Today we’d like to introduce you to James Robinson.
Hi James, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit grew up loving the game of basketball. Known in the neighborhood to go to the parks and play from sun up until sundown. Injuries is what sidelined me and my career as a player, but it opened my eyes to another avenue involving the game of basketball. First coaching job was at my old elementary school, Gesu Catholic school. There is where I learned how to coach and drew a passion for coaching.
As time went on, parents started asking me to do one-on-one training with some of their kids. I started running personal training sessions specifically for the youth and started a youth basketball training. However, after one solid year, I started to train adults that wanted to better their game as well, and that’s where it took off from. I went and got my USA basketball coaching license which gave me proper training in player development. I also went and received my ISSA certification as a strength and conditioning coach. I have slowly but surely climbed up from elementary school coaching to where I am at now as not only a varsity high school basketball coach but also as a player development coach on the semi-pro circuit.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not entirely smooth. I had a couple bumps as far as learning the game from a completely different side as a coach/trainer and not a player. Some discouraging moments such as not getting certain coaching jobs, or even as a business owner when clients commit but won’t show for sessions, and also consistent gym access was hard (especially during the pandemic).
As you know, we’re big fans of Skills Youth and Adult Basketball Training. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Owner, coach and head trainer specializing in skill development for youth and adults starting at age nine. Primarily known for getting players back to their old playing selves and also adding more to a player’s skill set. Most proud of how far I have came in just three years with the number of clients growing and potential opportunities ahead. The number one thing that sets me apart as a coach and a trainer is my sincere knowledge of the game, meaning I have a strong passion for teaching the game I don’t cater to specific athletes. Any athlete can contact me when they want to work on their game. The number one thing anyone should know about SKILLS brand is the IMPACT we make when we train.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking and supporting others is what helps brand your business and you as a person. Any other trainers or coaches in my area I always compliment and show love to. Not always expecting it to be reciprocated but genuinely supporting others who are in my field of work and willing to learn has worked well for me as a coach.
Contact Info:
- Email: jamcrobins@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ot_coachjamo_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jam.robinson.108
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCKDfFCpgCILsJM3khCweuww
