Play Tennis at Central Middle School

I'm a passionate tennis enthusiast with experience training & teaching players of all levels, from beginners to advanced high performers. I've coached two high school boys' teams and a women's travel team, and I've competed at the collegiate level and at the 5.0 USTA level Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to elevate your game, tennis is truly a sport for life. My goal is to help players discover the joy, confidence, and discipline that come from the game. Through a blended learning approach, I focus on developing both cognitive and technical skills so you can improve faster and play smarter. Together we can set goals, push past obstacles, while always having fun. Being fully present.

"I’ve noticed a real difference since working with John, his attention to detail and ability to understand exactly what I need have made me much more confident on the court. I still have goals to work toward, but with John’s help, I am definitely moving into the right direction. If you’re thinking about taking a lesson, I highly recommend John - his coaching can truly help you refine your game and see progress fast.

I teach tennis lessons to anyone and everyone. Never touched a racket? No problem! Do you want to go up a level, make the high school team, or be able to play with friends? Kids, high schoolers, adults, couples, and groups. I love tennis! USPTA level 2 Certified, Tennis Serve Specialist. Worked with Rick Macci (coach of 5 world #1 ones including Williams sisters and Andy Roddick), Jose Higuras (head of U.S. high performance program), Jeff Salzsentein (former top 100 player), Hans Podlipnik (Wimbledon QFist), and many others. Head high school coach for 11 years, active tournament player, patient teacher. Passionate about helping underserved kids throughout Seattle learn tennis and have organized and connected with many initiatives to do so. My goal is to help you achieve your goals whether that be improving technique or beginning to learn to play. To that extent, I am fairly flexible in my approach. For beginners, I focus on technique, proper grips, and generating topspin. To do this, I focus on hand feeding a lot of balls early on to develop proper technique and to train the muscle memory. Specifically, I teach a semi-western forehand, two-handed backhand, volley fundamentals, split stepping, proper footwork and serve mechanics. I also work with students who have one-handed backhands. I am a big believer in putting in a lot of time on the serve. For more experienced players, I will work with you to either identify areas for improvement or to work on areas you’ve identified you would like to improve.

"Irvin was patient and helpful with a beginning student, and we look forward to working with him more in the future.

From my early experience in the sport of Tennis I have learned that teaching must be promoted from discipline and the joy of competing. I started playing since a was very young until l became a player with international projection, managing to be ranked 180 ITF juniors, participate in Olympic and Central American cycles, especially in the world-famous Davis Cup, adding some professional ITF tournaments alongside, where the best athletes in this sport are measured. Simultaneously, I reached a Major in THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO and played for the team, from there I have been able to experience the teaching of tennis, now I aspire to put all my experience, knowledge and preparation at the service of the community and young people who find in sports and tennis a healthy and productive lifestyle. I have a very high level of commitment on the court, especially with early stages of learning tennis, I promote discipline as a key tool in learning. I really like to work on the mechanics of the forehand, backhand, key tool in learning. I really like to work on the mechanics of the forehand, backhand, volley, serve, slice, footwork, and the shape of the ball. I have been worked with adults & juniors of all levels.

"I’ve known Rafael since I was little, we are both from Venezuela and same age. I witnessed him starting his whole process as a tennis player even before he jumped into international tournaments, I am very lucky to be his first lesson ever. Somehow it was funny since he was coaching me with 15 years old, back then, I knew that being on the court with him will give me a good energy and vibe, he taught me what to do before matches and after matches, taught me different routines during the matches and some technical stuff. I truly recommend Rafael, no because he’s a good friend of mine, because of his dedication and love for the game.

I have been playing tennis for the last 20 years. I played in Highschool and in College while coaching for 7 years during that time as well. Since graduating, I have continued to play the sport I love, and now want to help shape the next generation.

Enthusiastic tennis coach with a strong dedication to fostering athletic development and a passion for the game. Committed to promoting sportsmanship and positive learning environment, with deep knowledge of tennis techniques acquired while playing at junior and college tennis level. My goal is to help not only young tennis enthusiast but diverse age groups the nuance of this beautiful game.