Basketball Coach Chris

A week ago we played Manchester Magic and came away with a lot to learn.

Yesterday we played them again.

The scoreline? Very similar.

The performance? Better.

We got up the floor with more purpose. We attacked the basket with more intent. We were more consistent getting back on defence and started to apply some structure that suits where we are as a team right now.

There’s still loads to work on.

We gave up too many fast-break layups. Too many second chances. We need to get better at forcing the ball down the wings, attacking the basket consistently and BOXING OUT.

But that’s development.

After the first game I told the players I wasn’t expecting miracles in a week — I was expecting their actions to match their words.

Yesterday I saw some of that.

The scoreboard didn’t reward the improvement.

That doesn’t mean the improvement wasn’t there.

Now we go back to work. 🏀

One of the nicest things that happened to me recently had nothing to do with winning a game.

I saw two players I’d coached previously, who had also attended 1822 Basketball, training with another coach.

My first thought wasn’t…

“Why aren’t they training with me?”

It was…

“Brilliant… they’re still playing.”

Basketball isn’t about collecting players.

It’s about keeping people in the game.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve invited coaches like Eddy Brownell and Mac to guest coach at 1822 Basketball.

Different coaches bring different experiences, different ideas and different perspectives.

If players are willing to learn from everyone around them, they’ll become better players than if they only ever listen to one voice.

Basketball isn’t a competition between coaches.

It’s a community.

If players improve…

Coaches learn from each other…

And more people stay involved…

Then basketball in our area gets stronger.

I don’t want players to stay with me.

I want them to stay in basketball. 🏀

1822 Community Match Night 🏀❤️

What a fantastic evening at Canon Medical Arena.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported from the sidelines, officiated and helped make our first Community Match Night such a success.

It wasn’t about the final score.

It was about bringing people together, creating opportunities to play, and celebrating the game we all love.

This is exactly what 1822 Basketball exists to do.

Basketball is the vehicle.
People are the reason.

Here’s to many more Community Match Nights.

📸 Special thanks to Josh for once again capturing the evening perfectly Josh Rackham | UFO Media

BasketballFamily

People often ask how I come up with ideas for coaching posts.

The truth is… I don’t sit at a desk trying to invent content.

Almost everything I share comes from being in the sports hall.

Every session teaches me something.

A player’s question.

A mistake that becomes a learning opportunity.

A conversation with another coach.

A breakthrough moment.

Coaching isn’t about knowing everything.

It’s about staying curious enough to keep learning.

The day I stop learning is the day I stop becoming a better coach.

🏀 What’s the biggest lesson basketball has taught you recently?

Coach’s Eye 👀

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that players don’t always need another instruction.

Sometimes they just need a better question.

Instead of saying:

❌ “You should have passed.”

I’ll often ask:

“What did you see there?”

or

“What other options did you have?”

When players arrive at the answer themselves, they’re far more likely to remember it the next time.

My aim isn’t to create players who rely on me for every decision.

It’s to help them become players who can solve problems for themselves.

🏀 What questions have helped you learn the most as a player or coach?

📸 Josh Rackham | UFO Media

Coach’s Notebook

Before I use a drill, I try to ask myself a few questions.

Why are we doing this?

Is it game relevant?

Does it replicate a situation players will actually face?

Does it require them to make decisions?

And most importantly…

Will it make them better?

A drill can look impressive, be difficult and keep everyone busy—but that doesn’t automatically make it useful.

For me, the aim isn’t to collect drills.

It’s to create situations that help players recognise, decide and execute when the game becomes live.

The drill is only the vehicle.

The learning is the reason

📸 Josh Rackham | UFO Media

One phrase you’ll hear me use regularly is:

Practice Makes Permanent.

People often say practice makes perfect.

I don’t.

Because practice doesn’t automatically make you better.

Practice reinforces whatever you repeat.

Repeat good habits…
They become permanent.

Repeat poor habits…
They become permanent too.

That’s why I encourage players to slow down, focus on the details and practise with purpose.

Quality first.

Repetition second.

🏀 What’s one phrase your coach always used?

Anyone else have those days where their brain hurts?

Welcome to Wednesday folks!

Would like to thank every last one of these guys for the season

It’s been a pleasure being part of the coaching team and I wish you all every success with what comes next

This isn’t a goodbye but a see you later… I’ll still be around

It’s been a blast 💥

Original Photos by