Private Lessons & Coaches in River Vale, NJ

I'm a passionate tennis player and coach who focuses on helping players improve quickly, build confidence, and actually enjoy the game. While I didn't compete at a high level, I've spent years playing, studying technique, and developing a practical understanding of what helps players get better efficiently. I specialize in working with beginners and intermediate players - breaking down strokes into simple, easy-to-apply concepts and helping you build consistency, footwork, and match confidence

Starting playing golf at age of 18 at Spook Rock golf course. From there starting taking lessons at The Tuxedo Club where I worked for a friend and mentor Dave Carazo. In that time frame qualified for 2 Met Amateurs. That lead me to become a golf professional in that time frame spent 12 years in the Met PGA section and became a member of the PGA 2001. After that spent time in both Philly and New Jersey section where I currently reside. Recently I worked at Golf Galaxy of East Hanover as a golf instructor and club fitter for 5 plus years. Through my career I have taken lessons from Top 100 instructors such as Brad Redding, Mike Bender, Todd Sones and Stan Utley. Caddied at a club called Lost Tree Club where had the chance to play with tour players and caddie for Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

"He had drills for all my problems

In less than a year, Amanda went from a novice pickleball player to a pickleball pro – and you can too! Amanda has 1,100+ hours of coaching experience and has taught over 1,000 people how to play pickleball. She is PCI, RPO, RPPk/DUPR L2 and SafeSport certified and coaches at several pickleball venues in NYC (indoor and outdoor). Amanda’s sweet spot for teaching is beginners and advanced beginners who want to move up to intermediate and advanced play, including tennis players new to pickleball. With Amanda's guidance, you can expect not only valuable insights and quick tips to enhance your performance and win more points, but also to have a lot of fun in the process. If needed, sessions can also incorporate a focus on reviewing and mastering the fundamentals since a strong foundation is essential for long-term improvement in pickleball. To top it off, Amanda is also a great listener, so pickleball lessons will always be tailored to your goals and needs. Note: The court fee for Gotham Tues/Thur is $80/hr. Reach out with any questions! About Amanda: Outside of pickleball, Amanda is a former finance executive, with an MBA from Kellogg (Northwestern), a BA in Art History from Barnard (Columbia), and her CFA. She’s also an aspiring song writer and author.

"I’ve had a few lessons with Amanda now and have felt myself get better after each one. Very focused and productive. She has a super sharp eye for what needs tweaking and gives super helpful in the moment feedback that clicks. She makes the game very approachable for beginners.

I am 25 years of age with an AAS Degree in Sports MG and continuing with my BAS degree in Sports MG. I started playing pop warner football at 8 years old. I played high-school varsity in Yonkers NY for Gorton High school all 4 years and graduated in 2019. I continued to JUCO football in New Rochelle, NY at Monroe College/ University as a WR, where I graduated with my Associates of Applied Science degree in 2022. After that I was offered a scholarship to play NAIA out in Olathe,KS for MNU where I transitioned to defense and played CB/Star/Safety. As of now I have my transcripts to continue towards my BAS degree with 117 credits and 2.8 GPA. In the meantime I am in the process of becoming a certified personal trainer to better my knowledge of training myself/peers to establish my career.

"Really coachable and eager to learn more.

Born in China and I came to the US when I was 15. I joined local swim team in Beijing when I was 7, I won 6 first place in regional competition when I was 12. I started playing basketball at 13, at the same time, I was recommended by middle school coach to run track, 100 meter, 200 meter, 300 hurdle, 4x100 and 4x400. In 2018 I was in the state meet competing. I was not the most physically gifted runner so I had to study the forms, techniques. I love the game of basketball and I experienced basketball from both cultures. I played JV in middle school and Varsity in High school, I played shooting guard position. Being not the most physically gifted, I had to work extra hard on my skills, understanding the game. I truly believe coaching track, swimming, basketball or any sports is bigger/more than just teaching youngsters the skills, it’s about life, lessons we learn from playing sports, spending time and energy to understand each other and one self. With 14 years of basketball instruction, I cultivate skills and passion on the court. I provide tailored coaching and unlock player potential through expert guidance and personalized training. I foster a positive and focused environment.

As a writer who has written books and screenplays and copywriting skills, I'm equipped to help almost any type of writing better convey what your story, message or argument. My focus will be to unleash your personal writing style. Together we will look at your work, critique it honestly, and then develop it into something you'll be immensely proud of. I believe that education should be fun and tailored to your interests. So I can promise we will have a good time.

Pickleball is meant to be a fun game! We'll have some fun, get better at the skills you want to, and I'll be able to provide additional instruction based on what I see in your game. I combine technical precision with patient, encouraging instruction. With 2 years of teaching experience, I deliver tailored lessons in footwork, shot selection and court awareness to help players progress confidently and enjoy the game. Let's have some fun!

Passionate Pickleball player and coach. PPR certified and experienced in pickleball and soccer coaching instruction at league level. Specializing in coaching players of all ages and levels. Motivated by the gratitude of students and parents. Let's refine your game together!

"Will was very patient and a great instructor.

Former Professional Baseball Pitcher Cincinnati Reds

"Pitches at Dominican College

With five years of pickleball instruction, I foster a supportive yet challenging environment for all skill levels. I’m dedicated to helping you unlock your potential and elevate your game with tailored strategies and techniques. Let's refine your skills and have fun!

"He was very professional in teaching and kept the entire 1h lesson with a lot of fun so that I never felt tired or bored. The beginner lessons from him were definitely worth it.