Learn Tennis with John
⭑4.9 (29)
😊89
💰$100 weekly lessons
As a former professional Tennis coach in Australia, I've become widely recognized as one of the best tennis coaches around the country. I've also played at the highest level and am a Pan Pacific and Australian Masters champion in both singles and doubles and a recent winner of the Oregon senior games. Now residing in L.A. I bring a wealth of expertise tailored for everyone - from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. I'm a Certified PTR Professional Coach and very passionate about this amazing game. I'm here to refine your skills and boost your enjoyment and love for the game. I am President of the newly formed World Tennis Association LLC and the founder of Modified Tennis to keep less mobile players in the game longer. I also have a YouTube channel called Professional Tennis TV John Gill.
Background checked
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
😊89 Happy student score
🏅Pro Athlete
📝TPA Certified
🎓49 years playing
🔥106 Lessons
⭐️Tennis coaches Australia qualified coach
Reviews
Total reviews29
Average rating
4.93
Andrea O.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 1
AMAZING COACH!!! So sweet and patient!! Was early and ready to go and very accommodating! My first lesson, but I felt like I learned so much!!
Peter
Lessons taken: 1
John is a great coach! I hadn’t played in decades, so John got me back in the game by taking me step-by-step through the fundamentals and training me on proper form. I feel much improved and more confident after only one lesson, and am looking forward to continuing to advance under John’s coaching.
Peter L.
Lessons taken: 1
John is a great coach! I hadn’t played in decades, so John got me back in the game by taking me step-by-step through the fundamentals and training me on proper form. I feel much improved and more confident after only one lesson, and am looking forward to continuing to advance under John’s coaching.
Richelle D.
Lessons taken: 1
John was amazing! He helped me feel really comfortable and relaxed - he has great, positive energy and he's very patient. He helped me get back in the swing of things ;) Highly recommend.
Jackie T.
Lessons taken: 1
I highly recommend John to anyone looking to improve their tennis game. He is professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about his students' progress.
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:8 courts available
Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center
3900 Lampson Avenue, Seal Beach, CA 90740, USA
1973.7 miles awayOutdoors
La Mirada Community Regional Park
13701 Adelfa Dr, La Mirada, CA 90638, USA
1964.7 miles awayOutdoors
Tennis Court Seal Beach
1698 Bolsa Avenue
1973.7 miles awayOutdoors
Charles Wilson Park Torrance
Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
1983.7 miles awayOutdoors
Chapman Sports Park
11700 Knott Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841, USA
1967.9 miles awayOutdoors
Private Tennis Court in Gated Community
2651 Indian Creek Road, Diamond Bar, CA, USA
1952.5 miles awayOutdoors
Mayfair Park
5720 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712, USA
1972.6 miles awayOutdoors
McGaugh Elementary School
1698 Bolsa Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740, United States
1973.6 miles awayOutdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
10 AM - 6 PM
mondays
10 AM - 7 PM
tuesdays
10 AM - 7 PM
wednesdays
10 AM - 7 PM
thursdays
10 AM - 7 PM
fridays
10 AM - 7 PM
saturdays
10 AM - 6 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson
JOHN GILL 10-lesson plan for a beginner tennis player. Each lesson builds on the previous one, focusing on fundamentals, technique, and gameplay.
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Tennis & Basic Rules
Understanding the court layout (baseline, service boxes, alleys).
Learning the basic rules (scoring, faults, lets).
Introduction to tennis equipment (grip types, racket selection).
Warm-up exercises and footwork drills.
Lesson 2: Grip & Forehand Basics
Demonstrate the Eastern and Semi-Western grip.
Learn the correct forehand stance and swing motion.
Practice hitting slow balls to develop consistency.
Forehand rally drill with a partner or coach.
Lesson 3: Backhand Technique
Introduce two-handed and one-handed backhand grips.
Focus on backhand footwork and swing path.
Shadow swings and controlled backhand shots.
Backhand rally drill.
Lesson 4: Serving Fundamentals
Breakdown of continental grip for serves.
Learning the toss and proper body alignment.
Practicing slow-motion serves for accuracy.
Serve-and-catch drill with a partner.
Lesson 5: Return of Serve & Reaction Drills
Understanding how to return a serve effectively.
Practicing split-step and quick reaction movements.
Light return drills using underhand serves.
Playing return games to improve reflexes.
Lesson 6: Net Play & Volleys
Understanding forehand and backhand volleys.
Proper net positioning and footwork.
Volley drills focusing on control and placement.
Mini-net games to improve hand-eye coordination.
Lesson 7: Overhead Smash & Lobs
Learning the proper technique for overhead smashes.
