About
Hello, my name is Jerry Edwards, jr. I am extremely experienced and passionate about the game of basketball. I have played at all levels. Was a starter on a Back to Back State Championship High School team in Florida, was a starter in college, and played professional basketball in Europe for 7 years. I began coaching and training while in Europe. During my FIBA professional career, I trained the youth players that were a part of my club. I completely understand and more importantly, can still do the techniques and sport specific movements, giving the apprentice the opportunity to see it in action and broken down for a better grasp, both physically and visually.
Since my playing career, I have trained professionals and amateurs. I am also currently coaching at a local high school in the area and I have helped run a Developmental AAU Organization. At Alive Performance, DEVELOPMENT AND MOBILITY, are the most important part of preparing young players to be successful. If you don’t have a solid foundation, how can you build? Unfortunately over the last decade we have seen a decline in skilled youth players because of the focus on winning. Youth sports should be about development.
I absolutely enjoy working with youth. There are many who took the time to teach me the things and skills that I have and I would like to forward that service. I hope it opens opportunities for the youth I train, just as it did for me. I have worked in the educational system as well and I truly enjoy seeing the light bulb go off when they realize they are capable and having fun. More importantly, teaching the skills of communication, dedication, and continual self improvement are skills that apply into more aspects of life than just basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When meeting with a new client, typically we are going through an introduction/orientation Evaluation as I call it. I want to start working immediately, while assessing their skill level in its present state. This allows me to introduce my coaching modality, persona and expectations during the process of learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have played basketball at all levels
1. 2-time, Back to Back Florida State Champion in Basketball
2. Peach Belt Conference Champion in (Clayton State Univ)
3. Played professionally (FIBA) - Finland
4. Director of Player Development for Local AAU Development Organization (Present)
5. Director of Player Development at a Local High School program (Present)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I have one steady and affordable price. In my years of experience, I have found that most high school players families aren't necessarily able to pay the rates that many trainers charge. I have a successful training company with professionals throughout the year, so I don't have to charge greatly for high school players. I also, understand that if I charge too much, players don't get the repitition and consistency they need for quicker and permanent growth.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching basketball while playing overseas. The youth teams coordinator within our club, saw how I trained myself and worked on all aspects of the game in every workout and offered the opportunity to start teaching youth players. Keep in mind, youth players at the age of 14 can play professinally in Europe. That meant I had to get quick results. Learning their system of development has helped me with helping players improve at consistent rates.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with professional athletes and youth athletes as well. I have spent the last several years focusing on youth development as I have seen a decline in skill level of players at the youth and High School Levels. I do still work with professinal players, but most during the off months of their seasons. Most of the year I am coaching or training youth players and developing players withing AAU.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When looking for a teacher/coach, make sure that they are someone who has experience in the sport or subject. More importantly, their experience teaching it to your age group or experience level.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First, students should be honest with where they are and be willing to do the work to get where they want to go. By doing so, they are able to form an achieveable and realistic goal. Confidence is grown by consistenly reaching and setting new goals to reach.