Youth Basketball Coach - Coach I

Position Summary

The South Mountain YMCA is seeking a capable, enthusiastic, and dependable Youth Basketball Coach I to support and lead a variety of basketball programs serving children of different ages and skill levels.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Youth Sports, the Coach I will be responsible for assisting with and, when assigned, leading engaging, developmentally appropriate basketball instruction. Responsibilities may include supporting lead coaches, managing individual activities or groups, and independently facilitating assigned sessions based on program needs and demonstrated capability.

This position will play an important role in the continued growth of South Mountain YMCA Basketball, working across our introductory and evaluation based programs. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic instructor who can effectively engage young athletes, adapt to different developmental stages, and contribute to a positive, structured learning environment.

What This Position Offers

This position provides an opportunity to gain meaningful coaching experience within a growing youth basketball program. Coaches will work with participants across multiple age groups and developmental stages, strengthening their instructional abilities, practice organization, group management, and communication skills.

Through opportunities to support experienced coaches and take on instructional responsibilities, the role offers a pathway to developing greater confidence and independence as a youth basketball coach.

As South Mountain YMCA Basketball continues to expand, opportunities for additional coaching responsibilities and professional growth may become available.

Essential Functions

• Assist with and, when assigned, lead age-appropriate basketball practices, instructional classes, and skill-development sessions for youth participants.
• Support lead coaches in managing group instruction, activities, transitions, and participant engagement, while taking responsibility for assigned drills, stations, or groups.
• Maximize active participation and time on task through efficient activity organization, purposeful instruction, and effective group management, minimizing unnecessary waiting, standing in lines, and inactivity.
• Help maintain a consistent, engaging pace of instruction, preparing activities, facilitating efficient transitions, and keeping participants actively involved throughout each session.
• Teach and reinforce fundamental basketball skills, including ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork, defensive principles, and introductory team concepts.
• Adapt instruction and communication to accommodate participants of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels, emphasizing progressive skill development and individual improvement.
• Implement the South Mountain YMCA Basketball curriculum and player-development philosophy, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
• Assist with and, when assigned, lead In-House Development League game-day activities, including player organization, game management, instructional coaching, and maintaining a positive competitive environment.
• Communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with players, parents, and guardians, prioritizing a supportive participant and family experience while setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback.
• Foster an inclusive, encouraging environment where participants feel valued, challenged, and motivated to improve.
• Collaborate with lead coaches and other program staff to maintain consistent instructional standards, efficient program delivery, and a positive participant experience.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and well-supervised environment for all participants.
• Assist with attendance tracking, equipment organization, gym setup and breakdown, and other routine program responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with basketball leadership and fellow coaches to evaluate instructional effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the continued growth of youth basketball offerings.
• Model and promote the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and child safety standards.

Schedule and Availability

This is a part-time, hourly position with opportunities for weekday evening and weekend assignments.

Programming opportunities generally fall within the following windows:

• Monday–Friday: 5:30 PM–8:30 PM, with potential for additional evening hours as programming expands.
• Saturday and Sunday: Programming takes place between 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM, with opportunities for extended shifts of approximately 4–8 hours, with breaks as scheduled.

Weekend availability is strongly preferred.

Actual schedules and weekly hours will vary based on program offerings, enrollment, and seasonal needs.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to effectively teach or demonstrate fundamental basketball skills and support structured, developmentally appropriate instruction for youth participants.
• Ability to engage and manage groups of children while following the direction of a lead coach or basketball program leadership.
• Strong organizational and instructional skills, with an understanding of the importance of maintaining an engaging pace, maximizing active participation, and minimizing unnecessary downtime.
• Ability to adapt communication and instructional approaches to accommodate different ages, abilities, skill levels, and learning styles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to creating positive, supportive experiences for players and families.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, reinforce clear expectations, and contribute to a structured, encouraging learning environment.
• Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and willingness to take initiative during assigned coaching responsibilities.
• Willingness to learn and implement established basketball curriculum, instructional standards, and program-development objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with lead coaches, basketball leadership, and other YMCA staff.
• Availability for weekday evening and/or weekend programming, with flexibility to support extended weekend assignments when possible.
• Commitment to the YMCA's mission, core values, inclusion standards, and youth safety policies.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, child protection training, and YMCA-required certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience coaching, teaching, assisting with, or participating in organized basketball or comparable youth sports programs.
• Experience working with children across multiple developmental stages, particularly ages 4–13.
• Experience assisting with or leading youth sports activities, instructional classes, camps, or recreational programs.
• Familiarity with organizing and facilitating youth recreational basketball leagues, practices, and game-day activities.
• Interest in developing coaching skills and taking on additional instructional responsibilities over time.
• Experience working in a YMCA, school, recreation department, camp, or comparable youth-development setting.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in basketball instruction, including demonstrating fundamental movements, skills, and drills.
• Ability to stand, walk, move throughout the gymnasium, and remain physically active for extended periods.
• Ability to set up, move, and organize basketball equipment and program materials.
• Ability to maintain appropriate visual and auditory supervision of participants in an active gymnasium environment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.