Learn Basketball with Wisdom
Background checked
💰$31 weekly lessons
For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to developing athletes both on and off the basketball court. My coaching philosophy combines technical skill-building with a strong emphasis on character, teamwork, and resilience. Whether working with youth in community leagues, high school athletes, or players with special needs, I strive to create a fun, disciplined, and inclusive environment where every athlete can grow. From running AAU practices and coaching high school teams in California and Texas, to leading adaptive basketball programs for children with disabilities, my experience spans a wide range of players and settings. I’ve also served as a head trainer, focusing on fundamentals like shooting form, agility, and game IQ. Regardless of age or ability, my goal is always the same: to help players unlock their potential, build confidence, and love the game.
👋
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
📍
Lives in: Washington, District of Columbia
😊
Happy Student Score: Not available
🎓
Years Playing: 30 years
🔥
Given: 5 lessons
Accomplishments
➕Adapted Physical Education Teacher For Individuals With Disabilities
Reviews
Total reviews5
Average rating
5.0
Jade
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 75
My cousins and I love Coach Wisdom. He gets us prepared for our AAU games and even helped me make my middle school team!
Cem Fide
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 50
I love Coach Wisdom! He took my game to the next level even when I did not believe in myself. He makes you work hard but it’s worth it.
Jesus
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 30
Coach Wisdom helped my son who was previously cut from him middle school team and summer AAU team make him freshman team! The joy that came from us all seeing his hard work pay off was so fulfilling. Thank you Coach Wisdom!
Kalie
Level: Intermediate•Lessons taken: 20
Before moving Coach Wisdom really worked with our daughter and it was so amazing to see how much she enjoyed working with him but the way she executed the drills each week. He will be missed! Great coach!
Khole
Level: Beginner•Lessons taken: 10
Wanting to following her big sister my little one had the chance to train with Coach Wisdom too! He really made it fun and very entertaining as she is far too small to shoot at a 10ft hoop :)
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:1 location available
Lansburg Park
1098 Delaware Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, USA
328.5 miles awayOutdoors
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 lessonWhen you first meet Coach Wisdom, get ready for an exciting and supportive session focused on learning the basics of basketball. Coach Wisdom will observe how you move on the court, checking your speed, footwork, shooting form, dribbling control, and how well you understand the game—your basketball IQ.
Don’t worry if you're new or unsure—this first session is all about seeing where you are now, not about being perfect. Coach Wisdom uses this time to understand your strengths and where you can grow, so he can help you become a better, smarter, and more confident player. Expect encouragement, clear feedback, and a focus on building a strong foundation.
Lesson 11+Once you've completed your first 10 lessons, you're no longer just learning the basics—you’re now entering the development phase, where Coach Wisdom will help sharpen your skills, build your identity as a player, and prepare you for real game situations with greater intensity and purpose.
1. Skill Mastery & Specialization
Advanced dribbling combos under pressure and in live situations.
Shooting consistency from mid-range and beyond the arc.
Begin to develop your strengths (e.g., point guard handling, wing scoring, defensive stopper).
2. Game-Speed Reps
All drills are done at or near game speed to simulate real pressure.
Emphasis on quick decision-making and reaction time.
Shooting, passing, and dribbling while fatigued to build endurance and focus.
3. Game IQ & Film Work (Optional)
Break down game situations: when to pass, rotate, cut, or shoot.
Introduction to basic film study (if available)—learning from real or practice footage.
Deeper understanding of basketball concepts like pick-and-roll, help defense, fast breaks, and spacing.
4. Physical & Mental Development
Agility, strength, and coordination exercises become part of warmups or cool-downs.
Mental toughness training: staying focused through mistakes, pressure, or tough opponents.
Building confidence and leadership on and off the court.
5. Scrimmages & Live Play
More time in structured scrimmages to apply skills under coaching guidance.
Learn to communicate, read defenses, and execute plays in real time.
Coaches will start to hold players more accountable to game-like expectations.
