I started taking tennis lessons with my boyfriend a few months ago and we've been working with McClain -- it's been a great experience! We were both beginners when we started, and he helped us build a solid foundation pretty quickly. In just a few months our rallies went from a few hits to 50+, which we definitely didn't expect when we first picked up a racket. Coach keeps things fun, relaxed, and easy to follow. He's great at breaking down technique -- forehands, backhands, footwork, consistency -- in a way that actually makes sense and sticks. He's also calm, encouraging, and funny, so we genuinely look forward to every lesson. Our lesson package has been totally worth it (and we plan to continue). I'd recommend him to anyone -- beginners, couples, or really anyone who wants to improve while having a good time. read more

Coach McClain is the best tennis coach we've ever had. My partner and I have been taking lessons with him for 3 months as beginners who last took tennis lessons when we were kids and we have improved tremendously. We are almost at the point where we can play on our own and rally! Coach is incredibly kind, patient, amazing with beginners, funny, and gives great guidance. He is proactive about identifying mistakes in our play style and giving us actionable feedback. He is also so kind, easy to talk to, and encouraging. I highly encourage anyone interested in playing tennis to work with Coach McClain!! He's the best! read more

My girlfriend and I have been taking private lessons with Coach McClain for about three months and it's been a great experience. We both started as complete beginners, and he's helped us improve much faster than we expected. In the beginning we could barely rally more than a few shots, and now we're regularly getting rallies of 50+ shots. Coach's style is direct but relaxed, which makes lessons really enjoyable. He's helped us improve a lot of the fundamentals -- forehand, backhand, footwork, and overall consistency -- w/o making it feel overly technical or intimidating. He explains things clearly, gives simple adjustments that actually work, and keeps the energy fun. We also appreciate his calm demeanor and sense of humor. Lessons never feel stressful, and he's great at keeping things positive even when we're struggling with a drill. We bought a package of lessons and it's been totally worth it. I'd recommend to any level of player, especially beginners or couples who want to learn the game in a fun and supportive environment. read more

Have had 8 sessions with coach McClain so far (got the 10 lesson package) and can really see an improvement in my play as a beginner. Especially compared to the progress I made when I took the adult tennis classes at GG park, which wasn't much at all. The 1-1 attention and feedback I was able to get from coach McClain was crucial and worth the extra $ for private lessons. I also really appreciate his flexibility in scheduling/changes to. His responses are always prompt and personable. read more

I've had such a fun time taking lessons from Coach McClain. I'm a total beginner at tennis and he has made learning so much fun. I always look forward to going to my lesson. He tailors classes to my skill level and that has boosted my confidence to continue learning to play better. read more

Coach McClain has been a fantastic coach and I'm happy I found him. As a beginner, he's helped me build consistency in my ground strokes and clearly breaks down how to improve technique. He's a consistent coach and is flexible in scheduling on weekends. Highly recommend if you're a beginner and looking for private lessons! read more

Been loving my lessons with Coach McClain! I'm a beginner player and his instructions are clear, encouraging, and tailored to my skill level, which has helped me improve quickly and feel more confident on the court. Highly recommend. read more

I've been really enjoying tennis lessons with Coach McClain. Coach is friendly, patient, and makes everything easy to understand. The sessions are a great mix of structured practice and actually having fun, which makes a big difference. Overall, it's been a great experience and I look forward to lessons every week. Would definitely recommend! read more

Coach McClain and I have been working for three sessions so far, and my technique has noticeably improved. Coach's advice of focusing on my technique by playing slow and being deliberate with it really helped me form muscle memory for my forehand and . He is very open to providing feedback. Looking forward to remainder of my sessions. read more

If you're a beginner looking for a tennis coach who makes learning feel natural and stress-free, I can't recommend him enough. He has a calm, patient teaching style that helps you feel at ease from the very first lesson. There's never any pressure or intimidation--just steady encouragement and clear guidance. What truly sets him apart is the way he creates a comfortable learning environment. He understands that everyone progresses at their own pace, and he celebrates the small wins along the way. Instead of overwhelming you, he breaks things down simply, gives gentle corrections, and always keeps the atmosphere positive. read more

For anyone looking to start fresh with tennis or sharpen their skills, I highly recommend Coach McClain. He has a unique teaching style that helps you correct yourself by breaking movements down in a simple, easy-to-learn way. His approach makes the lessons stick long after the session is over. On top of that, he's very easygoing and approachable, which makes the experience enjoyable. Working with him feels less like a one-time lesson and more like a long-term investment in your game - well worth the cost. read more

I've had a couple of lessons with Coach McClain and he's been very helpful in identifying issues while being positive and encouraging. He's helped address issues with my beginner serve by simplifying concepts and by being detailed in pointing out bad habits that need to be fixed; identified issues with my ground strokes, such as using the left arm to gauge the proper distance from the ball before contact. Thanks, Coach! read more

Started with McClain 2 months ago - been super helpful for both me and my fiancé in getting our game started. McLain has a very laid back teaching style that is perfect for beginners like myself. His teaching style made me both get good technique and focus on getting a game in. read more

