Coach. Builder. Dad. · Better than yesterday — together.
Pickleball coach in Montgomery County.
PPR-certified coaching for adults, families, and kids across the DMV. Real progress, every session — better than yesterday, together.
M.S.
in Coaching
5.0+
Player
RPO
Certified
PPR
Pro
DUPR
Coach Certified
3x
Founder
Coaching framework
The EASE Framework
Four pillars that guide every drill, every lesson, every player. From first dink in Rockville to tournament prep in North Bethesda.
E
Ethics
Doing what's right, always. Fair play, integrity, respect on and off the court.
A
Attitude
Positive, welcoming, motivating. Growth mindset, resilience, encouraging environment.
S
Skills
Technical excellence and strategic thinking. Clear pathway from beginner to advanced.
E
Excellence
Continuous improvement. Preparedness, consistency, pride in the details.
Programs & Services
Find your starting line.
Three clear paths into the sport. Start where you are.
$130 / hrPrivate Lessons
1-on-1 coaching tailored to your goals — video review, custom drills, and a clear path forward.
Book a Lesson →
Free for DMVFree Skill Evaluation
30 minutes on the court. Walk away with a DUPR-aligned rating and a personalized plan.
Book a Free Evaluation →
Ages 8-16Next Gen Academy
Structured youth pathway for ages 8-16. Four levels — Red, Orange, Green, Yellow.
Explore the Academy →
Why I coach
Sport is more than a game. It's how families grow stronger together.
Nine years as a PE teacher. M.S. in Coaching from Ball State. Co-founder of Next Gen Academy. I bring the same structure that made gym class work for every kid — and apply it to pickleball.
Every drill has a purpose. Every milestone gets celebrated. Every lesson builds confidence on the court and resilience off it.
Read the full story →Real feedback
What players are saying
From first-time beginners to 4.5+ competitors — real words from people I've coached.
“
Sam breaks down every shot so clearly. After just 4 sessions, my third-shot drop went from a liability to a weapon. Worth every penny.
Mike R.
Adult student, 3.5 DUPR
“
I was stuck at 3.0 for months. Sam's video analysis showed me things I never would have caught on my own. Now I'm consistently winning at 3.5.
Jennifer L.
Adult student
“
The 4-pack package is a game changer. You actually have time to build on skills week to week instead of cramming everything into one session.
David K.
Adult student, competitive player
Get in touch
Ready to get on the court?
Tell me what you're working on. Whether you're brand new or chasing 4.5, we'll find the right starting point — usually a free 30-minute evaluation.
- →Replies within 24 hours
- →I travel within ~35 min of Olney, MD
- →No pressure, no sales pitch