Learn Basketball with Daniel
💰$50 weekly lessons
I've spent the last two decades sharing my love for basketball and fostering the next generation of athletes. My coaching style blends technical expertise with a focus on building confidence and teamwork, making learning fun and effective. Let's work together to take your game to the next level!
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Adults
🎓20 years coaching
🔥New to TeachMe.To
⭐️League Champions, State Qualifying, Grade School and High School (both boys and girls) Experience
New to TeachMe.To
We strictly vet every TeachMeTo instructor, so you can book with confidence.
This coach is exceptional. We accept fewer than 10% of coaches who apply, because our students deserve only the best. Make their first week great and book now!
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:1 location available
St. Matthew Lutheran School
5885 N Venoy Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA
164.5 miles awayIndoors
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
1 PM - 8 PM
mondays
5 PM - 10 PM
wednesdays
5 PM - 10 PM
fridays
5 PM - 7 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonIntroduction to Basketball Fundamentals
In this introductory session, players will learn the essential building blocks of basketball through a mix of direct instruction, drills, and fun learning games.
Key Areas of Focus:
1. Basketball Basics & Court Awareness
Understanding the layout of the court
Positions and rules of the game
Basic terminology
2. Athletic Stance & Footwork
Proper defensive and triple-threat stance
Balance and body control
Pivoting and movement without the ball
3. Dribbling Fundamentals
Correct hand placement and finger control
Stationary and moving dribbling drills
Controlling the ball under pressure
4. Shooting Technique
Proper shooting form (BEEF: Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through)
Shot mechanics from close range
Form shooting with and without a defender
5. Layups
Right and left-hand layup technique
Using the backboard effectively
Progressing from walking layups to game-speed drives
Throughout the session, players will engage in age-appropriate games and competitive drills to reinforce skills in a fun, active environment. The goal is to build a strong foundation in technique while fostering confidence and a love for the game.
Lesson 11+Basketball Skill Development: Game Awareness & Shot Creation
This session is designed to meet athletes where they are in their development, helping them grow through personalized instruction, technique refinement, and game-based learning. The focus is on reading the defense, creating scoring opportunities, and making smart decisions on the court.
Key Focus Areas:
1. Player-Centered Skill Work
Tailored instruction based on the athlete’s current skill level
Individualized coaching to address strengths and areas for improvement
Small group work for peer learning and targeted feedback
2. Creating Shots
Footwork and spacing for shot creation
Using screens, jab steps, and dribble moves to create separation
Shooting off the catch, off the dribble, and in transition
3. Reading Defenses
Recognizing man vs. zone coverage
Identifying help defense and exploiting mismatches
Making quick reads to pass, shoot, or drive
Instructional Approach:
Each concept is taught through clear, progressive technique instruction followed by skill-specific drills. Players will apply what they've learned in game-like situations and competitive games, reinforcing their decision-making and court awareness.
Lesson 4-10Basketball Skills Progression: Building Stronger Fundamentals
This session will deepen core basketball skills through focused instruction, hands-on practice, and interactive games. Players will develop better control, precision, and understanding of game play by improving both individual and team-based fundamentals.
Skill Focus Areas:
1. Advanced Dribbling Skills
Introduction to speed dribbling, hesitation moves, and change-of-direction techniques
Use of cones and defenders to simulate game-like pressure
Emphasis on dribbling with vision up and using both hands
2. Shooting Skills Development
Spot shooting, catch-and-shoot, and shooting off the dribble
Shot selection and rhythm drills
Continued focus on proper form and footwork
3. Defensive Skills
Defensive stance, lateral movement, and foot speed
Close-outs, help defense, and positioning
Hands-up and body control techniques to avoid fouls
Instructional Approach:
All skills are taught through step-by-step technique demonstrations followed by guided drills. Players will participate in fun, competitive games designed to reinforce each concept in a live-action, engaging environment.
Lesson 2-3Basketball Skill Development: Core Fundamentals
This session focuses on teaching key basketball fundamentals through structured instruction, purposeful drills, and engaging games designed to help players build confidence and skill.
Skill Areas Covered:
1. Dribbling Skills (Both Hands)
Emphasis on ball control, hand positioning, and body posture
Stationary and on-the-move dribbling with both dominant and non-dominant hands
Introduction to change-of-direction moves (crossover, hesitation, etc.)
2. Form Shooting
Breakdown of proper shooting mechanics using the B.E.E.F. method (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through)
Repetition through close-range form shooting
Progressions that include movement and light defense
3. Layups (Both Sides)
Technique for right- and left-hand layups
Focus on footwork, angle, and backboard use
Drills to build comfort and consistency on both sides
4. Passing Fundamentals
Introduction to chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass
Proper grip, follow-through, and target focus
Partner and group passing games to reinforce accuracy and timing
Instructional Approach:
Each skill will be introduced through clear demonstration and explanation, followed by individual or partner practice. Drills will be reinforced through fun and competitive games that encourage teamwork, communication, and application in game-like situations.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonFocus: Evaluate strengths/weaknesses and refine foundational movements
Warm-up with dynamic mobility and reaction-based drills
Ball-handling: two-ball drills, combo moves, pressure handling
Shooting form check and shot speed test
Layup variations: reverse, euro-step, inside-hand, contact finishes
Defensive reads: closeouts, rotations, switching
Small-sided games to observe decision-making and game IQ
Lesson 11+Focus: Mental edge, leadership, and preparing for high-level play
Advanced reads: zone busting, exploiting mismatches, second actions
Film study of personal games and advanced scouting
Developing a “go-to” package and counters
Mental training: handling pressure, building routines, visualization
Strength & conditioning progression plan (if applicable)
Coaching-led and player-led scrimmages
Creating a Player Profile: identity, strength chart, role clarity
Lesson 4-10Focus: Position-specific training and game flow mastery
Situational drills (late-clock, down by 3, fast break options)
Offensive reads: pick-and-roll, isolation, post-entry, spacing
Full-speed shooting reps from game spots
Transition offense and defense, pace control
Lockdown defense drills (anticipation, closeout discipline)
Strength and agility circuits tailored to basketball movement
Team concepts: communication, help defense, leadership
Competitive scrimmaging with performance feedback
Lesson 2-3Focus: Building elite scoring moves and creating space
Elite ball-handling sequences (change of speed, body control)
Creating separation: step-backs, floaters, jab-to-attack series
Shooting off the dribble, off the catch, off movement
Advanced finishing: touch control, off-hand, through contact
Decision-making drills (1v1, 2v1, 3v2)
Defensive footwork under fatigue
Youth players
Working with kidsAll lessons are age and skill appropriate.
Working with teenagersAll lessons are age and skill appropriate.
What you need to bringWater Bottle
What I can bringI have everything we will need.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
DB
Basketball with Daniel BurkNew to TeachMe.To