In My Bag Skills Training
About
Hi, I’m Michael, a basketball skills trainer based in the Torrance/Carson area of Southern California.
I have over four years of experience training players under my mentor, Clif, through Hoop Factory. My goal is simple: help every player become more skilled, more confident, and better prepared for the game.
I’ve played basketball at every level, including professionally, and I still work on my own game regularly. Continuing to train myself allows me to teach players the same techniques, details, and habits that have helped me compete at a high level.
My training is built around mastering the fundamentals that separate good players from great ones. Every session emphasizes attention to detail and purposeful repetition, focusing on ball handling, shooting, footwork, finishing, and game-ready decision-making. I believe true skill development comes from mastering the small details that most players overlook.
Whether you’re just beginning your basketball journey or you’re looking to prepare for the next level, I create workouts that challenge you while building confidence and consistency.
Beyond basketball, I’m passionate about mentoring young athletes. I love helping kids pursue their goals while developing qualities like discipline, work ethic, accountability, and confidence. Traits that will benefit them long after the final buzzer.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, I’d love the opportunity to work with you.
📍 Torrance/Carson, CA
📞 (310) 283-6828
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Athlete's age
Years experience
Skills to improve
Reviews
Heidi L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For starters I always ask the student what is it that they want from this training and what areas do they feel like they need improvement in. On the court I begin by trying to run them through a serious of drills that tests the player and allows me to get an idea of what they can do and what i observe as things that can be improved upon.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing basketball since I was 6 years old. Currently, I play semi-pro in the ABA and am working towards earning a overseas contract. I have schooling in sports medicine/kinesiology. In 2015, I began assisting my trainer Clifton with his program and eventually reached a point where I took on certain sessions on particular days for him. Over the last year I have been taking on some of his sessions and also training a few of my own personal clients that he helped me accumulate. Now with his help, I am looking to expand my own personal clientele and my own program.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
private sessions (1-2 kids max.): $50
group sessions (2 or more kids): $35
Bundle Deals*
8 sessions = $300
16 sessions = $600
30 sessions = $1000
How did you get started teaching?
I have always been a student and a teacher of the game being a point guard my most of my life. I have always had a knack for teaching and instructing as a player to this day. Being a point guard requires you to understand everything that is going on on the floor, and so that has propelled me to having the skill to instruct with the level of detail it takes to help others grow. In 2014 I met my trainer Clif when I was working at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove. I initially watched him work with other players and was able to see the growth in players in just a short time. Seeing that made me eager to train with him which I began in 2014. But in 2015, I began assisting my trainer Clifton with his program and eventually reached a point where I took on certain sessions on particular days for him. Since working with him I have grown in my own personal skill and have grown in breaking down each detail to be learned so that it can be grasped and mastered, which has directly tied into my ability to teach today.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with players of all ages. From youth all the way up to professional ranks. I have both experience playing with/against and training high level players including Division 1 - NAIA and professionl (NBA, overseas, semi-pro).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would tell players to be honest with themselves about what they want. Make sure that you're happy about what you're learning, how you're being taught, how personalities mesh and things of that sort. As a player I believe that the relationship is so important with your trainer. That's the reason you should be extremely comfortable with who the trainer is as a person but also how and what they teach. Be comfortable, be happy.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Again self evaluation is important because the player/student must be honest with themselves about what they want in the big picture, what their strengths and weaknesses are, what their fears are, what they are comfortable with doing. All these things are important to share with the trainer so they can approach the trainings with a plan based around you. For example, for myself, when I met my trainer I knew that I was looking for someone who is detailed since that is how I am as a player. I also knew that ball-handling, strength and situational reads were something that I wanted to improve on. I knew that shooting was a strength of mine but I knew I wanted to work on consistency. Lastly, I knew at certain times I lacked the confidence to play without being afraid to make a mistake because I was afraid of scrutiny. Understanding all of those things allowed me to put myself in a position where my trainer could help me. That all you want to do, help the trainer help you. It's all about YOU.