Book Lessons with Coach Jackson

I’ve been fortunate to work under and learn from some of the most respected coaches in the state. In high school, I trained under a coach who went on to become the head coach for Team USA’s 18U baseball squad. At the collegiate level, I served as a student manager under Coach Dave Jarvis at Belmont University, who has over 30 years of coaching experience.

I’ve also been playing basketball for over 12 years on a daily basis, giving me a deep understanding of the game—from shooting and ball handling to footwork and defense. This blend of experiences has allowed me to develop a well-rounded coaching style that focuses on both physical skill-building and mental preparation.

I start by assessing each athlete’s strengths and areas for growth. From there, I design personalized drills and training routines to build on fundamentals and address any weaknesses—whether it’s shooting form, ball handling, or defensive positioning in basketball. Because of my experience across multiple sports, I also bring a fresh angle on footwork and conditioning, which can really boost agility, speed, and overall athleticism.

Most importantly, I teach athletes the “why” behind each drill. I’ve found that understanding the purpose of a drill or technique helps players adapt faster and stay motivated, ultimately leading to long-term improvement.

A typical session is efficient, focused, and always includes these key components:

Warm-Up and Activation: We begin with dynamic stretches and basic footwork drills to prime the body and reduce injury risk.

Skill Focus: The bulk of the session zeroes in on specific techniques such as shooting mechanics, dribbling, or defensive slides. I’ll break down each skill, then let athletes practice it in controlled scenarios.

Game-Like Situations: We incorporate mini-scrimmages or situational drills to apply the newly learned skills under realistic conditions.

Cool-Down and Review: Finally, we spend time reviewing progress, identifying what worked, and setting goals for the next session. We’ll also do some light stretching to aid recovery.

Every athlete is different, so while the general flow remains consistent, the content of each session is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

Fundamentals First: Every great athlete thrives on a strong foundation. I focus on mechanics, footwork, athletic development and discipline.

Holistic Development: I emphasise mental preparation, strategic awareness, and teamwork alongside physical skills.

Positive Reinforcement: I believe motivation and confidence are huge for skill development, so I make sure to offer constructive feedback and celebrate each step forward.

Experience-Driven: Drawing from over a decade of daily basketball play and work with highly experienced baseball coaches, I bring diverse perspectives on training methods.

The best coach I ever had is my high school baseball coach at Ensworth, who later became Team USA’s 18U head coach. He not only helped me sharpen my technical skills, but also taught me the importance of work ethic, accountability, and passion for the sport. His emphasis on fundamentals and character-building has shaped my own coaching philosophy. I credit him with instilling the kind of discipline and positivity I aim to pass on to my athletes.

I’m dedicated to helping athletes become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the court (or field). I believe in pushing athletes to exceed their comfort zones, but also in celebrating progress—no matter how small. My coaching approach is built on honesty, clear communication, and mutual respect. I value feedback from both athletes and parents and encourage open dialogue to ensure everyone’s goals are aligned.