Timothy Dawson

What experience do you have coaching or training athletes?
I trained directly with Tremont Waters for ten years, gaining invaluable insight into high-level basketball techniques and drills. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from a wide range of coaches worldwide, each bringing unique styles and methods that have shaped my approach and understanding of the game.

At what levels have you coached?
While I may not have coached formally, my extensive training experience with Tremont Waters has prepared me to understand the demands of high-level basketball. I feel equipped to share this knowledge with others, whether they’re developing fundamental skills or looking to elevate to elite levels.

Where have you worked as a coach or trainer?
Most of my experience is rooted in my personal training journey, which has included working with elite athletes and international coaches. I haven’t coached in a specific organization yet, but my background gives me a unique perspective and readiness to step into a coaching role.

What age groups do you typically work with?
I’ve mostly trained alongside older youth and adults in advanced basketball settings. However, my training experience enables me to adapt techniques and drills to different ages and skill levels.

Do you have any industry certifications?
I haven’t pursued formal certifications yet

I played for Notre Dame West Haven and Hamden Hall for my high school years
I played for the University of Bridgeport through my college years.

I’ve recieved honor roll and all confrence multiple times and I’ve scored 1000 points in both my high school and college years

1. Ball Handling Breakdown

Objective: Build control, speed, and reaction under pressure.

• Warm-Up Drills:
• Pound Dribbles (low, waist, shoulder height) to engage fingers and improve control.
• Figure-8 Dribble for hand coordination and switching hands smoothly.
• Control Drills:
• Two-Ball Dribble (stationary and moving) for improving ambidexterity and control.
• Cone Drills: Quick, tight movements around cones to simulate defensive pressure.
• Reaction Drills:
• Partner Read-and-React: A partner points a direction, and the athlete dribbles accordingly, training decision-making.
• Mirror Drills: One player leads, and the other mirrors, adding quick reaction adjustments to unpredictable changes.

2. Finishing Breakdown

Objective: Develop versatility and consistency around the rim.

• Basic Finishes:
• Layups: Focus on both hands, including inside hand layups.
• Reverse Layups: Training for baseline drives and finishing with both hands.
• Advanced Finishes:
• Floaters: Work on footwork for short-range floaters with touch.
• Euro Step: Practicing footwork and timing to avoid defenders.
• Up-and-Under: Body control and timing to counter shot blockers.
• Contact Finishes:
• Pad Finishes: Use a foam pad or body resistance to simulate contact, building strength and balance through the finish.

3. Form Shooting Breakdown

Objective: Build and reinforce shooting fundamentals for consistency.

• Form Shooting Close to the Hoop:
• One-Handed Shots: Focus purely on form with one hand, isolating the shooting motion.
• BEEF Check (Balance, Elbow, Eyes, Follow-Through): Make sure each aspect is emphasized, building a strong base and alignment.
• Slow-Motion Shooting:
• 10-Second Shot: Take 10 seconds to complete a shot, exaggerating the form to build muscle memory.
• Mirror Work:
• Form Reflection: Use a mirror to check shooting mechanics and alignment from different angles, without a ball.

4. Game Situation Shooting Breakdown

Objective: Improve shot selection and execution under game-like conditions.

• Catch-and-Shoot:
• Spot Shooting: Choose five spots (corners, wings, top) for quick catch-and-shoot, emphasizing footwork.
• Pop and Fade: Work on popping out for open shots or fading away to create space.
• Shooting Off the Dribble:
• Pull-Ups: Work on quick pull-up shots after one or two dribbles.
• Crossover into Shot: Dribble moves into a balanced, controlled shot.
• Contested Shooting:
• Hand in Face: Practice with a defender closing out to simulate contested shots.
• One-on-One Situations: Use scrimmage-like play to get comfortable with finding a shot under pressure.

5. Dribble Combos into Shooting Breakdown

Objective: Improve fluidity and rhythm when transitioning from dribbling to shooting.

• Basic Combos:
• Cross into Shot: Cross-over to one side, then gather into a balanced pull-up.
• Behind-the-Back into Shot: Quick behind-the-back dribble to create space, then transition into a shot.
• Double Moves:
• Double Cross into Shot: Two crossovers, focusing on rhythm and footwork before gathering for the shot.
• In-and-Out to Behind-the-Back into Shot: Complex combo to create separation, maintaining balance through each move.
• Game-Like Combos:
• Defender Shadow: Partner shadows to simulate defense, while the athlete uses combos to create space before shooting.
• Decision-Making Drill: Alternate between dribble-drive and pull-up depending on defender positioning, training the mind to read and react before the shot.