Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Tommy

Athletic Leadership: Successfully coached multiple basketball teams to district and conference championships, fostering a winning culture and developing numerous student-athletes who excelled both on and off the court.

Program Development: Established innovative programs such as the “Wave Club” to enhance school spirit and community engagement, and led a fundraising campaign that raised significant funds to support athletic programs.

Educational Impact: Provided academic and personal mentorship to student-athletes, improving their eligibility and performance, and launched initiatives to support at-risk students through personalized academic support.

Management Excellence: Demonstrated strong leadership as a manager at Waffle House, improving customer satisfaction, boosting sales, and mentoring staff to achieve professional growth and operational success.

Recognition: Honored as Head Coach for prestigious all-star games and recognized for contributions to athletic excellence and community development.

Professional Development: Continuously expanded expertise through certifications in coaching, health, and safety, staying current with best practices to ensure holistic development of athletes and teams.

These accomplishments reflect a career dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and excellence in both athletic and professional environments.

I can help someone improve their game by offering a personalized approach that focuses on enhancing their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. This involves detailed skill assessments, tailored training plans, and consistent feedback to foster growth. I emphasize the importance of fundamentals, strategic thinking, and mental toughness, while also instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Through video analysis, goal setting, and motivational coaching, I guide athletes to unlock their full potential and elevate their performance to the next level.

Typical Basketball Training Session Overview

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

1. Warm-Up (15 minutes)

Dynamic Stretching: Focus on flexibility and injury prevention (e.g., leg swings, arm circles).

Light Jogging/Dribbling Drills: Incorporate ball handling while warming up.

2. Skill Development (30 minutes)

Ball Handling: Drills to improve control (e.g., dribble patterns, crossover combinations).

Shooting: Focus on form and consistency through spot shooting, free throws, and three-point shots.

Passing: Partner drills to enhance accuracy and speed, including chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes.

3. Offensive/Defensive Drills (30 minutes)

Offensive Moves: Practice layups, post moves, and footwork for driving to the basket.

Defensive Skills: Focus on positioning, footwork, and on-ball defense through defensive slides and close-out drills.

4. Game Situations (20 minutes)

Scrimmage: Apply skills in a controlled game setting, focusing on teamwork, strategy, and decision-making.

Situational Drills: Practice specific scenarios like inbound plays, fast breaks, and last-second shots.

5. Cool Down (10 minutes)

Static Stretching: Reduce muscle tension and enhance recovery with focused stretches.

Reflection and Feedback: Discuss key takeaways, areas for improvement, and set goals for the next session.

This structured approach ensures comprehensive development, balancing skill enhancement, game understanding, and physical conditioning.

"Sam Washington was my best coach ever because he believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He had an extraordinary ability to see potential in every player and nurtured it with patience, discipline, and genuine care. His unwavering support, strategic mind, and life lessons extended beyond the court, shaping not only my skills but also my character. Coach Washington taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and integrity, making a lasting impact on my life and career."

Athletes and parents should know that I am deeply committed to the holistic development of student-athletes. With a rich background in coaching, education, and mentorship, I focus on fostering not only athletic excellence but also academic success and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, disciplined, and strategic approach to every training session, ensuring that each athlete reaches their full potential. My experience has taught me the value of perseverance, integrity, and community, which I aim to instill in every young person I work with. Together, we’ll build a foundation for success that lasts far beyond the playing field.