Coach McClain improved my swing in one lesson so I went with his ten class pack and so glad I did! He breaks things down as you rally so you can adjust in real time. I enjoy his laid back attitude and approach and look forward to every lesson! read more

I got a pack of 6 sessions and my experience with coach McClain has been amazing. I have had experience playing when I was a young kid but wanted to get back into the sport recently. He effectively taught me the fundamentals and good technique and by the 3rd lesson we were having 30 ball rallies. Definitely recommend! read more

Keeps getting better and better, my ground strokes have improved a lot and feel really natural now! Teaching me fundamentals that will last a lifetime read more

McClain Tennis - Tennis Near Me

I got a pack of 6 sessions and my experience with coach McClain has been amazing. I have had experience playing when I was a young kid but wanted to get back into the sport recently. He effectively taught me the fundamentals and good technique and by the 3rd lesson we were having 30 ball rallies. Definitely recommend! read more

I took a couple of beginner lessons from Coach McClain along with my friend. He is a really good teacher, he breaks down the movements and techniques in a way that is easy to understand, making sure we don't pick up bad habits, while also ensuring we learn in a way that sets us up to keep playing on our own after the lessons are over. Apart from being a great coach, he is also incredibly hilarious and a great storyteller. You won't just learn the basics of tennis, you will also learn a lot about him, hear funny stories and personal anecdotes, and might even pick up some interesting life lessons. Learning tennis from Coach McClain isn't just about the sport, it's like going on a fun ride. You won't forget this guy and hopefully, not his lessons either. Thanks again, Coach! So long! read more

Coach McClain is the absolute best! Whether you're new to the game or looking to sharpen it, he's your guy. Very patient and thoughtful when it comes to instructions. Not all great players are great teachers, but he absolutely is! If I could give him 10 stars I would. read more

I am already an experienced tennis player but after I recovered from a shoulder injury, I came to coach McClain to fix some issues with my form. Coach McLain was incredibly helpful in helping me improve my game. He does not over complicate things, and teaches you how to coach yourself. He is a great coach for beginners and experienced players. read more

If you're looking for a great tennis coach who will teach you not only how to hit the ball well, but also the why behind each technique (so that you can continue to coach yourself outside of practice), then you've come to the right place. I hadn't picked up a racket since my high school tennis team 15 years ago, and Coach McClain has helped me feel right at home on the court. He keeps lessons fun yet challenging, and I always walk away with a new skill or adjustment to practice. My groundstrokes have improved immensely, and even after an unexpectedly long break from lessons, I've been able to pick right back up again (even returning shots that I never imagined a year ago!) thanks to how well his coaching has stuck with me. Tennis is a wonderful lifelong sport, and lessons with Coach McClain have made me fall in love with the game all over again. read more

As a complete beginner, I couldn't have asked for a better tennis coach. Coach McClain breaks down strokes in a way that actually clicks, using phrases like "turn the steering wheel" that make it easy to understand. His laid-back style makes lessons fun and approachable, and I've felt more confident with every session. 10/10 recommend. read more

I started taking tennis lessons with Coach McClain in September 2024 and have really enjoyed it. He is a great coach, and can meet players at all experience levels. I am a bit more advanced than my partner, who is a beginner, but we are still able to do joint lessons together well. read more

My forehand, and overall technique, drastically improved after my FIRST lesson with coach McClain and in just two practice sessions total I've been playing and competing at a much higher level than I previously was. Coach McClain keeps things simple; In our lessons we focus on technique, consistency, and how to play effective tennis. He pays very close attention to how you play and is great at identifying the key areas you need to improve in order to get to your next level. Whether you're a new or experienced player, you will leave each practice session with him a little bit better than you were before. read more

I've been training with Coach McClain for several months now, and each session has been not only super fun but also very informative. What I love about our lessons the most is his deep focus on technique. He always provides clear and constructive feedback that helps me correct and refine my play. Coach McClain builds each lesson on the previous one, which really helps me understand and master my skills slowly and effectively - which I think is super important if you are a total beginner like me! Also, Coach McClain is very understanding and accommodating--always ready to adjust schedules last-minute due to work or health issues without any hassle, which I really appreciate! Overall, I highly recommend Coach McClain to anyone looking to improve their game! Each lesson has been just very enjoyable and engaging for me, which makes me look forward to every practice! Thank you Coach! read more

My friend and I took a bunch of lessons from coach McClain. As a super beginner, he made sure the classes were geared towards our end goal of learning a new sport for fun. He focused on building up the basics and learning the right technique so we can continue playing on our own. Definitely recommend him if you're just getting started with the game like us. read more

I've been taking lessons with coach for a while now and started off as a total beginner. My first tennis lesson was at age 30 with coach McClain. I'm a few lessons in and can now rally! He provides feedback in an encouraging way and his lessons are truly the highlight of my week. Seeing the tennis court and witnessing my game improve is truly the best part of my week. 10/10 stars! read more

Went from not being able to play at all to being able to rally within just a few sessions. Coach is super patient and very encouraging. Eternally grateful! read more

