Cham C.

I’m passionate about developing players not just as athletes, but as people. At Exclusive Hoops, I coach and train with the boys varsity team, focusing on helping players grow in skill, confidence, and mindset. Before that, I spent two years leading the JV Girls Basketball team at Madison-Grant Jr/Sr High School, where I built a culture centered on teamwork, resilience, and purpose. A couple of summers ago, I coached at Camp Pontiac in New York, working with players ages 7 to 16 and guiding them through both the fundamentals and the mental side of the game. I’m a USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach and hold multiple NFHS certifications. For me, coaching is more than basketball — it’s about helping every player recognize that they’re on the way to becoming who they’re meant to be.

I played varsity basketball all through high school and worked hard to get better at the game. My dedication finally paid off when I made the varsity team in high school and got to compete against other schools at a high level. Unfortunately, just before I was set to go to college, I broke my left tibia and fibula, which put a halt to my athletic career. Even though I faced this setback, my love for basketball didn't go away. I found other ways to stay involved in the game. My experiences as a player have helped me grow as a coach and have given me a better understanding of the challenges athletes face.

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.