Learn Tennis with Yochana
😊80
💰$75 weekly lessons
Unleash your potential with a coach who’s played and competed at every level! I’ve been playing tennis for 16 years and was ranked among the top 20 juniors in Canada before competing in NCAA tennis throughout college. I'm a certified coach with experience teaching both kids and adults—from private lessons to summer camps. I also lead a biannual tennis program for children with autism spectrum disorder, and I’m dedicated to meeting each player’s unique needs while building skills, confidence, and a love for the game.
Background checked
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
😊80 Happy student score
🏅College Player
🔥5 Lessons
⭐️Awarded most singles wins on the leadership board for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Spring Seasons on the Caltech Women’s Tennis Team (NCAA). Competed in over 40 tennis matches in the SCIAC league as a singles and doubles player for Caltech’s Division III tennis team. Also successfully ran a non-profit program that teaches tennis to children with autism spectrum disorder, located at the Caltech Athenaeum. Successfully ran this program from 2022-2025, forming an engaging community for over 25 children and 45 volunteers.
As a player, I'm rated:
🎾 8.2UTR
Reviews
Total reviews5
Average rating
5.0
Meher Banik
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 6
Super fun and really got me engaged in tennis and wanting to continue!
Simon Hu
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 5
Very patient and good at explaining the basic concepts of tennis to someone with no experience!
Sam Small
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 4
Improved my forehand immensely in just one session! Very patient, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic throughout our sessions as well :)
Jana Woo
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 4
Helped me make contact with the ball for the first time! Loved getting on the court with her
Maxwell Chen
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 2
Great coach! Greatly improved my serve accuracy and helped me with my footwork.
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:6 courts available
Pasadena City College
1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106
1964.4 miles awayOutdoors
Lacy Park
1485 Virginia Rd
1965.1 miles awayOutdoors
Blair High School
200 Allendale Rd, Pasadena, CA 91106
1966.3 miles awayOutdoors
Central Park
275 S Raymond Ave
1966 miles awayOutdoors
Grant Park
232 South Michigan Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
1964.8 miles awayOutdoors
Allendale Park
1130 South Marengo Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
1966.2 miles awayOutdoors
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonIn the first lesson, the focus is on making kids feel excited and confident on the court while laying the groundwork for future development. After a quick dynamic warm-up that includes jumping jacks, arm circles, and a fun game of "Balloon Rally"—where kids use their rackets to keep balloons in the air—we transition to basic racquet and ball handling. Kids learn to bounce the ball up and down on their racket in a drill called "Bump-Ups and Tap-Downs," which builds hand-eye coordination and introduces them to the proper grip using the "handshake grip" (Eastern forehand). Then we introduce the forehand with the “Drop, Hit, Catch” drill, where the coach drops the ball, the student swings, and a partner or coach catches it, emphasizing the fundamentals: sideways stance, eye on the ball, and a low-to-high swing path. To keep energy high and reinforce court movement, we play "Spider Run," where kids sprint to touch cones placed around the court and return to center. We finish with a simple and silly game like “Target Toss,” where kids toss balls into hula hoops to simulate aiming, wrapping up with a reflection circle to let students share what they enjoyed and learned.
Lesson 11+Once foundational strokes are in place, lessons beyond the tenth focus on deepening game awareness, improving consistency, and helping kids enjoy competitive play. Sessions begin with full-court movement drills like “Serve and Step In,” where kids serve and then prepare for a short ball. Rallying drills now include combinations like “Serve + 1,” which trains students to hit a forehand after serving and encourages early point control. Net play gets more dynamic with “Net Rush,” where kids hit a short ball and then approach the net for a volley. We also introduce decision-making with “Two-Touch Rally,” where students must hit the ball and then run to a cone or touch the net before the next shot, building anticipation and recovery habits. Regular “Mini Match Days” become a staple, allowing students to play short matches with light coaching—this is where scoring, sportsmanship, and tactics are reinforced. By this stage, kids should feel confident starting points, recovering between shots, and enjoying the rhythm of structured games. Feedback is individualized, and the focus becomes refining personal strengths while encouraging fun and self-confidence.
Lesson 4-10In this stage, we deepen stroke mechanics while introducing volleys, serving fundamentals, and directional control. Each lesson still begins with a warm-up that combines movement and focus—like cone relays or mini-obstacle courses—but now the emphasis shifts to blending skills into sequences. For example, we’ll add volley instruction by teaching how to keep the racquet head up, use short punches, and meet the ball in front of the body with a drill like “Catch and Volley,” where the coach tosses the ball and the student volleys into a hula hoop target. Serves are introduced through "Serve Toss Ladder,” where kids aim for consistent toss height and gradually add swing motion. Rally structure becomes more complex: drills like “Four Corners Rally” encourage hitting to specific court zones, and “Hit and Move” teaches students to return to the center after each shot. Around Lesson 9 or 10, we introduce simple point play using red or orange balls on a mini court. Students learn how to start points with a serve, rally, and call the score, often using simplified rules such as "first to 5 points, no advantage." These lessons foster independence and prepare students for real match scenarios.
