Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Cornelius
Train like a champion, think like a pro, and play with unstoppable confidence!
Train like a champion, think like a pro, and play with unstoppable confidence!
Give your child the ultimate edge with a coach who builds champions! With expertise in sports psychology, elite coaching, and personal athlete development, I go beyond skill training. I develop mentally tough, confident, and fundamentally sound athletes ready to excel at the next level. As a former dual-sport collegiate athlete, certified mental performance consultant, and experienced coach, I provide personalized, holistic training focused on skill mastery, strategy, and mental toughness. Many of my athletes go on to play at the collegiate level. If you want real results, let’s get to work!
Lake Wales, FL
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Get to know Coach Cornelius
About Me:
Cornelius E. Richardson Sr. is a dedicated coach, mentor, and sports business professional with extensive experience in athlete development, sports psychology, and leadership. As a Graduate Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Webber International University, former Assistant Coach at Hillsborough Community College, and Head High School Basketball Coach, he has developed numerous college-bound athletes. A dual-sport collegiate athlete (basketball & football), U.S. Army veteran, and he instills discipline, resilience, and mental toughness in his athletes. Holding an MBA in Sports Business Management and a Master’s in Sports Psychology, he combines elite coaching, mental training, and strategic development to create well-rounded athletes. His expertise in college recruiting, personal training, sports broadcasting, and business development makes him a well-rounded leader in sports. Passionate about athlete empowerment, he is committed to helping young athletes maximize their potential, physically, mentally, and strategically.
How I can help you improve your game:
I take a holistic approach to athlete development, focusing not only on skills but also on mental toughness, strategy, and discipline. Here’s how I can help:
Skill Development: We’ll work on mastering the fundamentals and refining advanced techniques to ensure you're performing at your best in every situation.
Mental Toughness: I’ll help you build confidence, focus, and resilience, essential qualities for handling high-pressure moments and staying consistent in your performance.
Game Strategy: Together, we’ll develop a strategic understanding of the game, improving your decision-making, situational awareness, and how to outsmart opponents.
Physical Conditioning: I’ll guide you through training that enhances your strength, speed, agility, and injury prevention.
Accountability: I’ll hold you to the highest standards, making sure you consistently put in the work to reach your goals.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
Warm-Up (10-15 minutes):
We begin with dynamic stretches and light drills to increase flexibility, activate muscles, and reduce the risk of injury.
Skill-Specific Drills (20-30 minutes):
Focus on foundational skills like ball-handling, shooting, footwork, passing, or defense. The drills are tailored to the athlete’s position and needs.
Mental Training (5-10 minutes):
We take a brief moment to practice mental focus, visualization, or breathing exercises to develop mental resilience and game-day focus.
Simulated Game Situations (15-20 minutes):
I’ll create game-like scenarios that push you to use your skills under pressure. This might include one-on-one or team scrimmages, defensive/offensive drills, and situational decision-making exercises.
Cool Down and Reflection (5-10 minutes):
Stretching and recovery exercises are followed by a brief discussion on the session, where we review what went well and identify areas for improvement.
Career summary and accomplishments:
Cornelius E. Richardson Sr. is an experienced basketball coach, mentor, and athlete development specialist with a proven track record at the high school and collegiate levels. He holds a Masters in Sports Psychology and a Masters in Sports Women’s Basketball Coach at Webber International University, he has also served as an Assistant Coach at Hillsborough Community College and a Head High School Basketball Coach, where he successfully developed multiple college-bound athletes. His coaching philosophy blends fundamental skill development, advanced strategy, and mental performance training, drawing from his background as a dual-sport collegiate athlete, and U.S. Army veteran. With expertise in college recruiting, player development, and leadership training, Richardson is committed to helping athletes maximize their potential on and off the court.
Best coach I ever had:
The best coach I ever had was one who not only developed my skills but also challenged me mentally, held me accountable, and pushed me beyond my perceived limits. They didn’t just focus on wins and losses, they focused on building character, resilience, and discipline.
This coach understood that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about mindset, preparation, and work ethic. They instilled in me the importance of mental toughness, self-discipline, and leadership, shaping me not just as an athlete but as a person. Their ability to motivate, teach, and inspire set them apart, making a lasting impact on my career and my philosophy as a coach today.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
Athletes and parents should know that I am fully committed to developing well-rounded, high-performing athletes, both physically and mentally and experienced coach at the high school and collegiate levels, I bring a unique blend of expertise in skill development, mental toughness, and leadership training.
I believe in holding athletes accountable, pushing them beyond their comfort zones, and preparing them for success at the next level, whether that’s high school, college, or beyond. My approach is personalized, strategic, and holistic, focusing on fundamentals, advanced skills, game strategy, and mental performance.
As a father, veteran, and mentor, I understand the importance of discipline, resilience, and character. I don’t just train athletes, I build champions who are ready to compete at the highest level. If you’re looking for a coach who truly invests in your child’s success, I’m that coach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Where will the coach hold their lessons?
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When is the coach available to train?
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What if I don't love the first lesson?
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Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
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