Learn Basketball with Daniel
😊97
💰$63 weekly lessons
Daniel Watson Carnegie is a dedicated basketball coach, mentor, and current college basketball player with a passion for player development and leadership. A product of nationally ranked high school programs including Wasatch Academy, Real Salt Lake Academy, Utah Prep, and The Skill Factory (TSF), Daniel brings elite-level experience and a team-first mentality to every environment he enters. Daniel is currently continuing his academic and athletic journey as a college basketball player at De Anza College, where he contributes both on the court and as a role model for his teammates. His coaching experience includes serving as an Assistant Coach for Do It Better Basketball AAU teams under Jon Mercado, where he helped structure practices, develop player skills, and support tournament strategy. He has also mentored young athletes as a Camp Coach at Empower Me Academy under Jerome Gumbs, and as a Camp Counselor at Wasatch Academy, where he developed his leadership and communication abilities in a structured residential setting. Beyond basketball, Daniel has held multiple leadership roles, including Student Council President and board member of the African American Consulate during his time at Wasatch Academy. He has consistently maintained strong academic performance and believes in developing well-rounded athletes through discipline, focus, and mentorship. Daniel is committed to using his experience as both a player and coach to inspire the next generation of athletes and build strong, character-driven teams.
Background checked
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches:
😊97 Happy student score
🔥1 Lessons
⭐️EYBL, 3SSB, MadeHoops, Top 100, Pangos Top 60 Player/ Coach
Reviews
Total reviews1
Average rating
5.0
Eli Carnegie
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 10
Coach Dan is a great coach he helped me with my shooting form & death perception, and help build my basketball iq and over all game, he also helped me get into a national ranked prep school. Called Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, I’m excited for his summer sessions & his upcoming basketball season!
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:6 locations available
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, United States
2091.8 miles awayOutdoors
Andrew P. Hill High School
3200 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95111, United States
2087.4 miles awayOutdoors
Silver Creek Linear Park
Silver Creek Rd & Greenyard St, San Jose, CA 95121, United States
2084.8 miles awayOutdoors
Evergreen Valley High School
3300 Quimby Rd, San Jose, CA 95148, United States
2084 miles awayOutdoors
Silver Creek High School
3434 Silver Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95121, United States
2085.9 miles awayOutdoors
Elaine Richardson Park
San Jose, CA 95111, USA
2087.3 miles awayOutdoors
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonPlayer Assessment Group Session Plans & 1on 1, Day 1 – Ball Handling + Shooting
Warm-up (10 min)
• Jog, high knees, butt kicks (2 min each)
• Dynamic stretching
Ball Handling Drills (25 min)
• Stationary dribbling (2 min each: right hand, left hand, crossover, behind-the-back, between-the-legs)
• Cone dribbles (zig-zag with right/left hand)
• Partner pressure dribble or 1-on-1 shadow drill
Shooting Drills (20 min)
• Form shooting (close-range, focus on release)
• Spot shooting (5 spots around the key, 5 makes each)
• Layup lines (strong and weak hand)
Lesson 4-10Total Duration: 60–70 Minutes
Focus: Ball handling, shooting, defense, conditioning, and game application
⸻
🔹 Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
Purpose: Get blood flowing and activate the body.