6. Personal Growth & Goal Setting
Coach Wisdom may help set individual goals: e.g., “Improve weak hand finishing,” or “Make 50 shots a day at home.”
Discussions around sportsmanship, work ethic, and discipline.
Encouragement to take ownership of your development—on and off the court.
Moving forward after Lesson 10, the journey becomes more tailored. Coach Wisdom will begin to treat you less like a beginner and more like a player-in-training. Expect more challenges, but also more growth, as you start to think, move, and compete like a true basketball player.
Lesson 4-10By Lessons 4 through 10, Coach Wisdom will begin to challenge you more as your skills improve. These sessions focus on developing consistency, building game awareness, and preparing you to play confidently in real situations. Here's how things typically progress:
Lesson 4–6: Skill Development & Game Application
1. Dribbling
Advanced ball-handling drills (crossovers, hesitation moves, change of pace).
Dribbling under pressure and in motion (e.g., full-court zigzags).
2. Footwork & Movement
Jab steps, shot fakes, and proper footwork for layups and defense.
Learning to move without the ball—cutting and spacing.
3. Shooting
Shooting off the dribble and from the pass.
Layup variations (left/right hand, reverse) and free throws.
4. Defense
On-ball and help defense basics.
Staying in a defensive stance and closing out on shooters.
5. Basketball IQ
Understanding offensive plays and basic defensive strategies.
Learning to read defenders and make smart decisions.
Lesson 7–10: Game Situations & Team Concepts
1. Small-Sided Games
1-on-1, 2-on-2, and 3-on-3 to apply skills in live situations.
Focus on spacing, passing, movement, and communication.
2. Situational Awareness
Clock management, making quick decisions, and reacting to pressure.
Reading screens, recognizing mismatches, and basic transition offense/defense.
3. Teamwork & Communication
Emphasizing talking on defense, calling for the ball, and encouraging teammates.
Learning roles and responsibilities on the court.
4. Confidence & Mental Growth
Coach Wisdom will give personalized feedback and positive reinforcement.
Building mental toughness, focus, and trust in your training.
By the end of Lesson 10, players should feel more comfortable playing in a game setting, understand the flow of the game, and have a strong foundation to continue improving. Coach Wisdom’s goal is to make sure you're not just playing basketball—but thinking, reacting, and loving the game.
Lesson 2-3After the first session where Coach Wisdom observes your natural skills, Lessons 2 and 3 begin to focus on building fundamentals and developing your confidence on the court. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. Speed & Conditioning
Light drills to improve your quickness and stamina.
Focus on movement efficiency—learning how to move with purpose.
2. Footwork
Introduction to proper defensive stance and pivoting.
Learning how to stay balanced and controlled while moving.
3. Dribbling
Basic ball-handling drills using both hands.
Emphasis on keeping your head up and protecting the ball under pressure.
4. Shooting
Working on shooting form: hand placement, follow-through, and balance.
Close-range shooting drills to build rhythm and confidence.
5. Basketball IQ
Simple decision-making exercises (when to pass, shoot, or dribble).
Learning court spacing and the importance of teamwork.
Coach Wisdom will guide each player at their own pace, keeping sessions engaging and positive. By the end of Lesson 3, players should start feeling more comfortable with the ball and have a clearer understanding of how the game flows.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonBased on IQ and experience and observations will be done to determine full workout plan, time, and intensity.
Lesson 11+Based on IQ and experience and knowledge retention from previous training!!
Lesson 4-10Based on IQ and experience and knowledge retention from previous training!!
Lesson 2-3Based on IQ and experience and knowledge retention from previous training!!
Youth players
Working with kidsAs an adapted PE teacher, all trainings can be modified for all skill levels.
Working with teenagersAs an adapted PE teacher, all trainings can be modified for all skill levels.
What you need to bringBasketball, water, towel (optional)
What I can bringI will provide ladders, Defensive Man stands, cones, resistance bands, weights, and any other equipment needed to advance your game.
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!
WB
Basketball with Wisdom B.New to TeachMe.To