Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach James
Unlock your basketball potential with personalized coaching that blends fundamental skills with advanced tactics. Regardless of skill level, I can elevate your game, boost your confidence, and help you achieve your athletic goals. Let's get to work!
San Francisco, CA
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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:
Starting Point Guard for Tabb High Varsity (2009-2010): Played a key role in achieving a 5th place finish at the AA Virginia State Championships, showcasing leadership and skill under pressure.
Starting Point Guard for Tabb High Junior Varsity (2007-2008): Led the team to an undefeated 48-0 record over two seasons, exemplifying consistent performance and strategic expertise.
I've been playing basketball since I was 4 and still play weekly in adult leagues. I'm a student of the game.
How I can help you improve your game:
I start by thoroughly understanding an athlete's goals, even the smallest ones, and assessing their current skill set. This initial evaluation is crucial for tailoring my coaching approach, ensuring that every drill and strategy enhances their specific abilities. By focusing on fundamentally sound instruction, I adapt techniques and tactics to align with each player's objectives. This personalized approach not only accelerates development but also empowers athletes to reach new heights in their game. My goal is to make every session impactful, helping players expand their skills, confidence, and basketball IQ.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
A typical training session with me always begins with a strong focus on fundamentals, ensuring that each athlete masters the essential skills needed for basketball excellence. While there is a structured routine to each session, I also incorporate periods of creative play. This balance allows athletes to apply their skills in new and challenging scenarios, promoting adaptability and quick thinking. Each practice builds upon the previous one, reinforcing learned skills while always introducing something new. This method ensures continuous improvement, layering foundational techniques with advanced strategies to develop a well-rounded, versatile player.
Career summary and accomplishments:
Head Coach of 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball, Arlington, VA (11/2016 - 04/2018): Led teams to the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, demonstrating effective leadership and strong coaching skills. Assistant Coach of 7th Grade Boys Basketball, Vienna, VA (11/2015 - 04/2016): Crafted and implemented defensive gameplans that propelled the team to a county championship win. I've been a head coach, an assistant coach, a defensive coach, and a personal development coach.
Best coach I ever had:
My junior varsity coach. He expertly combined a focus on fundamentals with a commitment to toughness and tailored coaching, enabling each player to thrive individually while propelling our team to a perfect 48-0 record over two seasons. His approach not only led us to unmatched success but also deeply influenced my own coaching philosophy.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
I am deeply empathetic and understand that everyone has a unique learning style—there is no one-size-fits-all approach in my coaching. As a former three-sport athlete—point guard in basketball, center midfielder in soccer, and quarterback in football—I've honed my leadership skills across various team dynamics and competitive environments. These experiences have deeply influenced my coaching, allowing me to bring diverse strategies and perspectives that enrich my training programs. I believe in nurturing well-rounded players by focusing on their individual needs and strengths. Partnering with me means not just improving technically, but growing holistically in confidence, skill, and sportsmanship.
How it works
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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?
Paying AU coaches via cash, Venmo, or any 3rd party is strictly prohibited. AU coaches know this, but their partnership with us is to split all bookings 80/20 - so coaches keep 80%. We use our 20% to help them find clients & manage their business. Without the split, we wouldn't be able to help our coaches & community thrive!
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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