Tennis is a complicated sport with a lot going on, but Coach Neal knows how to break things down so it's easy to learn. Coach Neal has written his own book on how to play tennis recreationally. He understands that the amount of time you and I can put in is different than the amount of time a pro can put in. Taking that into account, as well as neuroplasticity and racket technology, he has developed a method that improves consistency and accelerates progress. In addition, he cares greatly about helping his students. Not just in terms of making progress but also making sure we get our money's worth. He's ready to give. read more

Coach Neal brought back my love for tennis after years away from the sport! He knows how to coach to my style and needs, with the perfect amount of tough love to keep me moving and pushing myself. I'm so grateful for his encouragement and for reminding me how good it feels to be active and back on the court read more

I've been taking and enjoying Coach Neal's group clinics (and occasional semi-private lessons) for several years. His approach is very different from that of other instructors. He simplifies it and asks you to do things that sound odd at first (example: in a 2.5 clinic, telling you to look down after you hit the ball) but he's always right -- his approach works. Every time you miss a shot, he tells you exactly what you did wrong, so you can (try to) correct it on your next shot. That has really helped me become a better player, but if you take that kind of criticism personally, he's not the right coach for you. On the flip side, he's quick to let you know when you make a good shot, and you know you've done something pretty great when he lifts his hat to kind of salute you. read more

My husband and I started with Coach Neal as complete beginners and now can play a full game, serves and all! His patient and direct coaching have allowed us to steadily progress. Coach is focused on teaching you to put the pieces of your kinetic chain together. He has something to offer all levels of players. If you are on yelp looking for a new tennis coach to pick up the sport or get back into it after a few years away, Coach has something to help your game improve. read more

Coach Neal is degrading, doesn't understand how to teach fundamentals and is extremely disrespectful while teaching and trying to help others understand read more

Known this dude for around 40 years, and he's always been a straight shooter and the vanguard of whatever he's put his mind to. Now he's gone and taken a 20-year tennis player (me) and shaken out all the superfluous movements from my game and boiled everything down to the simplest, most penetrating points. WHO KNEW TENNIS COULD BE SO SIMPLE???!!! A mantra never rang truer. read more

Coach Neal - Tennis Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Neal Is great - keeps it simple - but simplicity is everything. When you focus on what he tells you results follow

Coach Neal is a great tennis coach. His technique is clear and concise. Over the past year and a half of taking lessons, my tennis game went from nothing to being able to confidently play with other players. I highly recommend Coach Neal! read more

Fulfilling a years long dream, I signed up for private tennis lessons. Although athletic, I am 100% a beginner with tennis so I hoped to find a patient coach; Coach Neal is the guy! We've met weekly for the last few weeks and my beginner game is already taking shape. There's a lot of skill involved and the slightest tweaks make all the difference. Coach Neal teaches, watches, corrects...repeat! I love it! He encourages and promises that I'll get it...and I do! From Beg to Pros, I've watched Coach Neal work with others and he exercises the same calm demeanor with all of us. He is a find!! read more

Coach Neal's clinic was one of the best clinics I habe ever been to. He gives a lot of instruction and helps you build good habits. He brought out some of the better tennis i have played recently. I would reccomend Coach Neal to anyone looking for a clinic or for tennis lessons. read more

Found Coach Neal via this Yelp page. Knew that I wanted my wife and I to get into tennis. I feel so fortunate to have found him. He's just great. No intimidation factor and great to be around. And my wife and I are totally passionate about tennis now! Coach Neal has a great way of explaining what's worth focusing on for a beginner/intermediate/recreational player and the why for not trying to do everything like the pros. All I can say is that going to practice is the highlight of my week now! Highly recommend Coach Neal and plan to be with him for a long time to come. read more

Coach Neal is passionate about coaching tennis. He can simplify complex techniques to really get you active and familiar with the sport. I had never played tennis before and after 5 lessons with Coach Neal, I felt like a real tennis player and could accurately and effectively hit back from the baseline. He is a great and talented coach, would highly recommend. read more

