How to establish guidelines for choosing a private skills coach for your child?

Published on 4 October 2024 at 16:22

BLOG/ Terry Boykin

How asking for references from respected parents and accomplished athletes aid
in determining, if the skills coach is right for your child? Seeking references from esteemed parents and successful athletes can assist in assessing whether a skills coach is suitable for your child, as parents may provide a more accurate indication of a child's potential than the child can themselves. Coaches typically aim to evaluate both the student-athlete and their parents, operating under the assumption that the student-athlete may share similar strengths with their parents.

 

Why parents should understand the goals and objectives of their child and what their
expectations are before hiring a private skills coach? It is crucial to understand the goals of the children and their readiness to invest additional effort. They must recognize that hiring a trainer represents a significant commitment for the parent, both financially and in terms of personal time. The player needs to be equally prepared to reciprocate that level of dedication and sacrifice.

 

Once the decision has been made to hire a private skills coach. What are the attributes
and/or characteristics that parents should look for in a private skills coach? It is essential to identify a trainer whose experience aligns with your child's objectives. This individual should not only provide training but also prepare them for advancement in their sport. A trainer who has personally achieved the goals you aspire to for your child can offer valuable insights. Additionally, evaluating the trainer's history of player development is crucial.

 

Why reaching out and holding informal interviews with the perspective skills
coach(s) can enhance a parent’s ability to make an informed decision? No one understands your child better than you do, so after meeting the trainers, you will typically be able to determine which trainer is the most suitable.

Now the decision has been made on hiring a particular skills coach. Why is it
extremely important for a parent to understand that they are making a long-term
investment into their child’s development? Long-term investment is essential, as it does not yield immediate results. Developing positive habits requires time, and overcoming negative ones takes even longer. This process is certainly not a quick endeavor; rather, it resembles a marathon than a sprint.

 

Lastly, how vital is it for the parents, the coach, and the player to continually to work
together to evaluate the player’s development and success? It is essential to establish short-term goals and timelines to monitor progress, ensuring that all individuals involved can recognize and appreciate the positive trajectory we are pursuing.

Terry Boykin is a native of Detroit, Michigan who played for Detroit Catholic Central High School under the instruction of Michigan High School coaching legend and veteran Five-Star Basketball Camp counselor, Bernie Holowicki. As a member of the team, Boykin shared in a city Catholic League Championship and three district titles. As an individual player, he was named Detroit Free Press Catholic League Player of the Year, all area, all city, all-metro, and all state, as well as Honorable Mention McDonald’s All American. After graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1989, he was awarded a scholarship to Austin Peay State University. He served as the point guard for the Governors and was a two-year captain. Terry was known as a smart, fundamentally sound player with a High basketball IQ.

 

During the middle of his junior season at Austin Peay, Terry suffered a severe ankle injury that almost ended his basketball career. He underwent two surgeries and had to sit out the entire next season. It was during this time that Terry learned the true meaning of HARD WORK as he underwent a vigorous rehabilitation program. He also had the opportunity to get his priorities in order and focus on getting his college degree.

 

In the last year of his eight-year career in corporate America, he began training local high school and college players for fun and volunteering his basketball expertise at high schools and middle school in Clarksville, TN.

 

Being involved in the atmosphere of the game again gave him a renewed passion to teach young kids the fundamentals of the game and life skills through basketball. He began the Advanced Guard Camp in the summer of 2005. In a year’s time, it grew to be one of the hottest camps on the summer circuit, touching three states: Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.

 

Terry created Playmaker Basketball Academy to teach youth how to make plays on and off the court. He has a burning desire to help bring out the best in young student-athletes. Terry wants to teach young basketball players the importance of being balanced on the court but more importantly he wants them to have a balanced lifestyle.


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