As pickleball continues to grow across Southern California, more players are looking for professional pickleball lessons in Los Angeles that provide real coaching, structured development, and a strong community atmosphere. Whether you are completely new to the sport or trying to sharpen your competitive game, quality instruction can dramatically improve both your confidence and your consistency on the court.
At Santa Monica Pickleball Center, our coaching philosophy is centered around helping players improve through clear instruction, repetition, and a welcoming environment that makes learning enjoyable. Located in the heart of the Westside, our facility has become one of the leading destinations for pickleball lessons in LA for beginners, intermediate players, advanced competitors, juniors, and families.
One of the reasons pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in America is its accessibility. Players of almost any age or athletic background can begin learning quickly, but professional coaching helps accelerate the learning curve while building strong habits from the start. Many players discover that once they move beyond casual games and receive structured instruction, their understanding of strategy, movement, and shot selection improves rapidly.
Students working with our coaching staff develop stronger fundamentals while learning how to control pace, improve footwork, understand court positioning, and become more comfortable during competitive play. Lessons are designed not only to help players improve technically, but also to make them feel more confident and comfortable in live game situations.
Our coaching team brings decades of combined experience across tennis, pickleball, youth development, and professional instruction.
Julio Rivera, Director of Pickleball
Julio Rivera became the Director of Pickleball at Santa Monica Pickleball Center in 2022 after decades of success as a tennis professional and coach. After discovering pickleball in 2018, he quickly became deeply involved in both coaching and competitive play. Rivera has been ranked as high as Top 40 in the world on the APP Senior Pro Tour and continues to compete while developing players at every level.
His coaching style combines technical precision with a deep understanding of player development. Students appreciate his ability to simplify complex mechanics while helping players build long-term consistency and strategy. In 2017, Rivera was awarded the USPTA Pro of the Year, reflecting the reputation he has built throughout his coaching career.
Matt Manasse, Facility Ambassador and PickleballTV Host
Matt Manasse joined Santa Monica Pickleball Center in 2023 as Facility Ambassador and immediately became a major part of the facility’s culture and coaching identity. Often referred to as the “Coach to the Stars,” Manasse has become one of the most recognizable figures in pickleball through both coaching and media.
Originally coming from the collegiate tennis world, Matt transitioned into pickleball and developed a reputation for coaching celebrities, athletes, and high-level players alike. His work has been featured on PickleballTV, ESPN, and the Tennis Channel, where his energetic personality and deep understanding of the sport have helped introduce pickleball to wider audiences.
Players working with Matt benefit from a coaching style that is engaging, positive, and focused on helping athletes understand not only technique, but also how to compete with confidence and creativity.
Theo Michael
Theo Michael moved from England in 2022 and quickly became an important member of the Santa Monica Pickleball Center coaching team. Growing up playing both tennis and rugby for over a decade, Theo developed a strong athletic background before transitioning into pickleball coaching.
After discovering the sport while working at Pali Adventures Summer Camp, Theo became passionate about teaching players of all ages and skill levels. He later led our Kids Summer Camp Program during the summer of 2024 and has continued helping both youth and adult players build their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Theo is certified through PCI (Pickleball Coaching International) and RacketPro, and his background in youth athletics allows him to connect especially well with newer players and younger athletes learning the sport for the first time.
Why Players Choose Santa Monica Pickleball Center
There are many places to play pickleball in Los Angeles, but finding a facility with dedicated instruction, experienced coaches, and a strong community environment can make all the difference in a player’s development.
At Santa Monica Pickleball Center, players are able to train in an environment designed specifically for pickleball improvement and long-term growth. Whether someone is preparing for tournament play, learning the game recreationally, or introducing their children to racket sports for the first time, our programs are built to meet players where they are and help them continue progressing.
Our lessons, clinics, and coaching sessions are designed to create a balance between technical instruction, competitive growth, and enjoyment of the game itself. That combination is one of the reasons players from across Los Angeles continue choosing Santa Monica Pickleball Center for pickleball lessons and training.
If you are searching for pickleball lessons in Los Angeles or pickleball coaching in LA, Santa Monica Pickleball Center offers professional instruction for players of all ages and skill levels in one of Southern California’s most active pickleball communities. Click the Programs > Lessons tab on our Homepage to learn more.