Frequently Asked Questions

1. What age is best to start private basketball coaching?

Although ages 5-7 are crucial for helping children develop a love for the game, private coaching becomes most beneficial when starting around ages 8-12. During this period, kids show faster improvement in skill mastery and overall performance with personalized coaching. Players at this age often begin competing in leagues and tournaments, where private coaching helps bridge skill gaps and enhances their development. By ages 13-15, private coaching focuses on refining techniques for competitive play, preparing athletes for school teams, travel teams, or AAU leagues, and addressing specific weaknesses while developing strategic thinking. Players who receive private coaching during these critical years tend to have a higher success rate in making competitive teams, as personalized instruction is key to improving game performance.

2. How many sessions does my child need to see improvement?

While each athlete progresses at their own pace, consistency and commitment are essential for seeing noticeable improvement. Generally, after around 12 sessions, athletes begin to develop a deeper understanding of the intensity and focus required for effective training. This time allows them to build key habits such as executing quality reps, maintaining mental toughness, and learning how to push through fatigue while still paying attention to detail. In these sessions, athletes also start to adopt the mindset needed for long-term growth, improving both their physical skills and mental approach to the game.

3. What skills will be focused on during private coaching?

I assess every athlete using six fundamental skills: ball-handling, finishing, shooting, defense, passing, and basketball IQ. Through targeted drills in each category, I evaluate a player's strengths and weaknesses to gain a clear understanding of their skill level. From there, we focus on using their strengths to maximize performance while strategically improving any areas that need work. Sessions are fully tailored to the player’s goals and aspirations, focusing on the specific skills and techniques that will help them become the type of player they aim to be. Whether it’s refining a particular skill set or working on overall game improvement, the training is customized to ensure progress in the areas that matter most.

4. How do you personalize the training to fit my child’s needs?

During our first few sessions, we’ll run through various drills that cover each fundamental skill. This will give me a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses so I can provide the best advice on areas that need improvement. I also believe in building a connection, so I’ll spend time getting to know your child by asking questions like what their goals are, who their favorite player is and why, and what skills they want to work on. After these initial sessions, I’ll write a customized plan for each upcoming session, ensuring the training stays focused on what matters most to your child’s growth and development.

5. What is the difference between private coaching and group/team training?

Private coaching and group/team training each have their unique benefits that play different roles in an athlete’s development. Private coaching gives me the chance to focus one-on-one with an athlete, zeroing in on their specific strengths and weaknesses. This allows for focused corrections and significant skill improvement.

On the other hand, small group training creates a competitive atmosphere where athletes can build teamwork skills, learn from each other, and practice important game situations. It’s crucial to combine both for balanced growth; private sessions enhance individual skills, while group training builds camaraderie and a competitive spirit. Together, they provide a well-rounded experience that equips athletes to thrive both on their own and within a team.

6. Will you help my child with their confidence and mindset?

Absolutely, I will help your child build their confidence and develop a strong mindset, as basketball is just as much a mental game as it is physical. I understand that parents often worry about how coaching will support their child's mental toughness and ability to overcome performance anxiety. For me, developing mental resilience, positive thought habits, and confidence is a top priority. Having personally experienced the ups and downs that come with the pressure of competitive games and the disappointment of not performing to my potential, I know how to navigate and overcome those difficult thoughts. I emphasize the importance of positive thinking, quickly moving on from mistakes, and believing in oneself. Additionally, I teach athletes how to communicate effectively and confront challenging emotions head-on. Together, we will work on these essential skills to ensure your child feels empowered and confident both on and off the court.

7. Do you help with game strategy and decision-making?

Yes, I help with game strategy and decision-making. Improving your child's basketball IQ is a key part of our training sessions. We focus on understanding game concepts like spacing, movement without the ball, and reading defenses. I use situational drills that mimic real game scenarios to encourage quick thinking and better decision-making on the court. This approach helps athletes develop court vision and learn how to anticipate plays. Additionally, I emphasize communication and teamwork, which are essential for making effective decisions during games. Overall, my goal is to equip your child with the skills needed to excel in competitive situations.

8. How do you track progress, and will I receive updates on my child’s improvement?

I understand that parents value transparency when it comes to tracking their child’s progress, and I take this seriously in my coaching. After each session, I provide verbal or written feedback on your child's performance, highlighting areas of improvement and accomplishments. I also keep an open line of communication between sessions, so parents can text or call me about any specific challenges their child is facing. This way, we can address any concerns promptly. Additionally, after every 12 sessions, I prepare a more comprehensive progress report that summarizes their development and recommendations for future focus areas. This approach ensures that you stay informed and involved in your child’s growth throughout their training journey.

9. How often should my child train per week?

I recommend training with me 1-2 times a week, as this frequency is often practical for young athletes. However, I also focus on teaching drills that they can practice on their own to reinforce what we've worked on, encouraging them to stay engaged throughout the week. This way, they don’t lose their progress. It’s important to remember that their competition is likely training 5-6 times a week, so maintaining consistency in practice outside of our sessions can help them stay competitive and continue to improve.

10. Do you offer support outside of the sessions (e.g., drills or workouts to do at home)?

Yes, I absolutely offer support outside of our training sessions. While I encourage athletes to practice at home what we learn during our time together, I also provide additional resources to enhance their development. With my membership package, I offer online training that includes specific drills and workouts they can do at home, along with weekly motivational content to keep them inspired. Additionally, members receive more comprehensive feedback, which helps guide their practice and ensures they’re making the most of their training. This support outside of sessions is designed to maximize their growth and development as athletes.

11. What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy revolves around instilling core values that are vital for both skill development and personal growth such as leadership, commitment, and faith. These values lay a solid foundation for achieving any aspirations your child has in life. By embracing leadership traits, your child learns to take initiative in their training, demonstrate courage, and hold themselves accountable. Commitment helps them understand the dedication required for rigorous training at a high level. Lastly, faith teaches them that while they can’t control every outcome, consistently giving their best effort, remaining curious as a student of the game, and being willing to put in the work will lead to positive results.

12. What qualifications and experience do you have in basketball coaching?

I have a solid background in basketball coaching that equips me to help your child improve. I spent two years working with Peak Sports Academy, where I coached various camps and clinics, evaluated tryouts, and led multiple AAU teams for both boys and girls in grades 5 through 8. I also had the privilege of coaching alongside Bob Hurley at a week-long camp, where I gained invaluable insights into the game. Additionally, my experience in the Marine Corps has instilled in me strong leadership skills and valuable life lessons that I apply in my coaching. On the competitive side, I played basketball at Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, where I served as team captain during my senior year and helped lead my team to a state appearance. My passion for basketball drives me to instill a love for the game in young athletes, just as I have cherished it throughout my life.