Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach James
Basketball Coach with 15 years of experience, adept in player development and strategic game planning. Led teams to multiple championships and significant performance improvements at various levels, including high school and military basketball associations.
Durham, NC
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Try Coach James risk free. If you don't love your first lesson, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund.
Get to know Coach James
About Me:
Throughout my 15-year career in the Air Force, I not only served my country but also actively engaged in the sport of basketball. While I played the game consistently during this time, I discovered a unique strength in my ability to understand and analyze the game more effectively than I could perform on the court. This insight led me to a successful coaching career, where I had the opportunity to coach basketball at various levels, from Pre-K to semi-pro.
How I can help you improve your game:
As a firm believer in the transformative power of repetition, I understand that consistently getting reps up is crucial in developing muscle memory. This principle is foundational to our athletic training approach. By emphasizing repetitive practice, we ensure that each movement becomes second nature to our athletes. In essence, our training philosophy is rooted in the belief that mastery comes from repetition and that true preparation comes from experiencing the game before the game. This dual focus equips our athletes with the skills and mindset necessary to perform at their highest level.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
Our training sessions are comprehensive and intense, aiming to prepare our athletes not just physically, but mentally for the rigors of competition. By consistently training under game-like conditions, we ensure that our athletes are not only skilled but also game-ready. Set up Dynamic Warm-Up, Game-Time Shooting Drills, Game-Time Finishing, Cool-Down and Recovery
Career summary and accomplishments:
With over 15 years of coaching experience while serving as an active-duty member of the Air Force, I bring a unique blend of discipline, leadership, and sports expertise to the table. My coaching career spans various levels and sports, showcasing my versatility and commitment to developing athletes. Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of coaching basketball at every level, from Pre-K to semi-pro. This extensive experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of player development, game strategy, and team dynamics. Whether teaching fundamental skills to young beginners or refining the techniques of seasoned players, I have consistently fostered an environment of growth, discipline, and excellence. In addition to basketball, I have also coached cross country at the middle school and high school levels. This experience has honed my ability to train athletes in endurance, resilience, and strategic pacing, critical components for success in long-distance running. Balancing a demanding career in the Air Force with my passion for coaching has instilled in me a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to lead and inspire individuals under diverse and challenging conditions. My dual career has taught me the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that I impart to my athletes to help them excel both on and off the field. My unique background combines military precision with sportsmanship, creating a coaching style that is disciplined, motivational, and results-driven. I am dedicated to developing well-rounded athletes who are prepared to succeed in competition and in life.
Best coach I ever had:
Dex Mitchel was my favorite coach because he understood each player's strengths and designed plays that maximized their potential for the benefit of the team.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
Athletes and parents should know that as a hardworking coach, I am dedicated to pushing athletes to reach their full potential. I hold them accountable to their training and ensure they maintain a high level of discipline and commitment. My goal is to help each athlete succeed both on and off the court by fostering a strong work ethic and a supportive team environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact a coach?
If you’re looking to message a coach for the first time, go to their profile and click “Send a Message”. A type box will show, where you can enter and send your message. To follow up with a coach you've already contacted, log into your account and find the 'Inbox' tab. You'll see your message history and be able to send another note.
How do I book lessons?
Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
Can I pay my coach via Venmo or cash?
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What if I don't feel comfortable paying online?
We integrate with Stripe - the largest & most secure payment processor in the US - to facilitate bookings. Paying online is required, and it simplifies the process for our coaches since it helps track their schedule & earnings in one place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
Where will the coach hold their lessons?
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
When is the coach available to train?
Each coach sets their own schedule for training. You can see a coach's general availability by going to their profile and finding the 'Availability' section - it will list the days and times. If a coach doesn't post their availability, or if your preferred coach doesn't have your desired times available but you want to double check, message them to see if they can work with your schedule.
What if I don't love the first lesson?
The AU guarantee (refund policy) has you covered! If you determine the coach isn't a good fit after your first lesson, let us know within 24 hours and you're eligible for a refund. We will also be happy to recommend another coach - be sure to contact our support team.
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?
AU was created by former collegiate and professional athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process and we proudly showcase a 10% acceptance rate, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!
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