Best 17 coaches for lessons near Federal Way, WA

Ever felt the thrill of a perfectly placed volley? I've dedicated 30 years to honing my skills, competing at the collegiate level, and fostering a love for the game in others. As your coach, I'll bring my experience and infectious enthusiasm to every lesson, helping you elevate your game with personalized strategies and techniques.

"One of the best parts of the lesson was the focus on technique, which really helped improve my game. Esteban’s approach made the session both productive and enjoyable. I’d recommend anyone looking to sharpen their skills to give his lessons a try. It’s a great way to build a solid foundation in tennis! 🎾

My name is Rusty, I am a PCI certified PB coach from Tacoma, WA. My introduction to and journey with pickleball is one of a kind and my story alone. If I could sum it up in a few short sentences I would. Due to the uniqueness and length, it will take a bit more. My dad was a Tacoma firefighter and competitive handball player. They had courts at the station, and I started playing with dad and his buddies. Handball is a tough game for a 14-year-old. One day after playing handball, I had to go to baseball practice, my hands were so sore I couldn’t catch the ball, hold a bat or throw the ball without wincing and looking like a baby. I came home and told my dad how terrible practice that day was, he quickly remedied that by sawing off the handle of an old wooden tennis racquet. This worked for about a month, and we decided that a real racquet was in order. My dad knew of a guy up on the Hilltop that was the top racquetball player in the Pacific NW. We went to his little shop, and I met the owner, Sid Williams. (Future Hall of Famer, Original Founder of the USAPA and Original Pioneer of Pickleball), He outfitted me with a new aluminum Leach (I still have it). Little did I know that he would become one of my closest friends a mentor and confidant. Sid became my coach as I started to show promise in local tournaments beating all the ‘old guys’. Fast forward 4 years, one month after my high school graduation, 1978. Sid called and said grab your gear, we are playing this afternoon at the new Family Fitness Center. As I was getting warmed up and my gear ready, he laughed and said “you won’t need all that, we are playing pickleball”. I had never seen nor heard of ‘pickleball’, I thought to myself, what a silly name. But Sid being who he was to me, I rather reluctantly agreed. The courts were all indoor/outdoor carpet, we had a whiffle ball and wooden paddles. I had an absolute blast that day. We played as much as we could that summer, all indoors, all at the Family Fitness Center. There were no such thing as outdoor courts yet. I went to work for the Club and after the summer was over, I left for college to play baseball. After three years of college baseball, I returned home to Tacoma and right back to the club to play racquetball. In my absence pickleball had picked up steam, it was growing, and the courts were usually full. At the same time my sales career was taking off as well. I played both sports whenever I could. Sid was running racquetball tournaments and I was his right-hand man. We would play in the mornings and afterwards we would head out to secure sponsorships donations and door prizes. I didn’t know it at the time, but Sid was giving me a “Master Class” of running tournaments. Somewhere around 1984-85, he took his format and applied it to pickleball. This is where competitive pickleball begins. I was there in the beginning of the new era. Singles was the game at the time and there was one guy I could never beat. Heck no one could beat. Future Hall of Famer Billy Jacobson was that guy. He was the best. Can’t think of a time or tournament that he didn’t dominate. So, I became a doubles specialist. Winning the 1st Annual Washington Open Games for mixed doubles. Billy didn’t play that division. This was the biggest pickleball tourney ever, anywhere. It was sponsored by Nalley and sanctioned by the newly formed USAPA. I loved spending time with Sid on and off the courts. He was truly one of a kind. I loved him dearly and miss him greatly. I played as much as I could, but as a young man at 26 years old I was building a career and was coaching football basketball and baseball at the Boys and Girls Club, there wasn’t a lot of free time. Yet, I was always there with Sid running the tournaments. The Open Games was the last time I played competitively. I took a break to be a college baseball coach, get married and start a family, helping Sid whenever I could. Well now it is September 2022, I am 62 years old. I haven’t played pickleball in 30 years. But this is post pandemic, I was burned out in Corporate America, a suit and tie every day. I wanted to do something that I loved, I wanted to have fun again, I just wanted to be me. The coach and athlete. Sitting around one night with some friends, they asked what I was going to do now. I said, “I am going to make a living playing and coaching pickleball”. As you can imagine we all had a good laugh. I started playing again, I started the process to form a charitable organization named, “The Sid Williams Foundation” and ‘Sids’ Kids’, “bringing pickle to the public” With all that is happening now in pickleball a new company was in order, I named my new company Pickleball OG *coaching*consulting*construction. Today, I play 5-6 days a week, I teach lessons in all shapes and sizes. I consult with paddle companies and with the construction of new facilities both private and public. If I can help in you in any way pickle related, reach out.

"Lessons with Rusty have been hugely helpful and fun. He tailors the lesson to fit what I need and my game has improved.

In August of 2021, Leonard embarked on a quest to elevate his pickleball skills, actively seeking a place to learn and play. It was during this journey that he crossed paths with Damon, a gentleman who extended an invitation to a community center predominantly frequented by players aged 50 and above. Initially feeling out of place, Leonard was warmly embraced by the community and taught the game that now ignites his passion. Today, almost two years later, Leonard aspires to give back by sharing his knowledge, eager to teach newcomers and enable them to experience the joy of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

"Practiced some of the basics including racquet placement, stance and serve/volly

With over two decades dedicated to shaping soccer players, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record. My passion lies in fostering both technical mastery and a deep love for the game, helping athletes reach their full potential. I'm committed to providing focused soccer coaching that propels players forward.

"This was my first time in a soccer team and we won the league lol! Coach is great. He made us believe in ourselves

In my mid-30s, I ventured into golfing and initially faced significant challenges with the game. For a while, I didn't take formal lessons and struggled to find my stride. However, once I committed to following instruction and advice, my enjoyment of the game began to grow exponentially. Now, I eagerly join my golf group for weekly rounds across the Puget Sound area, relishing every opportunity to play. Teaching others has become a passion of mine, and I eagerly share my knowledge whenever someone expresses interest in learning.

"Kevin was very helpful

Unlock your volleyball potential! With two years of dedicated coaching experience, I'm passionate about fostering a fun, supportive environment where athletes of all levels can thrive. Let's elevate your game together! Played in many collegiate intramural volleyball all teams

Paolo has coached at every level, from youth and high school to the collegiate level. His broad experience allows him to adapt his coaching style to help athletes develop and perform at their best.

Embracing the exciting world of pickleball, I'm a seasoned player eager to share my passion and knowledge. With a year of experience on the court, I offer personalized coaching strategies designed to elevate your game, no matter your current skill level. Let's connect and unlock your pickleball potential together!

With over 25 years immersed in the art of golf, I offer expert instruction honed from my time playing against the best amateurs in the state. My dedication goes beyond teaching; I nurture potential, foster confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love for the game. Let's elevate your golf experience together!

"Ryne has completely transformed my golf game and the way I approach each round. His instruction is truly elite—clear, insightful, and incredibly effective. He breaks down complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Over the past year, I’ve shaved 5 strokes off my game and I’m consistently trending toward even lower scores. Thanks to Ryne’s teachings, I now feel equipped with the tools and mindset to play my best golf.