My daughter was traveling on the east coast for college tours. Coach Neal was able to give my daughter a lesson while she passed through DC. So glad he could fit her in. In a single lesson he was able to give her simple to understand and remember instructions that have improved her game. I wish Coach Neal lived in San Diego so he could be our regular coach. read more

Coach Neal is the go-to tennis coach in the DMV. He is beginner friendly and highly knowledgeable - he can break down complicated concepts in simple ways so you can build from the ground up. Could not recommend him more! I started as a complete novice and could comfortably "catch" the ball from the baseline after a few sessions. Coach Neal loves the sport and it shows - highly recommend. read more

I have been with coach Neal for about a year now. He taught me most things I know about tennis. I have gone through multiple coaches, but I feel really good about. I have also taken many many lessons, both group and private (East Potomac) with him. I remember when he was giving me the first lesson, he must have made quite the progress with my backhand because very advanced players on an adjacent court looked very interested suddenly. They actually ended up taking a lesson from coach Neal later that week. I always make progress, I always feel good and have fun, and I am never frustrated. It is a magical combination for someone like me - starting tennis in my mid forties, without any previous success with any sport. I did previously do the gym, but I also became spoiled by my personal trainer who I turned to after an injury and being completely out of shape. So it really does take a special environment and a special person to keep me motivated and successful. In one year I went from 1.5 to 2.0 to 2.5. And now, he and other coaches are inviting me to their 3.0 classes. And in just one year of playing once or twice (rarely 3 times) a week I went from zero confidence to starting to play competitively in a league with some serious competition. I love coach Neal's vibe and disposition. I crave his on-point tips and advice because it's very concise, works immediately and gets me not only great results, but also a lot of joy. He also attracts really nice people who are a lot of fun to play with and get to know. I can't wait to get my own copy of his new book and hang out with other players at the launch party. I love that I have multiple times available to me. I am always welcome. And I love East Potomac because they always say Yes to every request. this is highly unusual as I find other venues to have so many rules, regulations, competition for coaches and courts. It's a great fit for me. read more

As a mid-50s 4.5 aspiring to 5.0 and former college player, I can't say enough positive things about my experience working with Coach Neal. His quiet demeanor belies a deep understanding of the game, in particular its core mechanics. Importantly, he understands how to coach to the given individual, not applying a one-size-fits-all approach. He's made substantial improvements to my game in a short period of time. Thanks Coach! read more

My technique improved after one session with Coach Neal at East Potomac. He is an expert at catching your problems and fixing them without a lot of words. He is on the quiet side, not the kind of coach who's going to be screaming his head off with tons of directions. I like his minimalist style. He must have been doing this for years. Not a young or super fit guy but great at what he does. read more

Coach Neal has coached me for a year now and I'm amazed by the progress I was able to achieve under his guidance. Coach Neal provides frank feedback and will tailor his recommendations to the individual player. He loves being an enabler of a player's progress for a greater enjoyment of the game of tennis. read more

Coach Neal is terrific. He has an amazing way of coaching both the physical and mental aspects of the game, offering just the right blend of praise and (constructive) criticism. I have to admit, I was skeptical of his approach at first, but I've really seen it pay off. I joke that as long as long as I can keep Coach Neal's voice in my head, I play pretty well. read more

Coach Neal is a great tennis coach and is really helping me to think differently about my strokes and how to generate power with my lower body. Thanks Coach Neal. read more

Simply put, I can't say enough good about Coach Neal! If I had worked with him 30 years ago, I many have played D1 or more! Hands down, Coach Neal is the best tennis coach I have ever worked with. He will have you playing your best tennis in no time! A master explainer, Coach excels at breaking down the complex kinetics of tennis into basic, easily understood and mastered concepts and fundamentals. So that you know how to keep your own game on track, how to get it back on track when needed, and how to keep improving. But beyond his amazing insights and system, Coach is a quality human being who is fun to work with, energetic, inspiring, and has a way of bringing out the best in everyone. Don't take my word for it - my son, who never stuck with tennis in the past, now is motivated to play and even gets mad when he misses a lesson - all thanks to Coach Neal! read more