Gresham Academy

About

I love to see my students gain confidence and develop control of their strokes. I like to put targets on the court and have my students try to hit them.

I also like to play points with them while challenging them mentally and physically. Practicing points with small incentives and a little pressure helps develop confidence.

I love to help my students improve their skills. I like laughing while working hard with my students. Watching them accomplish their goals makes me happy! When they see improvements we win as a team.

I have been teaching tennis for over 30 years. I worked at USC and learned under the legendary coach Richard Leach. I worked for the USTA and the inner city program NJTL. I have also worked my own program for over 20 years and have developed top ranked juniors.

That is what I enjoy!


Highlights

Hired 56 times
3 employees
25 years in business
Serves Hawthorne , CA

Payment methods

Cash, Zelle

Specialties

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Student age(s)

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    KE

    kei E.

    I could not be happier with the positive progress I have made since I started training with Coach D.
    He is not only highly skilled but also incredibly patient and encouraging. Coach D knows how to push you to your limits while keeping the sessions enjoyable and motivating.
    One of the things I appreciate is his personalized approach—he sends videos of my practice sessions so I can see where I need to improve and even shares helpful videos from the web to reinforce important techniques. His ability to break down my weak points and explain them has been a game-changer for my development.
    I highly recommend Coach D to anyone looking to elevate their tennis game!
    ... Show more
    October 16, 2024
    Hired on Lessons

    PK

    peter K.

    Great tennis lesson ever.
    My son is practicing hard with coach D and growing up alot.he knows what to do for my son.highly recommend.
    ... Show more
    August 20, 2024

    CN

    carmelle N.

    Coach D is AWESOME!! He has a PASSION for Tennis AND Tennis Instruction! He focuses on the fundamentals and I was able to see improvement in my daughter after ONE SESSION!
    I tried two different instructors and even the South Bay Tennis Center, Coach D was the BEST! On top of that, he has extremely reasonable rates! Lastly, just in case youre wondering, my daughter and I only met Coach D for the first time last month at her first session!
    ... Show more
    August 20, 2024

    CY

    cassandra Y.

    he was so kind and easy to work with. he’s not the type to gaslight you telling you you are good even if you are just starting out. he will give you honest opinions and help you better yourself at the sport. he’s also very kind and one of the nicest teachers I’ve worked with 😊
    ... Show more
    July 25, 2024

    YB

    Yvonne B.

    He is very patient and knowledgeable. He understands the psychology of children learning tennis using all the correct techniques. It’s a pleasure watching him teaching my grandchildren tennis.
    ... Show more
    March 03, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    SK

    shana K.

    My first lesson with Couch D was great! I already learned so much and cant wait for my next lesson. He is very knowledgable, enthusiastic, and patient. I highly recommend him!
    ... Show more
    February 27, 2023
    Hired on Lessons

    Frequently asked questions

    I like to ask the student what would they like to improve on. What are their strengths and weaknesses. What is your goal and how much work are you willing to put in.

    I do have a bachelors degree in business, but my tennis resume is strong as well. I volunteered coached at USC under the legendary coach Dick Leach for over 10 years. I have coached at various levels,professionally,college and junior tennis. I have over 30 years of knowledge and tennis experience.

    <br><a href="https://lessons.com/ca/los-angeles/tennis-lessons/" target="_blank"><img src="//cdn.lessons.com/assets/images/tmp/lessons-2020.png" width="150"></a><br>

    I am not trying to get rich teaching tennis. I love to teach and watch a student improve. I charge $60 - $70 hour for a private lesson. Group lessons with 2 to 4 $40 an hour. 

    I played tennis as a teenager and I am self taught. I played in high school on a good tennis team where I shared the #1 position with a close friend. I also played junior college tennis at Pierce college where I played at the #3 and 4 position. I thank my older brother for getting me started.

    I have worked with children, juniors,adults, college players and professionals.

    A good friend of mind plays team tennis and wanted to improve his forehand. He is 47 years of age. He wanted more topspin so we drilled his forehand changed his grip and put the stroke under pressure to see if it would hold up and we saw a major improvement. Those are the things that make me happy!

    Look for someone who you are comfortable talking with and someone you can share your ideas with. Ask the teacher questions and don't be afraid to question them about things. Make sure they have experience and are willing to support your goals. Remember this is all about improving and enjoying the process.

    A student needs to know what their goals are and be realistic about how much they are willing to work for it. There are junior tournament goals, high school goals, college and the weekend player who just wants to get out there and enjoy a friendly game. 

    The key is to have fun and enjoy yourself.


    Services offered

    Tennis
    Pickleball Lessons