Lesson 2-3In the next two lessons, we reinforce forehand mechanics while introducing the backhand and helping students understand basic rally concepts. Each session begins with a high-energy warm-up like “Footwork Freeze Tag,” which builds agility and teaches the ready position with a split-step. Ladder drills or cone zigzags further enhance footwork. We continue developing forehands through the "Red Light, Green Light" drill—where kids swing only when told to—to help them pause, check form, and internalize movement cues. Backhands are introduced in a similar way to forehands, starting with "Drop Hit Backhands" that emphasize a two-handed grip and step-in movement. As students grow more comfortable, we introduce cooperative rally skills using the “Roll and Rally” drill: kids roll the ball with a forehand swing to a partner’s racket across a mini-net, promoting timing and placement. Each lesson wraps with a confidence-building game like “King/Queen of the Court,” where students rotate in to rally with the coach and try to win a short point.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonIn the first advanced one-on-one session, the goal is to assess the player’s baseline mechanics, footwork efficiency, and tactical instincts. After a dynamic warm-up including resistance band work, carioca, and side-to-side shadow swings, we jump into live feeds to evaluate stroke mechanics under light pressure. I use a “Baseline Consistency and Depth” drill, where the player must hit alternating cross-court and down-the-line forehands and backhands with targets placed deep in the corners. This helps diagnose balance, weight transfer, and contact point habits. We then move into “Approach-Decision Live Feeds,” where I feed balls to challenge the player’s shot selection (drive vs. slice approach, direction of approach). We end with a “7-Ball Pattern Drill” where the player executes a point simulation: rally shot, wide ball, inside-out forehand, and transition. I offer real-time corrections on recovery steps, split timing, and racquet preparation. The goal isn’t to overwhelm with fixes, but to identify two priority focus areas (e.g., late prep on backhand, inefficient split step on defense) that we’ll develop over time.
Lesson 11+Now that technical habits are solidified, the emphasis shifts to polishing the player’s competitive identity. Lessons begin with high-intensity interval hitting—“Four Corner Combos” and “Serve + Inside-In/Inside-Out” sequences to elevate cardio and racquet speed. We simulate tournament scenarios with scoreboard drills like “Sudden Death Deuce,” “Down 0–30,” or “Tiebreak Simulator,” where the player practices executing favorite patterns under score-based stress. I emphasize rituals, breathing techniques, and changeover composure—what I call “mental signatures”—that help athletes reset during matches. Customized patterns are reinforced: whether it's a strong cross-court forehand game or an early net-rusher identity, we refine these into repeatable point-starting blueprints. These lessons often include scouting prep for upcoming opponents, reviewing match footage, and even visualization exercises to help the player mentally rehearse their strategy. I incorporate match play with on-court coaching and post-match reflection to ensure continuous adaptation. By this stage, the player should be competing with awareness, resilience, and a sense of purpose in every shot.
Lesson 4-10At this stage, the focus shifts to executing patterns under match-like intensity. Every session begins with a “Serve + First Ball” drill to build pressure tolerance. We alternate between serving to targets and live return scenarios, emphasizing second-serve aggression and body serve placement. One of my favorite drills here is “3-Ball Live Points”: the player begins with a serve, then we play out three consecutive points, changing sides and score conditions to mimic match flow. To refine court coverage, I use the “Red Zone Drill,” where feeds are placed in the forecourt and the player must react with aggressive footwork and decision-making—either attacking or defending with controlled depth. To enhance mental toughness, we do “12-Ball Rallies to Win a Point,” where the player must rally 12 shots before trying to win the point, training patience and control. These sessions also incorporate structured match analysis—pausing to discuss why a particular shot or court decision succeeded or failed. By Lesson 10, the player should be fluidly switching gears between baseline defense, net play, and counter-attacks.
Lesson 2-3Lessons two and three zero in on advanced shot patterns and variety. We begin with short-court topspin rallies to re-establish rhythm, progressing quickly into “Pattern Plus One” drills. For example, the player hits two cross-courts, one down-the-line, and then reacts to a random live ball, simulating the transition from structured rallying into open play. I emphasize depth control, using cones or ropes to segment the court and keep the player mindful of margins. To build offensive versatility, we layer in “Mid-Court Neutralizer” drills—balls fed at shoulder height just inside the baseline—forcing the player to decide between drive, heavy topspin, or drop shot. We also introduce more aggressive net play with “Transition Volley Patterns,” where the player hits an approach, then practices closing in and volleying to a target under time constraints. Each lesson ends with a 10-minute situational point play, where the player starts the point with a disadvantage (e.g., a defensive wide ball or second serve return) and has to turn the point around. Video is often used during these lessons to show court positioning, patterns, and to promote tactical self-awareness.
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen working with kids, especially those under 10, I focus on fun, imagination, and foundational movement. I adapt my lessons by building games that teach tennis through play—rather than giving verbal instruction-heavy drills, I use activities like “Red Light, Green Light” for split step timing, or “Treasure Hunt” to teach racquet control by having them rally balls into cones or hoops. I simplify terminology (“bounce and hit” instead of “split step and swing”), and I offer tons of praise to build confidence and engagement. Equipment also matters—I often use lower compression balls and shorter racquets to match their developmental stage, and I keep the court size smaller to help them succeed early. Most importantly, I make each child feel seen and valued, using short 1:1 moments in each lesson to celebrate small wins and encourage persistence. My goal is to help them fall in love with the game while naturally building coordination, footwork, and stroke familiarity.
Working with teenagersTeenagers are at a unique intersection of developing physical ability and growing self-awareness. I adapt my lessons for teens by striking a balance between structured skill-building and personal ownership of their improvement. I explain whya drill matters—for example, when we work on high, heavy topspin shots, I’ll relate it to how pros use it tactically, then let them try it themselves. I also create space for dialogue, asking teens how a drill feels or what they noticed during a point. This helps them think critically and invest in their development. I tailor drills to their level of motivation—whether they're training for competition or playing for enjoyment—and I introduce match-play situations early to help them develop on-court decision-making. With teenagers, I’m also mindful of confidence: I try to provide feedback that’s technical but encouraging, using video or self-reflection to help them see their progress. Teen athletes thrive when they feel trusted, respected, and challenged—and I shape every lesson with those values in mind.
What you need to bringTheir own tennis racket and shoes
What I can bringTennis balls, warm-up equipment, fitness materials
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!
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