Practicing lobs and defensive positioning.
Combining overheads and lobs in rally drills.
Playing points focusing on net play.
Lesson 8: Movement & Footwork Drills
Developing lateral and diagonal movement.
Practicing recovery steps after shots.
Speed and agility drills (ladder drills, cone drills).
Rally exercises incorporating movement focus.
Lesson 9: Basic Match Play & Strategy
Understanding offensive vs. defensive play styles.
Learning shot selection and positioning.
Playing short sets with guided coaching.
Implementing strategy in point play.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Evaluation
Playing a full match with scoring.
Reviewing strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting personal goals for continued progress
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Lesson 11+How to play Singles and Doubles with correct strategy and shot selection.
Lesson 4-10
Lesson 4: Serving Fundamentals
Breakdown of continental grip for serves.
Learning the toss and proper body alignment.
Practicing slow-motion serves for accuracy.
Serve-and-catch drill with a partner.
Lesson 5: Return of Serve & Reaction Drills
Understanding how to return a serve effectively.
Practicing split-step and quick reaction movements.
Light return drills using underhand serves.
Playing return games to improve reflexes.
Lesson 6: Net Play & Volleys
Understanding forehand and backhand volleys.
Proper net positioning and footwork.
Volley drills focusing on control and placement.
Mini-net games to improve hand-eye coordination.
Lesson 7: Overhead Smash & Lobs
Learning the proper technique for overhead smashes.
Practicing lobs and defensive positioning.
Combining overheads and lobs in rally drills.
Playing points focusing on net play.
Lesson 8: Movement & Footwork Drills
Developing lateral and diagonal movement.
Practicing recovery steps after shots.
Speed and agility drills (ladder drills, cone drills).
Rally exercises incorporating movement focus.
Lesson 9: Basic Match Play & Strategy
Understanding offensive vs. defensive play styles.
Learning shot selection and positioning.
Playing short sets with guided coaching.
Implementing strategy in point play.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Evaluation
Playing a full match with scoring.
Reviewing strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting personal goals for continued progress.
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Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Grip & Forehand Basics
Demonstrate the Eastern and Semi-Western grip.
Learn the correct forehand stance and swing motion.
Practice hitting slow balls to develop consistency.
Forehand rally drill with a partner or coach.
Lesson 3: Backhand Technique
Introduce two-handed and one-handed backhand grips.
Focus on backhand footwork and swing path.
Shadow swings and controlled backhand shots.
Backhand rally drill.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonJohn Gill 10-lesson coaching plan for intermediate to advanced tennis players, focusing on refining technique, strategy, and match play.
Lesson 1: Advanced Stroke Mechanics
Fine-tune forehand and backhand technique (grip, swing path, follow-through).
Work on topspin and slice variations.
Lesson 11+Advanced Match Play Strategy and play.
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Net Play & Volleys
Advanced volley technique (low volleys, high volleys, half-volleys).
Overhead smashes and anticipation drills.
Approach shot and transition to the net.
Lesson 5: Tactical Match Play – Baseline Game
Constructing points from the baseline.
Shot selection and depth control.
Defense-to-offense transition.
Lesson 6: Tactical Match Play – Net Game & Doubles Strategy
Approaching the net effectively.
Poaching and positioning in doubles.
Using angles to finish points.
Lesson 7: Mental Toughness & Pressure Play
Handling pressure situations (breakpoints, tie-breakers).
Visualization and focus techniques.
Developing a strong, competitive mindset.
Lesson 8: Customizing Play Style & Opponent Analysis
Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.
Adapting to different play styles (aggressive baseliner, counterpuncher, serve-and-volley).
Identifying and exploiting opponent weaknesses.
Lesson 9: Endurance & Match Fitness
High-intensity drills for stamina.
Strength and flexibility training for injury prevention.
Recovery strategies and nutrition tips.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Review
Simulated match with tactical application.
In-depth review of shot selection, movement, and decision-making.
Goal setting for continued improvement.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Footwork & Court Movement
Agility drills (ladder, cone, split-step timing).
Movement patterns for baseline play and net approaches.
Recovery positioning after each shot.
Lesson 3: Serve & Return Mastery
Perfecting first and second serves (kick, slice, flat).
Effective return strategies (deep returns, attacking weak serves).
Serve placement drills for accuracy and consistency.
What you need to bringWear comfortable sports wear including tennis shoes , a hat and a bottle of water.
What I can bringI provide all the balls and have spare tennis racquets for you to use for the lesson plus a discount on racquets if you need to purchase one.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
JG
Tennis with John Gill⭑ 4.9 (29 reviews)