Helping Hoops, United partner for coaching program

Melbourne United and Helping Hoops have come together to provide seven deserving coaches with the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the country through the Coaches Mentor Program.

Providing professional development, training and mentoring to identified coaches between the ages of 16-25, the program gives practical insight and education on how to teach the game to players of all levels. 

Jordan, who has been coaching with Helping Hoops since 2017 after coming through the Bounce Program, says the program has been tremendous so far in terms of furthering his coaching ability. 

“Coaching domestic basketball, I wanted to do more to help my players and improve as a coach, so this was an amazing chance to learn from elite coaches. 

“I had only ever learnt about coaching through playing basketball and seeing what my coaches did, so to have people like Dean Vickerman and Nathan Crosswell provide their knowledge is invaluable. 

“It’s been great because the coaches give you all the tools and advice you need, and allow you to put your own spin on it to best suit your players.” 

These sentiments were echoed by Keima, who said the sheer amount of experience on display within the program provides unrivalled scope for development.  

“You can tell there’s a lot of experience there,” she said. 

“They know the game inside and out, so being around coaches with that much experience is pretty cool because it allows you to see parts of the game you’ve never thought about.” 

Coaches will learn high level X’s & O’s, knowledge to build a complete program, drill demonstrations, offensive and defensive coaching strategy, the Melbourne United coaching philosophy, and leadership skills and techniques to coach their players.