Private Lessons & Coaches in Carlstadt, NJ

I'm a basketball coach with 22 years of experience fostering a love for the game while developing well-rounded athletes. My coaching blends technical expertise with a focus on building confidence and teamwork for players of all levels. Let's hit the court and elevate your game together!

With over a decade of coaching experience, Coach Sims has dedicated her career to developing young athletes both on and off the court. Her coaching journey began at Marion P. Thomas Charter School, where she successfully launched and built the high school girls basketball program from the ground up, establishing a strong and competitive foundation. After several successful seasons as head coach, she continued her impact in the sport by leading both Freshman and Junior Varsity teams over a three-year span, helping shape future varsity talent and maintaining a winning culture. Coach Sims later returned to her alma mater, Columbia High School, where she served as the Junior Varsity coach and assisted with the Varsity program for three seasons. Most recently, she led her JV team to an impressive 14-3 record, reflecting her commitment to excellence, player development, and team cohesion. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that defense builds offense. She emphasizes hard work, consistency, and the importance of building basketball IQ, principles that have consistently translated to success on the court. Coach Sims continues to inspire and mentor student-athletes, fostering growth through discipline, teamwork, and a love for the game.

Dr. Carl A. Walden – Coaching Biography Dr. Carl A. Walden is a respected basketball coach, player development expert, and community leader with over 15 years of coaching and mentoring experience, working with athletes from youth programs to the professional level. Known for his passion, structure, and deep understanding of the game, Dr. Walden has built a career rooted in servant leadership, athlete empowerment, and social impact. Dr. Walden’s basketball journey began at the historic St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, NJ, where he served as a team manager under the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley Sr. During his time at St. Anthony, Dr. Walden studied the game closely from one of the greatest minds in basketball history, developing a sharp eye for detail, discipline, and what it takes to build winning programs. He went on to apply those lessons throughout a coaching career spanning more than a decade, during which he has mentored, trained, and developed hundreds of athletes, helping many earn college scholarships or sign professional contracts overseas. Dr. Walden is the Co-Founder of Next Level Select Equal Opportunity Alliance Inc., a nonprofit organization that uses sports, education, and housing initiatives to transform the lives of underserved youth. He is also the Co-Owner of BC Aragats, a professional team in the Armenia Pro League, where he’s helping pioneer a movement to grow the game internationally while opening new doors for American and Armenian athletes alike. His mission is multifaceted: Lead the "Armenia Loves Basketball" campaign, which combines youth outreach, pro team branding, and cultural impact. Establish a sports academy and trade school in Newark, NJ and Armenia focused on degrees in sports management, real estate, broadcasting, barbering, and more. Launch a player-owned team model inspired by the Green Bay Packers, rooted in community investment and long-term sustainability. Provide affordable housing, education, and job training for youth and families in need. Dr. Walden also serves as a Player Development Coach, helping athletes sharpen their fundamentals, raise their basketball IQ, and prepare for life beyond the game. He holds a doctoral degree, graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and is the creative force behind the upcoming documentary The Dynamic Duo of Basketball, chronicling Ed and Jordan Hudson’s historic journey as the first father-son duo to play professional basketball together. From managing at St. Anthony to owning a pro team overseas, Dr. Carl A. Walden’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and a calling to uplift others through the game he loves.

With five years of pickleball instruction, I foster a supportive yet challenging environment for all skill levels. I’m dedicated to helping you unlock your potential and elevate your game with tailored strategies and techniques. Let's refine your skills and have fun!

"He was very professional in teaching and kept the entire 1h lesson with a lot of fun so that I never felt tired or bored. The beginner lessons from him were definitely worth it.

As a young dancer, into a competitive teen dancer and later a professional dancer of stage, film and tv, I always was told that my body type would never find a place in this industry of performing arts. This would crush me every time, so I decided to redirect my love for dance arts and created my own academy. Performing gave me a freedom unlike any other art form I have ever experienced and I wanted to pass that love on. Here is when you get to be part of my dream, teaching dance and opening my own academy creating ADA 6 years ago was not only a goal, but a mission. My goal is to guide dance enthusiasts with respect , proper training, positive reinforcement and passion. It would be fantastic to talk about awards and accolades, which I can, I will, but I believe it’s more important to talk about HOW you feel while dancing and letting go of fears and shyness. Be You!

Good day, I’m Jhazeal White, and I specialize in basketball training for athletes seeking to elevate their game. With my experience in going to multiple NBA combines, nearly signing a deal with the Knicks and playing against top basketball players, I can provide you with the guidance, tools and blueprints to help you with whatever you’re struggling with. With your experience level and the desire to train multiple times a week, I can tailor sessions to focus on skill development and areas I recommend for improvement. Whether you prefer training at your home or a local court, I’m flexible with weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings and even weekends to fit your schedule. Looking forward to helping you achieve your basketball aspirations! Best, Jhazeal W

"In my lessons with Coach Jhazeal, I went from averaging 4pts a game to averaging 22pts a game. He helped me grow 500% better in on court performance. He helped me understand that performance anxiety is common but continuous work and practice will slowly dissolve that problem and he was right. Our practices are always fun and motivating. He even came to some of my games to help cheer me on which made me feel even better. I highly recommend.

Fueled by a passion for pickleball and Basketball, I bring two years of coaching experience for Pickleball and 40 years of experience playing basketball to help players of all levels elevate their game. As an experienced player, I tailor my approach to ensure a fun, engaging, and effective learning environment.

"You won't regret choosing Shaan as your coach! He brings an amazing energy to every session. What stands out is how he blends his two years of pickleball coaching experience with his lifelong love for basketball – it gives him a really well-rounded perspective. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques, Shaan creates a fun, motivating, and incredibly effective learning experience. He's truly dedicated to helping you succeed."