Paul Long

My first coaching job was as a graduate assistant coach at Arizona State University. The following year I became an assistant coach at Central Arizona Community College. The desire to play professionally again, led me to Basil, Switzerland where I coached the youth team, the junior team and played on and coached the the men's team. After my return stateside I was hired as the head coach at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona where I coached for five years. With all these stops the most enjoyable coaching experience I ever had was coaching my then 10 year old son and his friends for 2 years in a league in Middletown, Ky. I loved their joy, their willingness and their amazingly quick improvement in all areas. That is a big reason why I enjoy working one on one with interested youngsters. It is so satisfying on so many levels for all involved.

I was an All State basketball player at Waggener High School in Louisville, Kentucky. After high school I signed with Virginia Tech and was a starting guard my sophomore year. Following that season I trasferred to Wake Forest for my final two years of eligibility. In my junior and senior years at Wake Forest I was an all ACC 2nd and 1st team performer respectively. I was a Regional All American my senior year. Upon graduation I was the 45th pick in the NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons for whom I played for two seasons. In my third season I was selected by the Buffalo Braves {who are now the Houston Rockets) in the NBA expansion draft. I played one season for the Braves. Following two knee surgeries and nine years after my last NBA game I coached and played in Basil, Switzerland.

General Session Plan

I Ball Handling Drills (using both left and right hand)
a. protect and pivot with ball
b. one ball stationary dribbling
c. two ball dribbling drills
d. passing-catching stationary dribbling combined
e. on the move dribbling
f. combo dribbling moves
g. combo moves to create separation

II Shooting Drills
a. left hand-right hand shooting by the basket-Mikan Drill
b. left hand-right hand euro step, floaters and creative finish layups on the move
c. form shooting at basket
d. jump shots close to basket moving in a semi-circle
e. jump shots gradually moving further from basket moving in a semi-circle
f. catch and shoot jump shots on the move
g. jump shots off of the dribble
h. combine layups and jump shots off of dribble moves
i. side step and step back jumpers
j. foot work jab step series
k. side step and step back jumpers
l. turn around jumper series
k. post series, moves and footwork
m.mid post series, moves and footwork

III Defensive Drills
a. stance
b. sliding drills

IV Rebounding Drills
a. blocking out and going after the ball
b. tip drill off of backboard
c. rebound-look for outlet or break out on your own to start fast break
d. Rebound and put back

V Free Throws-Emphasizing
a. form
b. routine
c. repetition

VI Discussion of session and a give and take from both sides so that both teacher and pupil can learn from each other and build a joyful, supportive, informative and productive relationship.

VII All of the drills are subject to change so they will be best suited for the needs of the youngsters involved at the time of the session. Intermittent water breaks as needed.

VII If the youngster in question is truly in love with the game and has a burning desire to reach his or her full potential it would be a wise decision for us to get together.