• Jog & dynamic stretch (2–3 minutes)
• Lateral shuffles + backpedal (court length x2)
• Jump stops + pivots (each foot, both directions)
• Quick-feet line drill (30 seconds x2)
⸻
🔸 Ball Handling (10 Minutes)
Stationary (1 min each)
• Right hand, left hand, crossover, behind-the-back, in-and-out
• Focus on control, eyes up, and staying low
Moving (5 min)
• Zigzag cone dribbles (crossover or between the legs at each cone)
• Retreat and re-attack (simulate breaking pressure)
⸻
🔸 Shooting Fundamentals (15 Minutes)
Form Focus (5 min)
• B.E.E.F. technique (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through)
• One-hand form shots from close range (10–15 makes)
Spot Shooting (7 min)
• 5 spots: baseline, wing, top, opposite wing, opposite baseline
• 5 makes per spot
• Emphasize footwork and follow-through
Layup Series (3 min)
• Strong and weak hand
• Add a defender after initial reps
⸻
🔸 Shooting Under Defensive Pressure (10 Minutes)
Closeout & Contest Drill (5 min)
• You close out; player shoots off the catch
• Emphasize shot speed, footwork, and balance under pressure
Live 1-on-1 Shooting Drill (5 min)
• Start from elbow or wing
• Defender gives light resistance
• One dribble max → score or kick back
⸻
🔸 Defense Drills (10 Minutes)
Slide & Recover Drill (3 sets)
• Slide across the paint, recover to a closeout position
• Stay low, hands up
1-on-1 Containment (5 min)
• You attack, player defends
• Focus on footwork, spacing, and hand placement
Mirror Drill (2 min)
• Defensive player mirrors offensive movement (no ball)
⸻
🔸 Basketball Conditioning (10 Minutes)
Suicides or “17s” (2 sets)
• Sideline-to-sideline 17 times in under 1 minute
• Rest: 30 seconds
Cone Reaction Sprints (2 sets)
• Random cone calls (player sprints or shuffles to cone)
Push-Up to Sprint (2 sets)
• Start in push-up position → explode into a full sprint
Jump Series (1 set)
• 10 squat jumps → 10 line hops → 30-second plank
⸻
🔹 Cool Down + Wrap-Up (5 Minutes)
• Stretch: hamstrings, quads, shoulders, calves
• Breathing: deep inhale/exhale 3–5 times
• Quick talk: praise effort,
Lesson 2-3Day 2 – Defense + Conditioning
Warm-up (10 min)
• Jump rope (2 rounds, 1 min each)
• Defensive slides (3 sets, 30 seconds)
Defense Drills (25 min)
• Closeout drills (run to shooter and contest)
• Defensive slide drill (cones or sideline-to-sideline)
• 1-on-1 containment (half-court)
Conditioning (20 min)
• Suicide sprints (3 rounds)
• Jump squats (3 sets of 10)
• Push-ups + planks (2 sets each)
Cool Down (5 min)
• Static stretches (quads, calves, hamstrings)
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonCollege/ Pro Work 🤫
Lesson 2-3Elite players
Youth players
Working with kidsDaniel Watson Carnegie believes in making basketball both accessible and inspiring for young athletes. When working with kids, he focuses on simplifying skills, breaking drills into clear steps, and using age-appropriate language to build confidence and understanding. His sessions are high-energy and structured around short, engaging blocks that match young players’ attention spans.
Daniel incorporates fun, game-like challenges into each workout to keep players motivated while developing core fundamentals. Whether it’s turning dribbling drills into games or using positive, specific feedback, he ensures every athlete feels encouraged and included. He adapts drills based on age and ability—using smaller balls, adjusted hoops, or modified court space when needed—to ensure every player has the chance to grow.
A strong believer in character development, Daniel ends each session with a brief reflection, helping athletes connect what they learn on the court to lessons in teamwork, focus, and resilience. His goal is to help kids not just improve as basketball players, but also grow as teammates and young leaders.
Working with teenagersWhen working with teenage athletes, Daniel Watson Carnegie takes a more intense and disciplined approach, designed to push players beyond their comfort zones and toward excellence. He believes this age group is ready to be challenged, both physically and mentally, and tailors his training to help them compete at a higher level.
Daniel introduces more advanced concepts—such as game reads, spacing, footwork combinations, and defensive rotations—while demanding consistency, effort, and accountability. He emphasizes repetition with precision and uses competitive, high-tempo drills to simulate real-game pressure. His sessions are fast-paced and structured to build not just skill, but toughness, decision-making, and basketball IQ.
With teens, Daniel doesn’t just coach—he mentors. He sets high expectations and holds players to them, encouraging leadership, discipline, and a professional mindset. Whether preparing for high school varsity, AAU, or college-level play, he works to elevate each athlete’s game and mindset so they can perform at their best when it matters most.
What you need to bringLearning Mind Set, Basketball attire, Basketball Shoes
What I can bringWater, All Equipment for are sessions
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!
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