Coach basketball in your community
Build the skills to plan and deliver safe, inclusive basketball sessions in schools, clubs and community settings.
Develop your practice as a community coach
Sport Structures works with Basketball England to deliver this approved award. It is designed for people who coach basketball outside competitive team settings and want to take greater responsibility for their sessions.
You will develop basketball fundamentals, basic team strategies, inclusive practice and the skills to plan, deliver and reflect on your coaching.
Put learning into practice
Combine online modules, a practical day and evidence of your own coaching.
Coach with purpose and confidence
Basketball fundamentals
Develop individual skills and understand basic team strategies.
Engaging sessions
Use different formats of the game to support participation.
Safe, inclusive practice
Create positive environments for people with different needs.
Your responsibilities
Understand your role when coaching independently.
Reflective coaching
Plan, deliver and review sessions to improve your practice.
For coaches in community settings
Community coaches
Run short-term or one-off activities and wider participation sessions.
Teachers and youth workers
Deliver basketball activities in schools or informal settings.
Multi-sport coaches
Add basketball to your wider coaching offer.
Volunteers supporting grassroots activity, students and people building on early coaching experience may also find this award suitable. If you coach a competitive team in a club, the Club Coach Award may be a better fit.
Learn, practise and demonstrate
Complete e-Learning
Work through six online modules. Complete modules 1–5 before the practical day and module 6 before your coaching assessment.
Attend the practical day
Join an approved Basketball England tutor at a regional venue for face-to-face learning.
Build your evidence
Submit a short portfolio and evidence of your coaching practice for assessment.
You have up to 24 months from registration to complete the award. Submitting your video assessment within four months is strongly recommended.
Show how you coach in practice
Plan, deliver and evaluate at least two coaching sessions outside the course, each lasting at least 30 minutes. You can submit a video of one session for remote assessment, or request a face-to-face observation in your own setting. A face-to-face assessment has an additional cost.
You must also complete the e-Learning modules, attend the practical day and submit your portfolio.
Entry and certification requirements
Experience and readiness
You must have delivered some basketball sessions, understand basic basketball rules and be able to communicate effectively in English. You must also be a qualified teacher, an independent coach in another sport, or have completed the Introduction to Coaching Basketball Award.
Age and safeguarding
You must be 18 or older to coach independently. At 17, you may enrol but can only coach within a wider coaching team until you turn 18. A separate safeguarding certificate is required before certification and is not included in the course fee.
Fees and membership
£210 per person
Published fee for Basketball England licensed members.
£240 per person
Published fee for non-members.
Basketball England licensed members can ask courses@basketballengland.co.uk about their booking code. If you are not a member, explore Basketball England membership. Check the final price at checkout. Safeguarding training and any optional face-to-face assessment are additional costs.
Find your next course
Courses run according to demand. Check the booking widget for current dates and places. If there is no suitable course, you can register your interest below and we will let you know when new opportunities are available.
See available coursesQuestions about the award
Community Coach or Club Coach Award?
The Community Coach Award focuses on coaching in schools, outreach and community settings. The Club Coach Award is suited to coaches responsible for a team in a structured club and competitive environment.
Can I progress to the Club Coach Award?
Yes. Further virtual classroom learning, linked and progressive sessions, and an assessment of your coaching practice are required.
What will I learn from this course?
You will develop your understanding of basketball fundamentals, basic team strategies, inclusive coaching, session planning and creating safe, positive environments.
Who can take this course?
You must be 18 or older to coach independently. If you are 17, you may enrol but can only coach as part of a wider coaching team once qualified until you turn 18.
Do I need access to a computer or tablet?
Yes. You need a suitable device and reliable internet access to complete the e-Learning.
Do I need to know the rules of basketball before attending?
Yes. A basic understanding of basketball rules and regulations is expected.
Do I need a safeguarding certificate?
Yes, before certification. It is not included in the course cost. Basketball England, CPSU and UK Coaching safeguarding courses are accepted.
Where is the practical day?
At a regional venue with a Basketball England tutor. Locations vary by course.
Can an assessor observe me in person?
Yes. You can request an observation instead of submitting a video. This option has an additional cost.
Is this award recognised?
Yes. It is a Basketball England coaching award that can support your credibility in schools, clubs and community settings.
Will I receive a certificate?
Basketball England issues an electronic certificate once all parts of the award have been completed.