Telik Smith

I have been working as a basketball coach and trainer for the past three years. Initially, I started off by training my friends and individuals at the YMCA, providing them with valuable drills and tips to enhance their skills on the court. Eventually, I secured a position at Pro Club Bellevue as a basketball coach and trainer, where I obtained CPR/AED certification.

During my time at Pro Club, I had the opportunity to coach various teams, including the 11u, 12u, and 13u age groups. Additionally, I conducted group lessons tailored for 6 to 12-year-olds, as well as personal basketball sessions for individuals of all ages and experience levels. Notably, I had the privilege of training a D2 college basketball player, showcasing my ability to work with both experienced and beginner athletes.

Furthermore, I had the chance to collaborate with Coach Cameron Dollar at Pro Club, where we organized a clinic specifically designed for advanced high school players. Coach Cameron Dollar, renowned for his coaching tenure at the University of Washington, imparted invaluable wisdom on the significance of building strong relationships with players and effectively utilizing one's voice to motivate them during drills.

After my tenure at Pro Club, I transitioned to Santa Monica, California, where I continued my basketball coaching and training career with Santa Monica Basketball Academy. Here, I had the opportunity to work with players of various ages and skill levels, primarily focusing on middle and high school students. In this role, I coached team practices for the 8u and 12u age groups, as well as provided individual training sessions to players seeking personal improvement.

Overall, I dedicated three months to Santa Monica Basketball Academy, making a positive impact on the development of aspiring basketball players throughout the organization.

I have been actively involved in basketball since the age of six, cultivating a strong foundation and passion for the sport. Throughout my high school years at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington, I had the privilege of playing both junior varsity and varsity basketball for a span of four years. Additionally, I dedicated four years of my high school experience to playing on an AAU select team known as Emerald City Basketball Academy.

During my college years, I continued my basketball journey by joining an unofficial team at Seattle Central College, where I competed for a season. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to participate in an intramural team at the University of Washington for another season. Remarkably, our intramural team achieved an undefeated record, culminating in the honor of receiving a trophy as a testament to our success.

Upon embarking on my coaching journey at Pro Club, I enthusiastically joined their men's league, which pitted me against formidable opponents such as D2/D3 college basketball players and other basketball coaches. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork and skill, our team emerged victorious in every game, resulting in the acquisition of a well-deserved trophy. These collective experiences as a player have significantly contributed to my self-assurance as a coach, as I possess firsthand knowledge of the drills and lessons that propelled me to compete at a higher level.

Throughout my basketball journey, my proficiency has primarily resided in shooting, primarily due to my role as a shooting guard. Consequently, this specific skill is one that I am highly knowledgeable about and adept at teaching to others.

In my coaching approach, I prioritize understanding the individual player's aspirations for improvement in their game. By first identifying their specific goals, I can then tailor a comprehensive session plan designed to enhance the targeted skill set. The areas of focus may vary, encompassing dribbling, shooting, passing, or driving. Moreover, we can delve into more specialized skills like passing off screens or executing step-back jumpers.

To initiate our training sessions, we typically commence with a thorough warm-up, incorporating stretching exercises to prepare the player physically. Subsequently, we delve into drills that directly address their weaknesses and areas for improvement. For example, if a player struggles with dribbling using their non-dominant hand, we may concentrate on developing their proficiency by guiding them through exercises that focus solely on dribbling with their left hand, leading to executing a left-handed layup.

Additionally, we aim to expand the player's shooting abilities by consistently practicing proper form from varying distances on the court. By gradually extending the shooting range, we can enhance their capacity to score effectively from a broader range of positions. Importantly, every session plan is tailored to the individual player, reflecting their unique weaknesses and desired style of play in actual games.

By adopting this personalized approach, I can effectively guide each player towards significant growth and progress in their game, maximizing their potential and facilitating their success on the court.