Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Cham

I played varsity basketball in high school and have loved the game since I was in sixth grade. Throughout my high school years, I worked hard to improve my skills and competed at a high level, which eventually got me a spot on the varsity team. I broke my left tibia and fibula right before college. Unfortunately, that injury put a pause on my athletic career, but my passion for basketball stayed strong, and I continued to be involved with the sport in different ways. All of these experiences have shaped me as both a player and a coach, and I use everything I've learned to help others get better at their game.

When I focus on improving a player's game, I begin by assessing their current level and identifying their strengths and areas where they can improve. This helps me create a custom plan of drills and exercises specifically designed for them. Fundamentals are super important—like learning how to shoot, handle the ball, move, and pass. These basics are the foundation for any player who wants to get better. I also work on position-specific skills, so the player understands their role on the team and develops the abilities that fit their position. Another key area I focus on is mental toughness. Basketball demands quick decision-making and staying calm under pressure, which is crucial for success. Conditioning is also essential, so I create a program to enhance their stamina, speed, and agility, ensuring they perform their best throughout the game. I encourage them to boost their game IQ by studying strategies and watching games to better anticipate plays. Finally, I make sure to give them constructive feedback and keep them motivated by celebrating their progress as they go. Through all these areas, I aim to help any player reach their full potential in the sport.

A typical one-on-one training session starts with a warm-up to get the body moving and prevent injuries. This usually includes light jogging or dynamic stretches to loosen up the muscles. After warming up, we move into ball-handling drills to improve control and comfort with the ball. These drills might include crossover dribbles, behind-the-back dribbles, or weaving around cones, all designed to enhance quickness and dexterity. Next, we focus on shooting drills. We work on our shooting form and consistency, starting with spot shooting and free throws before moving on to shooting off the dribble or from a catch. We break down the important aspects of shooting, like hand placement, footwork, and follow-through, ensuring that each shot is well-executed. After shooting, we shift to defensive drills, which could involve sliding drills to improve lateral movement, closing out on an imaginary shooter, and practicing defensive stances. We also practice one-on-one defense to help the player improve their positioning and ability to stay in front of an opponent. Then, we add some conditioning exercises to build stamina, speed, and agility. Examples of this are sprints, ladder drills, or short-distance shuttle runs focused on improving quickness and endurance for both offense and defense. Finally, we let the player practice what they’ve worked on in game-like situations, which could include situational drills or simulated gameplay—things like decision-making, finishing at the rim, or creating space for a shot under pressure. We finish the session with some static stretches to promote flexibility and aid recovery. Throughout the training, there’s constant feedback, and drills are adjusted based on the player's progress. Above all, we maintain a positive and focused atmosphere to keep the players motivated and help them improve their game.

The best coach I ever had was Coach Garciga, he is the best because he was always real with us. He held us to high standards and pushed us to be our best, but it was always the "good kind" of tough love. He had clear expectations for us, but they were always with our success in mind. He wasn’t afraid to challenge us, and even though it wasn’t always easy, we knew it was because he genuinely wanted us to succeed and reach our full potential. His honesty, dedication, and belief in us made him an incredible coach and mentor.

I care about helping athletes and players improve and succeed. I believe in creating a supportive environment where they can challenge themselves and feel motivated. I’m committed to pushing them to reach their full potential, both on and off the court, and I always try to be real/fair, and honest with them. My coaching style focuses on developing skills, hard work, and discipline, but I also want to build good relationships with my players. I want them to know that I’m there for them, to help them grow, and to make sure they understand the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and success in the bigger picture.