Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Josiah
As someone with a high level of experience in basketball, I understand not just the skills required to succeed on the court, but also the mindset it takes to excel. I’ve been through the grind, faced competition, and learned the nuances of the game that aren’t found in textbooks or basic training. Whether you or your child is just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, I’m equipped to tailor sessions to match their current ability and push them toward new heights. I focus on building strong fundamentals, enhancing basketball IQ and developing the confidence needed to perform under pressure. My goal is to unlock potential and instill a love for the game, while delivering results. Choose me, and I’ll help develop not just a basketball player, but a competitor and leader on and off the court.
Wilmington, NC
0 Lessons
- Basketball
- Background Check
- Contact Information
- Experience Verified
This coach is unavailable for new bookings
Try Coach Josiah 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 Josiah
About Me:
•Currently serving as the head basketball coach at Wilmington Preparatory Academy, (K-8th)
with prior experience coaching with Upward Basketball.
•Formally trained by BBA Academy (Ben Bellucci) who now trains players getting them ready for the NBA Draft and Division 1 schools. He currently works with the Utah Jazz as a skills and shooting coach.
Total training under him: 1 year
-ESCAL/ Syracuse Wolfpack Syracuse, NY
Tournament MVP Basketball
-ESCAL/Syracuse Wolfpack 4x All Star
-Played AAU at the highest level with a proven track record of success.
How I can help you improve your game:
As a coach, I help players improve their game by focusing on skill development, strategic understanding, and mental resilience. I tailor training to meet individual needs, ensuring athletes strengthen their fundamentals while also addressing specific areas for growth. Through film analysis, drills, and situational play, I enhance their basketball IQ and decision-making abilities. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of discipline, teamwork, and confidence, fostering a mindset that thrives under pressure. My goal is to not only develop well-rounded athletes but also instill the values and habits that lead to long-term success on and off the court.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
A typical one-on-one basketball training session with me focuses on personalized skill development and improvement. Here’s how a session would typically go:
1. Warm-up (10-15 minutes)
- Dynamic stretches to improve flexibility and prevent injury.
- Ball-handling drills (stationary and moving) to engage the hands and increase coordination.
- Footwork drills (e.g., ladder drills, cone drills) to improve speed and agility.
2. Shooting Drills (20-25 minutes)
- Form shooting. Focusing on mechanics, balance, and follow-through.
- Spot shooting: Hitting shots from various spots around the court to improve range and accuracy.
- Off-the-dribble shooting: Shooting off one or two dribbles to mimic game situations.
- Catch-and-shoot drills: Repetition of receiving the ball and shooting quickly to build muscle memory.
3. Ball Handling and Dribbling (15-20 minutes)
- Tight space dribbling: Keeping the ball low and controlled in tight areas to improve ball-handling under pressure.
- Change-of-direction moves: Practicing crossovers, behind-the-back, and between-the-legs dribbles for quick direction changes.
- Combination dribbles: Stringing multiple moves together to improve rhythm and creativity in-game situations.
4. Footwork and Finishing (15-20 minutes)
- Footwork in the post or perimeter: Working on pivoting, jab steps, and other footwork fundamentals to create space.
- Layups and finishing: Reps of layups and finishes (floaters, reverse layups, euro steps) in traffic or off different angles.
- Attacking the basket: Simulating drives to the hoop, finishing strong with contact.
5. Defense and Conditioning (10-15 minutes)
- 1-on-1 defense drills: Focused on improving defensive stance, lateral quickness, and on-ball pressure.
- Closeout drills: Learning to close out on shooters effectively.
- Conditioning: Short, intense bursts of movement like sprints or suicides to build endurance.
6. Cool Down and Review (5-10 minutes)**
- Stretching and cool down: To prevent injury and aid recovery.
- Discussion and feedback: Reviewing the session, giving feedback on areas for improvement, and setting goals for the next session.
In this session, I’ll not only focus on perfecting technical skills but also emphasize game-like scenarios, helping the athlete develop skills they can immediately apply in competition. Every drill is aimed at pushing them out of their comfort zone to ensure steady progression.
Career summary and accomplishments:
I am currently the Head Basketball Coach at Wilmington Prepatory Academy, where I focus on developing skilled athletes and strong leaders. My goal is to create a team that not only competes at a high level but also understands the importance of discipline, respect, and personal growth. I bring my experience, passion for the game, and dedication to building well-rounded players who excel on and off the court.
Best coach I ever had:
The best coach I had was Coach Peter Irvine. He led our team with tough love, never settling for less than our best. He pushed us beyond our limits, teaching us that true growth comes from hard work and accountability. What made him even more special was how he balanced his intensity with genuine care-he was a family man who treated the team like an extension of his own family. His leadership was rooted in strong moral values, and he guided us not just as athletes, but as young men, in a Godly way. He showed us how to be great on the court and in life.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
Parents and athletes should know that when working with me, I’m not just focused on developing advanced basketball skills—I’m committed to bringing out the very best in each individual, both on and off the court. I believe in pushing athletes to reach their full potential, while also instilling discipline, respect, and strong character. The lessons learned through basketball extend far beyond the game, and I’ll ensure they carry themselves with confidence and integrity in all aspects of life. My approach blends skill development with life skills, shaping not just better players, but well-rounded individuals.
How it works
Find a Coach
Browse our roster of vetted private coaches to find the right fit for you.
Book Lessons
Book and schedule your lessons through our platform.
Start Training
Meet your coach in-person or virtually, and start chasing down your goals!
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 find yourself needing to cancel or adjust your booking within 24 hours of your purchase, just let us know. We'll provide a refund - no questions asked. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're here to support your learning journey.
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!
© 2025 Athletes Untapped. All rights reserved.