Private Lessons & Coaches in Arlington, VA

I play pickleball for the love of the game — finding joy in every dimension it offers, from competition and fitness to connection and community. I’ve been immersed in the world of pickleball since 2021, developing my game to a 5.0+ level and coaching players across different skill levels and backgrounds. As a certified pickleball coach, I have worked with various organizations and clubs, helping new and experienced players sharpen their skills, develop strategic thinking, and enjoy the game’s fast-growing culture. My coaching style blends fundamentals with the creative freedom that makes pickleball both accessible and endlessly fun. By profession, I am an environmental scientist and international development expert with over 15 years of global experience in sustainability, climate resilience, and resource management. Off the court, I am a parent of three wonderful kids, and we call Annandale, VA our home — where pickleball has become part of our family’s rhythm of life. I also write about pickleball, sports culture, and the deeper meaning of athletic pursuit. My recent publications on Medium explore the spirit of the game and the origins of greatness in sports: • Do You Know Pickleball? — Read Here • Where Athletic Greatness Begins — Read Here For me, pickleball is not just a sport — it’s a movement, a mindset, and a growing community I’m grateful to be part of.

"Shamim is very knowledgeable and extremely personable. I enjoyed my lesson with him and plan to continue with a few more sessions in the near future.

For two decades, I've nurtured baseball talent, blending time-honored techniques with innovative strategies. My passion is helping players unlock their full potential on the field, fostering both skill and sportsmanship. Let's elevate your game!

I provide personalized tennis coaching for kids, beginners, and intermediate players looking to improve their technique, consistency, footwork, and confidence on court. My sessions focus on creating a positive and high-energy environment where players can develop strong fundamentals while enjoying the game. With experience coaching in India and playing club tennis at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I bring both competitive playing experience and patient coaching into every lesson.

Coach AJ Yamin hails from Caracas, Venezuela, widely known as one of the top tennis coaches in the DMV area. As a junior player AJ traveled in the South American COSAT tour, played #1 for North Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh, PA and college tennis in the Midwest. With over 40 years of playing and 30 years of coaching experience under his belt. Prior to moving to the region, Coach AJ taught at Sutton East Tennis Club in New York City and Total Tennis in Saugerties, at the beautiful Catskill mountains of upstate New York. Attended Graceland University on a full tennis scholarship between 1997 and 2001, where he was a nationally ranked NAIA Division player and team captain, leading the Yellow Jackets to its highest team ranking of #7 in the nation. Coach AJ is currently a member of the International tennis team for the Departmental Tennis League or DTL. The DTL is composed of federal agencies and other government organizations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The league was founded in 1915, DTL is consider the oldest tennis league in the US. Coach AJ has been a DTL champion 3 times, 2007 & 2008 with the United States Patent & Trademark Office team , 2022 with the World Bank team. Coach AJ has been a USTA Certified Tournament Director since 2003, and has served in that capacity at hundreds of events in the junior circuit, averaging, over 2,000 players a year. Coach AJ is also a Universal Tennis Rating Tournament Director and in 2023 became a certified UTR Paid Hits professional. Apart from his two current roles, Coach AJ has volunteered two seasons as the former Head Coach at Hayfield Secondary High School in Alexandria, Virginia, leading the HAWKS twice to the Virginia High School League Tennis Regional Tournament 2006 & 2021. AJ holds a dual degree in Business Administration and Information Technology, with a Master of Science in Management of Information Systems.

With over 14 years shaping players' futures, I blend time-tested techniques with modern strategies to elevate every athlete's game. My dedication goes beyond the diamond, fostering growth, sportsmanship, and a love for baseball. I help you unleash your full potential.

Baseball has been my compass; I coach with technical precision and warm enthusiasm. I have taught baseball for several years, focusing on fundamentals, individualized skill development, and game intelligence to help players reach their potential.

I’ve been running since middle school, and one lesson has shaped my coaching more than any certification: the biggest breakthroughs came when I stayed healthy enough to train consistently. That’s why my approach blends individualized run programming with strength, movement quality, recovery, and injury prevention. With backgrounds in both coaching and counseling, I help athletes build awareness, durability, and sustainable habits so progress can compound for years, not just one race cycle.

"Dami really helped me understand the process of becoming a better runner.

Fueling passion and precision for over two decades, I empower soccer students to unlock their full potential. My extensive experience and tailored approach cultivate skill and build confidence. Let's elevate your game together!

"Very professional and focused training. The coach gives clear feedback and helps set goals. Jordan’s game awareness improved a lot.

I’m Charles Kodjo Alipoe Tchotchodji a professional tennis player from Lomé, Togo, representing my country in the Davis Cup. My journey began with elite training across Ivory Coast, South Africa, and France (TC Thann), and I’m now competing on the U.S. collegiate circuit. Currently, I play in the JUCO division, where I am ranked #9 in the nation with a 11.30 UTR. My career highlights include reaching an ITF Junior ranking of 534 and competing against top international talent on the World Tennis.

"I show her how to make forehand’s and backhand, and how to be consistent.

Fueling passion and precision for 14 years, I craft personalized soccer experiences, honing skills with proven techniques. My commitment extends beyond the field, fostering confidence and strategic thinking.