Stephon S.

I’ve trained players of all ages from beginners to professionals. I’ve trained players abroad as well such as Mexico, France, Switzerland, and Spain. I also run my own 15u AAU team named NGU HOOPS, where I prepare players for the next level. As a seasoned USA Basketball certified trainer specializing in speed, dribbling, and shooting techniques, my approach is tailored to players aged 10 and older, aiming to elevate their skills to the next level. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of the game, I emphasize a holistic training regimen that hones not only physical prowess but also mental acuity. My sessions blend dynamic drills that enhance players' speed, agility, and footwork, fostering a competitive edge on the court. I'm dedicated to refining dribbling skills through a mix of stationary exercises and complex cone patterns, allowing players to maneuver confidently through defenses. In the realm of shooting, I instill a strong emphasis on form, balance, and muscle memory, empowering athletes to consistently hit their mark. My coaching philosophy extends beyond technique, fostering camaraderie and teamwork, making each training session an opportunity for personal growth and collective development.

I’ve played point guard for Dyersburg State College in 2013 to 2015. I transferred to Park University 2016, which is a NAIA, but left early to pursue my career as a professional basketball player. I played in various leagues in Mexico, including the LNBP, Chihuahua League, and the Cibabaj League from 2016 to 2018. From there, I went to France to train young players for 6 months. While being there, I played against with professional teams in various cities. I also got a chance to train young players in Switzerland and Spain.

**Detailed Training Session Breakdown:**

**1. Warm-up and Stretching (10 minutes):** Begin the session with a light jog around the court, followed by dynamic stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion. Include leg swings, arm circles, hip rotations, and ankle rotations.

**2. Dribbling Drills (20 minutes):** Focus on various dribbling drills to improve ball-handling skills:
- **Stationary Dribbling:** Perform basic dribbling moves like crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back while staying in one spot.
- **Cone Dribbling:** Set up a series of cones in a zig-zag pattern and dribble through them using different techniques.
- **Two-Ball Dribbling:** Use two basketballs to challenge coordination and ambidextrous dribbling skills.

**3. Speed and Agility Drills (15 minutes):** Enhance quickness and agility with these drills:
- **Ladder Drills:** Execute ladder drills such as high knees, lateral shuffles, and quick steps to improve footwork.
- **Suicides:** Run back and forth between designated points on the court, gradually increasing speed with each repetition.
- **Sprint Intervals:** Alternate between short bursts of sprinting and jogging to build explosive speed.

**4. Shooting Drills (25 minutes):** Focus on improving shooting accuracy and form:
- **Spot Shooting:** Take shots from different spots on the court, focusing on proper shooting technique and follow-through.
- **Catch-and-Shoot:** Have a partner pass the ball as you catch and quickly release shots to simulate game situations.
- **Off-the-Dribble Shooting:** Combine dribbling and shooting by performing pull-up jumpers and step-back shots.

**5. 1 on 1 Drills (15 minutes):** Divide the group into pairs for one-on-one matchups. This helps improve defensive skills, offensive moves, and decision-making under pressure.

**6. 5 on 5 Scrimmage (20 minutes):** End the session with a full-court, five-on-five scrimmage. This allows players to apply the skills they've practiced in a game-like setting, fostering teamwork, communication, and situational awareness.

**7. Cool Down and Stretching (10 minutes):** Finish the session by gradually reducing intensity and performing static stretches. Focus on muscle groups that were heavily engaged during the training.

**8. Review and Feedback (5 minutes):** Gather the players and discuss what went well and areas for improvement. Provide feedback and tips for further development.