Learn Basketball with Sam
😊93
💰$31 weekly lessons
Mastering the court goes beyond just dribbling and shooting. With 30 years of experience, I'm dedicated to unlocking your potential through personalized training and fostering a love for the game.
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates
Teaches: Adults
😊93 Happy student score
🎓17 years coaching
🔥5 Lessons
⭐️NFHS Coaching Certified
Reviews
Total reviews5
Average rating
5.0
Tyler
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 25
Coach O is an amazing coach who helped me develop into a strong center. She taught me how to rebound effectively, control the paint, and play my role with confidence. Her coaching style is both motivating and strategic, pushing me to improve every day. Thanks to her guidance, I’ve become a better player and a more confident competitor. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to take their game to the next level!
Taylor
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 20
Coach Ocasla is an incredible mentor who transformed my game. With her guidance, I mastered boxing out, improved my defense, and gained the skills and confidence to win a tournament. Her dedication, knowledge, and ability to push players to their best make her an outstanding coach. I’m grateful for her support and highly recommend her to anyone looking to elevate their game!
Giovanna
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 20
Coach Ocasla made learning fun and was an excellent coach. I developed my defensive and offensive skills. I was coached on how to beat a 2v1 and point guard skills. My hand eye coordination improved my first few lessons and my ball handles became stronger.
Avery
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 12
Coach Ocasla is the best! She taught me how to do defensive slides, put my hands up, and grab rebounds. Now I play way better!
Zach
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10
Coach Ocasla helped me become a better shooting guard. She taught me how to move off the ball, create space, and shoot with confidence. My game has improved so much thanks to her coaching!
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:0 locations available
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
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 lessonLesson 1: Introduction to Basketball & Basic Footwork
• Drill: Jump Stop & Triple Threat – Teach players how to stop under control and get into an offensive stance.
• Drill: Pivot Drill – Practice forward and reverse pivots to improve footwork and balance.
Lesson 11+Lesson 11+: Game Situations & Scrimmages
• Drill: 5-on-5 Controlled Scrimmage – Apply all learned skills in real game scenarios.
• Drill: Special Situations (Last-Second Shot, Inbounds Plays, Press Break) – Teach decision-making under pressure.
Lesson 4-10Lesson 3: Passing & Catching
• Drill: Chest & Bounce Pass Relay – Work on accuracy and timing with a partner.
• Drill: 3-Person Weave – Learn to pass on the move while transitioning down the court.
Lesson 4: Layups & Finishing
• Drill: Mikan Drill – Develop soft touch and finishing with both hands under the basket.
• Drill: Full-Speed Layups – Practice attacking the basket at game speed.
Lesson 5: Shooting Mechanics
• Drill: BEEF Shooting (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through) – Teach proper shooting form.
• Drill: Form Shooting Close to the Basket – Build muscle memory and consistency.
Lesson 6: Defensive Stance & Footwork
• Drill: Defensive Slide Drill – Learn proper lateral movement without crossing feet.
• Drill: Mirror Defense – Partner drill to work on staying in front of the ball handler.
Lesson 7: Rebounding & Boxing Out
• Drill: Box Out & Rebound Battle – Teach how to gain position and secure rebounds.
• Drill: Outlet Pass Drill – Emphasize securing the ball and making a strong first pass.
Lesson 8: Playing as a Guard
• Drill: Catch & Shoot Drill – Quick decision-making and shooting under pressure.
• Drill: Off-Ball Movement Drill – Work on cutting, curling, and spacing.
Lesson 9: Playing as a Forward/Center
• Drill: Post Moves Basics – Drop step, hook shot, and up-and-under.
• Drill: High-Low Passing – Teach bigs how to position and pass effectively inside.
Lesson 10: Transition Offense & Fast Breaks
• Drill: 3-on-2, 2-on-1 – Decision-making on fast breaks.
• Drill: Outlet & Lane Running Drill – Teach players how to push the ball and fill lanes.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Dribbling Fundamentals
• Drill: Stationary Dribbling – Pound dribbles, crossover, between the legs, and behind the back.
• Drill: Zig-Zag Dribbling – Move up the court while controlling the ball using crossovers.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Elite Footwork & Agility
• Drill: Cone Agility & Reaction Drills – Improve foot speed and change of direction.
• Drill: Triple Threat Series – Work on jab steps, rip-throughs, and counters.
Lesson 11+Lesson 11+: End-Game Situations & High-IQ Basketball
• Drill: Clock Management Scenarios – Simulate late-game possessions and decision-making.
• Drill: Special Situations (Press Break, Last-Second Shot, Defensive Traps) – Prepare for clutch moments.
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Finishing in Traffic
• Drill: Contact Finishes – Use pads to simulate contact at the rim.
• Drill: Euro Step & Floater Series – Work on finishing creatively in the lane.
Lesson 5: Shooting Off the Dribble & Movement
• Drill: Drift, Lift & Relocate Shooting – Simulate game-like movement before a shot.
• Drill: Pull-Up Jumper Progression – Work on quick stops and explosive jumpers.
Lesson 6: Lockdown Defense & Playing the Passing Lanes
• Drill: Closeout & Containment Drill – Improve on-ball defense and controlled aggression.
• Drill: Defensive Anticipation Drill – Teach players to read passes and get steals.
Lesson 7: Elite Rebounding & Positioning
• Drill: Hit-First Box Out – Teach players to initiate contact and gain position.
• Drill: Tip & Retrieve Rebounding – Emphasize second-chance effort and high-pointing the ball.
Lesson 8: Advanced Guard Play
• Drill: Attack Angles & Change of Pace – Teach guards how to create separation.
• Drill: Pick-and-Roll Decision Making – Work on reads against different defenses.
Lesson 9: Advanced Forward/Big Man Play
• Drill: Low-Post Scoring & Counters – Work on drop steps, fadeaways, and face-up moves.
• Drill: Rim Protection & Shot Blocking – Teach timing and body positioning.
Lesson 10: Transition & Fast Break Efficiency
• Drill: 5-on-4, 4-on-3 Transition Drill – Work on quick decision-making.
• Drill: Secondary Break Reads – Teach players to flow into offense after a fast break.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Advanced Ball Handling & Breaking Pressure
• Drill: Two-Ball Dribbling – Enhance ball control with both hands.
• Drill: Full-Court Dribble Attack – Work on handling pressure and changing speeds.
Lesson 3: High-Level Passing & Court Vision
• Drill: No-Look & One-Hand Passing – Develop quicker and deceptive passing skills.
• Drill: Pick-and-Roll Passing Reads – Teach players how to read defenses in the P&R.
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen working with kids, I make my lessons fun and exciting. I tend to make games that foster developmental skills.
Working with teenagersWhen working with teenagers, I access their current skills and create a plan based on their skill level. Teens will run drills, build endurance, and learn the basketball terminology.
What you need to bringBasketball, basketball shoes, and water
What I can bringBasketballs and cones
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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