progressions and drills as well as point play to help you with your game. I believe in positive reinforcement and keeping things educational, yet fun. I can help with your technical skills and tactics. I am offering fun private pickleball lessons, semi-private pickleball lessons, group pickleball lessons and hitting only sessions for all ages (kids, teens, adults, seniors) and for all skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). So whether you need to work on some specifics like your forehand, backhand, volley, serve, service return, overhead, drop shot (dink), approach shot, footwork, singles strategy or doubles strategy-I would be happy to help you with your game!

"I loved how hands-on Anthony was during the lesson. It was great to learn a lot while actively playing. The session felt engaging and full of useful tips. If you’re thinking about improving your pickleball skills, I’d definitely recommend giving Anthony’s lessons a try. You’ll get plenty of practice and personal attention to help you grow.

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.

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.

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

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.

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."