I embarked on my Tennis journey under Coach's guidance last year. He is extremely meticulous about the technique. He breaks down the form into simple steps and gives pointers to keep sticking to it. He is strict but chides in a gentle manner :) He is extremely professional and was kind enough to accommodate my reschedule requests. I highly recommend training with him. read more

McClain Tennis - Tennis Near Me

As others have mentioned, there really is no need to look any further than Coach McClain if you want to improve your tennis game, regardless of level. I've taken lessons across several sports / hobbies and what sets Coach McClain apart -- aside from his obvious skill and expertise -- is his ability to immediately identify and distill down technical improvements that make a huge difference. He makes it easy to swiftly correct technique and helps form lasting habits. Tennis lessons can sometimes feel too technical, but not with Coach McClain -- he integrates feedback with playing so the lessons are balanced with play and you genuinely enjoy the time. read more

Great coach with strong focus on fundamentals. On lesson 3 and seeing improvements already

I've been training with coach McClain for a while now. He gives constructive feedback during our rally and tips on how to improve. I found it pretty useful and have improved my game by incorporating his feedback into my regular practice. Thank you coach read more

There is a very, very good reason why Coach McClain has so many great reviews. He is simply the best tennis coach in the Bay Area - and I'd argue one of the best in the country! I grew up playing tennis and have had many, many coaches over the years. Somewhere along the way, I stopped enjoying the sport. But Coach McClain made me fall in love with tennis again. Five reasons why: 1. During my very first lesson, he gave me several tips that I'd never received before that instantly upped my game. Little things that made a huge difference. 2. He made it fun again! He honed in really quickly on the things that I love (like volleys) and every time I step on the court, he helps me remember why I love to play. 3. He's truly one of the nicest humans I've ever met. I was instantly comfortable around him and felt like I'd known him for years. 4. He genuinely cares about the people he teaches. You can feel that when you play. He loves what he does and it shows. He wants you to learn and grow and have fun. 5. He's the most versatile coach I've ever worked with. I've seen him with beginners to people much better than me. He's so skilled as a coach and as a player himself, he can teach any level with ease. If you're still reading this, stop and go sign up for lessons with Coach McClain! read more

I found Coach McClain through Yelp and have found him to be an awesome instructor. I started playing tennis as a beginner last year and bought a package of lessons to learn proper form and get comfortable with the basics. Coach McClain is a great teacher, very patient, and flexible with his schedule. I quickly developed a forehand and backhand that felt good, and Coach is great about mixing rallies with tips about how to improve form and accuracy (for example, always looking at the ball through contact, not moving the head at the last moment). Definitely would recommend scheduling some lessons with him! read more

I found Coach McClain through Yelp. There's a reason why he has so many great reviews! Earlier this year, I was interested in learning tennis as a new hobby. The only experience I had was one summer camp as a youth; I was a beginner. Coach McClain focused on the most important thing - technique. We spent a lot of time on my swing before adding new material. He gives great feedback and cues on how to improve. I also appreciate learning ball control!! Halfway through my package, we were rallying together! As our sessions went on, our rallies got longer and longer. It was such a great way to see my improvement. When I rally with my friends who have tennis experience, they rave about my good form and ball control! If you're a beginner looking to learn tennis, please check out Coach McClain! read more

4.0 player, McClain has helped me with technique and approach that has improved my game substantially. Highly recommend him to anyone who wants practical advice to improve their play. read more

Coach McClain is amazing! In just a few lessons he has significantly helped me improve my forehand, backhand, and more. I like that his coaching style focuses on correct technique and teaching the right way to play tennis! Highly recommend him for all levels! read more

Love Coach McClain! My boyfriend and I started as total beginners and we were able to play with one another by the end of our lessons! Coach gives great tips and helps to make sure you're doing the fundamentals right. Highly recommend taking classes with Coach McClain if you're wanting to learn tennis!! read more

I wish Coach McClain had been my first coach. He wasn't on Google so I completely missed discovering him. At least I have him now. He corrected things my first coach taught me that were wrong and also taught me things the first coach doesn't even know about. I learned different grips. I learned a more efficient preparation. I learned what to do to avoid framing the ball. I learned what to do to avoid hitting the net. Coach McClain explains what to do and also why. That way everything makes sense and is easier to remember. read more

This update comes 11 years after my initial review for Coach McClain. I loved my first session from Coach McClain in 2012, but didn't schedule further lessons because the following week, I moved to London for a 6-month work rotation. In the ensuing 11 years, I played tennis only once (with a friend), and moved to NYC to boot. On a recent visit to SF, however, I thought about Coach McClain and how he improved my game in just one session, so I messaged him to schedule another session. He quickly responded and we met up at his new location at the Margaret S. Hayward Playground in the Fillmore. Again, Coach McClain immediately spotted the problems with my forehand and suggested a practical and effective solution--a higher end-point for my follow-through, which he called "putting the spice bottle on the shelf" to remind me. He worked me through both the forehand, backhand, and volley, helping me keep my head down / eye on the ball. The hour went by quickly, especially as we talked not only about tennis but life, his motivation for playing, and our mutual experience getting older (we're both in our mid-50s now). Coach McClain remains fun, practical, philosophical, yet immediately helpful. I continue to highly recommend him! read more