Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Ajdin

Coaching Philosophy:

- Emphasizes holistic athlete development, focusing on physical skills, mental resilience, and sportsmanship.

- Strong ability to connect with athletes, creating a supportive environment that inspires growth, effort, and enjoyment.

Playing Experience:

Water Polo and Swim:

- Currently a swim instructor at Evolution Swim Academy since 2024 where I train kids ages 4-12 to learn the basics of swimming as well improve on the foundations of various swimming techniques

- Competitive water polo player at the high school level(Fountain Valley High School) and currently an active participant in a master's club team.

- Played in CMAC for U14 and U12 along with being part of the swimming team at CMAC

- Scored 25 goals in 2016, and 26 goals in 2017 in high school

- Scored five goals on average for Desert Duel 2023

- Recognized for endurance, tactical understanding, and strong teamwork in a physically demanding sport.

- Passionate about continuing to improve and staying competitive while fostering camaraderie with teammates.

Basketball:

- Regularly play in Orange County recreational leagues, showcasing a strong understanding of basketball strategy, communication, and on-court leadership.

- Versatile player who values teamwork, hustle, and maintaining a competitive edge in every game.

Overall Sportsmanship:

- Lifetime athlete with a deep love for sports of all kinds, blending technical skill with strategic thinking across multiple disciplines.

- Dedicated to personal growth through sports, constantly learning and improving while encouraging others to do the same.

Key Strengths as a Coach and Player

- Leadership: Proven ability to lead both as a coach and teammate, bringing out the best in others while maintaining focus on shared goals.

- Passion: A relentless drive for excellence and enjoyment in sports, with a deep desire to inspire and guide others.

- Versatility: Experience in multiple sports allows for a well-rounded perspective on training, teamwork, and competition.

- Commitment: Whether on the sidelines or in the game, brings an unwavering dedication to every practice, match, and team effort.

1. Skill Development

Fundamentals: Emphasizing proper technique in areas like footwork, shooting, passing, and positioning, ensuring a solid foundation to build upon.

Personalized Drills: Creating drills tailored to an athlete's strengths and areas for improvement, helping them sharpen their skills through repetition and targeted practice.

Game Awareness: Teaching strategy and situational awareness to improve decision-making and adaptability during competition.

2. Building Confidence

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating progress, no matter how small, to build self-assurance and motivation.

Goal Setting: Helping athletes set realistic, measurable goals that drive improvement and provide a clear sense of achievement.

3. Mental Toughness

Overcoming Anxiety: Sharing techniques for handling pre-game nerves or pressure, including visualization, breathing exercises, and focus strategies.

Resilience Training: Encouraging a growth mindset, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn rather than failures.

4. Fitness and Conditioning

Developing sport-specific fitness plans to improve endurance, strength, agility, and overall performance.

Focusing on injury prevention through proper warm-ups, stretching, and recovery strategies.

5. Creating a Growth Environment

Providing consistent feedback in a constructive and supportive way.

Creating a positive atmosphere that challenges athletes while making the process enjoyable and rewarding.

Encouraging a love for the game, so improvement feels natural and fun.

Warm-Up (10-15 minutes)

Basketball: Ball-handling drills (e.g., figure-8s, crossovers), dynamic stretches, light shooting practice.

Soccer: Jogging with the ball, ladder drills for agility, dynamic stretches.

Swimming: Easy laps focusing on stroke rhythm, dynamic arm swings, and leg stretches.

Skill Development (20-30 minutes)

Basketball:

Shooting form analysis and repetition (free throws, mid-range, 3-pointers).

Dribbling drills (e.g., cone work, changing speed and direction).

Defensive footwork drills and positioning.

Soccer:

Ball control exercises (e.g., juggling, tight-space dribbling).

Passing accuracy drills (short and long passes with targets).

Shooting technique and finishing drills (different angles and situations).

Swimming:

Focused stroke refinement (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly).

Starts and turns practice for efficiency.

Breathing technique and timing.

Game or Race Awareness and Strategy (15-20 minutes)

Basketball:

Simulated game scenarios (e.g., pick-and-roll setups, isolation plays).

Reading defensive setups and reacting effectively.

Soccer:

One-on-one attacking and defending practice.

Decision-making in real-game scenarios (e.g., when to pass, shoot, or dribble).

Swimming:

Race pacing strategies (e.g., sprinting versus sustained speed).

Starts and finishes under simulated race pressure.

Fitness and Conditioning (10-15 minutes)

Basketball: Agility ladder work, resistance band exercises, core strengthening.

Soccer: Sprint intervals with ball control, shuttle runs, leg strengthening.

Swimming: High-intensity swim sets for stamina, underwater dolphin kicks, leg-focused drills.

Cool-Down and Reflection (5-10 minutes)

Basketball: Light shooting, stretching, review of session takeaways.

Soccer: Passing and juggling, stretching, a recap of strengths, and improvement areas.

Swimming: Slow, relaxed laps, static stretches, discussion on progress and goals.

Dustin and Cody Serrano were instrumental in easing my transition into water polo. As I was adjusting to the sport, they made sure I felt supported and confident in learning the fundamentals, both in swimming and water polo strategy. They broke down complex skills into manageable steps, allowing me to build my abilities steadily and encouragingly.

During tournaments and games, they went above and beyond as coaches. Knowing that I often experienced anxiety before or during matches, they took the time to guide me through pre-game preparations and calming techniques. Their ability to focus on the mental aspect of the game, alongside the physical, helped me stay grounded and focused under pressure. Whether through motivational talks, tactical adjustments, or simply showing belief in my abilities, they created an environment where I could perform at my best.

Their guidance didn’t just improve my skills in the water and taught me how to handle nerves and thrive in competitive situations a lesson that has stayed with me beyond sports.

Athletes and parents should know that I am deeply passionate about sports, both as a coach and a player. My goal is to create an environment where athletes can grow, learn, and thrive—not only in their sport but also in life. I understand the importance of fostering confidence, resilience, and a love for the game while balancing the competitive and fun aspects of sports.

As a coach, I prioritize clear communication, positive reinforcement, and individualized attention. I aim to bring out the best in every athlete, regardless of their starting skill level. Having experienced the pressures of competition myself, I’m empathetic to the challenges athletes face and focus on helping them build both mental and physical strength.

For parents, you can trust that I value safety, respect, and teamwork above all else. I believe in instilling core values like discipline, sportsmanship, and accountability, and I work to ensure that every athlete feels supported and motivated. Your child’s development, enjoyment, and well-being are my top priorities. My coaching philosophy is rooted in helping young athletes not just succeed in sports but also develop skills they can carry into every aspect of their lives.