Lamont N.

I have extensive experience coaching and training athletes, particularly in skill development, game IQ, and personal growth both on and off the court. Over the years, I've worked with athletes at various levels, from youth programs to competitive high school players and beyond.
I've coached and trained athletes through LA Hoops, my personal training business, and with RTX Hoops, where I've been involved with elite-level teams. These experiences have allowed me to work with athletes from elementary to high school and early college levels. I focus on players who are serious about improving their basketball skills and developing their overall athletic abilities.
My background includes being an MVP for my High School team, Stony Point, my AAU team, RTX Hoops, which provided a strong foundation for understanding what it takes to succeed in competitive basketball. Currently, I play for Austin Community College's basketball team, which continues to sharpen my skills and deepen my knowledge for the game.

As for age groups, I typically work with athletes between the ages of 10 and 18. However, I've also worked with younger kids in introductory programs and older athletes preparing for collegiate or semi-professional play.
While I don't hold formal industry certifications, my years of practical experience in playing, coaching, and training have allowed me to develop a hands-on, tailored approach that consistently helps athletes reach their full potential.

My MVP achievements in both high school and AAU were a direct result of my mindset and work ethic. I was never the top offensive threat—rarely shooting the ball or dribbling much—but what got me recognized was my refusal to be outworked. No one ever outworked me on the court. My leadership, relentless work ethic, and defensive prowess made me stand out. I took the initiative, communicated effectively, and brought defensive aggression, setting the tone for every game. This energy became contagious, inspiring my teammates to elevate their game, determined to win at all costs!

That's what made me a leader—in practice, I refused to be outworked, and in games, no opponent could outplay me. Whether I was guarding a small, quick player, a strong post player, a sharpshooter, or a shifty ball handler, I embraced the challenge and dominated defensively. These qualities come from a mindset that's not only essential for basketball success but also for life beyond the court. This is the mentality I instill in athletes at LA Hoops, teaching them that success starts with the right mindset and work ethic.

Clients can expect a structured, high-energy environment focused on personalized development in a typical session with me at LA Hoops. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. **Warm-Up and Mobility**: We kick things off with dynamic stretches and mobility exercises to ensure the body is fully prepared for the workout. This helps prevent injury, loosens up muscles, and improves flexibility for better movement on the court.

2. We dive into agility-focused drills such as ladder work, cone drills, or sprint drills. These drills are designed to enhance quickness, coordination, and balance, which are critical for improving an athlete's overall performance.

3. **Skill Development**:
- **Offensive Skill Work**: We focus on techniques like shooting mechanics, ball handling, passing precision, and finishing at the rim. Drills might include shooting repetitions, ball-handling circuits, and 1-on-1 scoring moves to develop confidence and versatility in offensive play.
- **Basketball IQ**: Throughout the session, we work on decision-making skills by running situational drills that require athletes to think fast and adapt. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the game.

4. **Position-Specific Work**: We dive into specialized drills specific to the athlete's position. For example, guards might focus on pick-and-roll execution or perimeter shooting, while post players might work on footwork in the paint and finishing at the rim.

5. **Reflection and Feedback**: We finish each session with a reflection period. I'll have a brief conversation with the athlete about what they learned and what areas they feel they improved in. We also discuss any goals or specific skills they'd like to work on in the next session so we can keep progressing and tailoring the training to their needs.

My goal is to tailor each session to the athlete's specific needs while building not only their basketball skills but also their confidence and mental approach to the game. Provide a focused and personalized approach that builds basketball skills and encourages athletes to reflect on their growth and set new goals.