Tennis with Coach Paul Syftestad

Background checked
5.0 (150)
😊100
💰$100 weekly lessons

Contact me for group lessons and save. With over four decades of experience on the tennis court, my journey as a player and coach has been defined by a relentless passion for the sport. From my early years as a competitor to my transition into coaching, tennis has remained my steadfast source of inspiration and vitality. As a seasoned player and coach, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson, guided by a nurturing, patient, and encouraging approach. My coaching philosophy centers on developing proper technique, instilling confidence, fostering discipline, honing strategic thinking, and nurturing a deep love for the game. Whether working with beginners taking their first steps on the court or seasoned athletes refining their skills, my goal is to help each student realize their full potential and achieve their tennis goals.

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Teaches: Adults, Seniors
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Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
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Lives in: Chicago, Illinois
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Happy Student Score: 100
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Years Playing: Not specified
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Given: 278 lessons

Accomplishments

🎾5.0 NTRP
🎾5.0 UTR
🏅Tournament Competitor
🏅College Player
🏅Tournament Player
Local Club Pro

Certifications & Badges

🎓5+ Years Teaching
📝USTA Certified
5.0 NTRP

Reviews

Total reviews150
Average rating
4.95
Alyson M.Verified ✓
Level: IntermediateLessons taken: 27
Paul is great! I’ve had only 5 lessons and I feel I’ve improved so much already. I like how he structures the lessons and we’re able to work on different skills. He’s great to work with and I highly recommend him.
Raffaela H.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 19
Paul is very professional and gave me the best tips to learn tennis. I’m a beginner and I felt frustrated sometimes with my own performance but Paul always was pushing me and encouraging me to give my best at the lessons. It has helped me a lot to create self confidence, play better and also to have fun at the lessons. Thanks Paul!
Eric D.Verified ✓
Level: IntermediateLessons taken: 13
Great lesson
Gretel R.Verified ✓
Lessons taken: 12
Paul has been a great tennis trainer so far. He has taken the time to evaluate my technique and send it to me in written. Allows time for me to learn new techniques and fine tune them. He definitely has the patience required to teach a beginner. Appreciate his availability and punctuality. I recommend him 💯
Veronika L.Verified ✓
Level: IntermediateLessons taken: 10
Honestly, I’d say the lesson with Paul was pretty well-rounded since everything about my game got some attention. The lesson highlight, honestly, was just the overall focus on different aspects, though I think I need to work a bit more on my consistency to really see results. Still, I felt it was quite helpful, and I’m optimistic about making steady progress. If you’re looking for a coach who’s attentive and calm, Paul’s definitely someone to try out.

Locations

These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:
27 courts available
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Mcfetridge Sports Center Indoor

3843 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

280.7 miles away
IndoorsOutdoors
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Oak Lawn Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center

10444 S Central Ave, Oak Lawn, IL, USA

276 miles away
Indoors
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Roosevelt (Theodore) Park

62 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

274.9 miles away
Outdoors
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Waveland Park Tennis Courts

3650 N Recreation Dr, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

278.2 miles away
Outdoors
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Custom Location Tremaine Maebry

Touhy Park, North Paulina Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

275.5 miles away
Outdoors
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Lake Shore Park

808 North Lake Shore Drive

275.3 miles away
Outdoors
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Clarendon Park Tennis Courts

4400 N Clarendon Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA

278.9 miles away
Outdoors
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Oz Park

2021 N Burling St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

277.3 miles away
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River Park Tennis Courts

5100 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

281.6 miles away
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Revere Park

2509 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618

280.5 miles away
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Chase Park

4701 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640

279.9 miles away
Outdoors
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Grant Park Tennis Courts - Columbus Dr

1000 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

274.6 miles away
Outdoors
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Hamlin Park

3035 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

279.5 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Brands Park

3285 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

280.5 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Clarendon Park

4501 N Clarendon Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

278.9 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Horner Park

2741 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

281 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Chesterton High School Tennis Courts

Chesterton High School, 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304, United States

240.2 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Grant Park North Courts Tennis Center

337 E Randolph Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

274.9 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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New Buffalo Park District

777 E Clay St, New Buffalo, MI 49117, United States

232.1 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Michigan City High School

Michigan City High School, 8466 West Pahs Road, Michigan City, IN 46360, United States

233.9 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Welles Park

2333 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

280.6 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Maggie Daley Park

337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

274.9 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Beachwalk Tennis Court

202 Beachwalk Ln, Michigan City, IN 46360, United States

236.6 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Gompers Park

4222 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States

283.1 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Winnemac Park

5001 North Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60625

280.8 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Club

1320 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

278.2 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Dunbar Park

300 E 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

273.6 miles away
OutdoorsMay be unreliable
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Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.

Availability

These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.
sundays
7 AM - 8 PM
mondays
7 AM - 9 PM
tuesdays
7 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
7 AM - 9 PM
thursdays
7 AM - 9 PM
fridays
7 AM - 9 PM
saturdays
7 AM - 8 PM

Beginner training plan
Your first lessonYou will surprise yourself! - We discuss your background and your goals with tennis. - I’ll feed you balls to evaluate your skills (forehand and backhand). - I’ll summarize a standard tennis point and all the shots that we will learn over upcoming sessions (2 minutes). - I’ll show you the fundamentals of a proper forehand and I’ll feed you balls from a short distance, giving many reps to establish habit, guiding you as you progress. - I’ll demonstrate the proper backhand and do same as with forehand. - We’ll rally from the service line and you will rally longer than you ever have and you will be amazed with how well you did in a single session🙌
Lesson 11+We’ll continue refining skills above through coaching and reps, drills, rallying with focus on ball placement, pace, spin, etc. - You’re ready to enjoy a lifetime of tennis!😀
Lesson 4-10- We continue with above for reps, consistency and habit. - I’ll introduce additional strokes including serve, approach shots and overhead. - I’ll introduce additional drills to keep sessions fun while developing skill. - We’ll rally together and address anything in particular you care to work on. - I’ll coach technique and strategy throughout sessions.
Lesson 2-3- We’ll continue with forehand and backhand similar to first lesson with lots of reps to establish habit. - I’ll introduce net volley technique. - We’ll begin rallying from baseline. - I’ll coach technique and strategy throughout sessions.

What you need to bringThough best to have a racquet with grip appropriate for your hand size, I can provide up to 2 racquets if required. Please request prior to lessons. I bring all balls and other equipment required. Bring beverage to hydrate😀

What I can bringPractice balls are provided, and up to two tennis racquets if required. Please request prior to lesson.

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!

If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.

And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.

Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
How it works
Book Paul Syftestad - Tennis coach near Chicago, Illinois