Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Bert

I was a three-sport athlete in high school, where I excelled in baseball, earning college offers due to my performance. However, a shoulder injury led me to reassess my path, and I decided to attend junior college, where I played both baseball and football.

My coaching career began over 15 years ago in the Bay Area, where I coached youth sports at the high school, elementary, and club levels. I had the privilege of coaching for esteemed programs such as St. Martin's, Archbishop Mitty, Santa Clara, St. Francis, South Valley, Bay Club, Fremont High School, and others. This diverse experience allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of athlete development across various age groups and skill levels.

In recent years, I moved to the Sacramento area and continued my coaching journey with the Oakmont Junior Vikings, Oakmont High School, The Control Chaos, and Rocklin Little League. Additionally, I have over 15 years of experience as a personal trainer and coach, working with athletes to enhance their strength, agility, and overall performance.

My extensive background in both playing and coaching sports has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide athletes towards achieving their full potential. Whether on the field or in the gym, my commitment to fostering athletic growth and personal development remains unwavering.

Improving an athlete's game requires a holistic and personalized approach that addresses both their physical and mental development. Here’s how I can help:

1. **Individualized Training Programs**: I tailor training programs to meet the unique needs and goals of each athlete. By assessing their current skill level, strengths, and areas for improvement, I create a customized plan that focuses on developing specific skills and enhancing overall performance.

2. **Fundamental Skill Development**: Emphasizing the basics is crucial. I work with athletes to refine their fundamental skills, ensuring they have a solid foundation to build upon. Whether it's improving technique, agility, or strength, I focus on mastering the essentials.

3. **Advanced Techniques and Strategies**: For more advanced athletes, I introduce sophisticated techniques and strategies that can give them a competitive edge. This includes sport-specific drills, game simulations, and situational training to enhance their tactical understanding and execution.

4. **Strength and Conditioning**: Physical fitness is a key component of athletic success. I incorporate comprehensive strength and conditioning programs to improve an athlete’s endurance, power, speed, and flexibility, which are essential for peak performance.

5. **Mental Performance Coaching**: The mental aspect of sports is often overlooked but is equally important. I provide mental performance coaching to help athletes develop a strong mindset, improve focus, and manage stress. Techniques such as visualization, goal setting, and positive reinforcement are integrated into training.

6. **Feedback and Continuous Improvement**: Regular feedback is essential for growth. I offer constructive feedback and work with athletes to set achievable goals. Continuous assessment and adjustment of training plans ensure ongoing progress and adaptation to new challenges.

7. **Building Confidence and Resilience**: Confidence and resilience are critical for any athlete. I create a supportive environment where athletes feel encouraged to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and build the self-belief necessary to overcome obstacles and succeed.

8. **Holistic Development**: I believe in developing well-rounded athletes. My coaching includes life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, which are invaluable both on and off the field.

By combining these elements, I help athletes improve their game in a comprehensive manner, ensuring they are well-prepared to achieve their personal best and reach their full potential.

A typical training session with me is structured to maximize both physical and mental development, ensuring a well-rounded approach to improving athletic performance. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. **Warm-Up and Stretching (10-15 minutes)**:

- We begin with a dynamic warm-up to increase heart rate and prepare the muscles for activity. This includes light jogging, jumping jacks, and dynamic stretches.

- Focused stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent injuries.

2. **Skill Development Drills (20-30 minutes)**:

- Sport-specific drills aimed at improving fundamental skills. For example, in football, this might include passing, catching, and footwork drills.

- Emphasis on proper technique and repetition to build muscle memory.

3. **Strength and Conditioning (15-20 minutes)**:

- A combination of strength training exercises, such as bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or weightlifting, tailored to the athlete’s needs.

- Conditioning drills to improve endurance, speed, and agility, such as sprints, agility ladders, and plyometric exercises.

4. **Advanced Techniques and Game Situations (20-30 minutes)**:

- Practice of advanced techniques and strategies relevant to the sport. This could include game simulations, tactical drills, and situational training.

- Focus on decision-making, positioning, and execution under pressure.

5. **Mental Performance Training (10-15 minutes)**:

- Incorporation of mental exercises such as visualization, goal-setting, and mindfulness to enhance focus and mental resilience.

- Discussions on coping strategies for stress and pressure situations.

6. **Cool-Down and Recovery (10-15 minutes)**:

- Gentle cool-down activities, such as light jogging or walking, to gradually lower the heart rate.

- Static stretching to aid in muscle recovery and prevent soreness.

- Techniques for recovery, including hydration, nutrition advice, and the importance of rest.

7. **Feedback and Goal Setting (5-10 minutes)**:

- End each session with a review of performance, providing constructive feedback and highlighting areas of improvement.

- Setting short-term and long-term goals to keep the athlete motivated and focused on their development.

This structured approach ensures that each training session is comprehensive, targeting all aspects of athletic performance. By balancing physical conditioning, skill development, and mental training, I help athletes achieve continuous improvement and reach their full potential.

The best coach I ever had was Gary Cunningham, my baseball coach. He taught me one of the most valuable lessons in both sports and life: that hard work always pays off. Coach Cunningham's relentless emphasis on dedication, perseverance, and effort not only improved my performance on the field but also shaped my overall approach to challenges. His belief in the power of hard work has stayed with me throughout my career, influencing how I coach and mentor young athletes today. His impact on my life is a testament to the profound influence a great coach can have.

Parents and athletes should know that my coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that sports are a powerful vehicle for personal growth and character development. I am passionate about helping young athletes realize their potential, not just as players, but as individuals.

**Commitment to Youth Development**: I am dedicated to fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive. I love working with kids and watching them grow, both on and off the field. I believe in teaching life lessons through sports, such as the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. My goal is to instill these values in every athlete I coach, ensuring they carry these lessons into all aspects of their lives.

**Personal Connection**: As a father of three boys, two of whom are currently in the Oakmont High School football program striving for Division I scholarships, and one who has successfully played both high school and college football, I understand the dedication and effort it takes to succeed. I have personally guided my sons through their athletic journeys, teaching them the importance of hard work and resilience. Seeing them grow and achieve their goals has been immensely rewarding and is a testament to the coaching principles I hold dear.

**Holistic Approach**: My coaching extends beyond just improving athletic skills. I focus on the mental and emotional aspects of sports as well. I believe in building confidence, fostering a positive mindset, and teaching athletes how to handle both victories and setbacks with grace. Every training session is designed to not only enhance physical abilities but also to strengthen mental toughness and emotional resilience.

**Passion for Mentorship**: I am genuinely invested in the success and well-being of each athlete I work with. My passion for mentorship drives me to go above and beyond to ensure that every young athlete feels supported, motivated, and inspired. I strive to create a positive and encouraging environment where athletes feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately grow.

**Ethical and Moral Integrity**: I hold myself to the highest standards of ethical and moral integrity. I believe in fair play, respect, and honesty. These are principles I emphasize with my athletes, ensuring they understand the importance of playing the game the right way and respecting their opponents, teammates, and coaches.

**Proven Results**: My track record speaks for itself, but what truly sets me apart is my commitment to each athlete’s personal journey. I celebrate their successes, big and small, and provide unwavering support through their challenges. My coaching is not just about creating great athletes; it’s about nurturing strong, confident, and well-rounded individuals.

By choosing to train with me, parents and athletes can expect a comprehensive, heartfelt, and dedicated approach to sports coaching. I am here to guide, support, and inspire young athletes to achieve their best and become the champions of their own lives.