Take your first step into basketball coaching
Build the confidence to support safe, fun and inclusive basketball sessions as a Coaching Assistant.
Become a basketball Coaching Assistant
Sport Structures works with Basketball England to deliver its approved Introduction to Coaching course. It is designed for people who want to help deliver basketball sessions under the supervision of an independent coach.
The course helps you develop ideas for safe, enjoyable activities and gain confidence working with small groups in schools, clubs and community settings.
Learn and put it into practice
Combine online preparation, live virtual classroom learning and a face-to-face practical session.
Six areas to get you started
Your role
Understand the responsibilities of a basketball Coaching Assistant.
Participant experience
Help create sessions that people enjoy and want to attend again.
Game basics
Recognise the basic principles and core skills of basketball.
Activity ideas
Develop safe, fun and relevant games for your group.
Inclusive delivery
Support people with different needs and levels of experience.
Practical confidence
Build confidence to help deliver activities to small groups.
A starting point for a range of people
Aspiring coaches
Take a first step towards supporting basketball sessions and developing your coaching practice.
Parents and volunteers
Gain confidence to help a coach deliver enjoyable activities.
Teachers and activity leaders
Bring basketball activities into your school, community or physical activity setting.
Students, former players and coaches from other sports may also find the course suitable. It is recommended that you have access to a mentor, ideally an independent coach or qualified teacher, as you develop.
Online learning, virtual classroom and practical activity
Complete the e-Learning
Work through around three hours of online content. Access and pre-course information are usually sent during the week before the course begins.
Join the virtual classroom
Take part in two hours of live tutor-led learning and discussion.
Attend the practical session
Apply your learning in four hours of face-to-face activity.
You need to complete all elements to receive the certificate. Learners are usually given two weeks after the final tutor contact to finish the e-Learning; additional time may be considered in special circumstances.
What you need
Entry requirements
You must be at least 14 years old and able to communicate effectively in English, including listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Online access
You need a laptop, desktop or tablet, a good internet connection and a place where you can focus. Tell us about any additional learning needs when you register so we can discuss support.
Fees and Basketball England membership
£115 per person
Standard fee for a non-member booking an individual place.
£105 per person
Published member price when an eligible Basketball England licensed member applies their discount code at checkout.
Basketball England licensed members can request their code from courses@basketballengland.co.uk. Enter it before completing the booking; the discount cannot be applied afterwards. Read the course booking terms on our policies page before paying.
Upcoming course dates
Each course includes virtual classroom sessions and a face-to-face practical session. Please check the booking widget below for current places and final details.
Birmingham
Virtual classrooms: Monday 19 October and Monday 26 October 2026, 7–8pm.
Practical: Sunday 25 October, 10am–2pm, Doug Ellis Sports Centre, Perry Barr, B42 2SY.
Booking closes Sunday 18 October 2026.Sheffield
Virtual classroom: Thursday 29 October 2026, 6–7pm.
Practical: Saturday 31 October, 10am–3pm, English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, S9 5DA.
Booking closes Wednesday 28 October 2026.London
Virtual classrooms: Friday 30 October and Monday 2 November 2026, 7–8pm.
Practical: Saturday 31 October, 12–4pm, Totteridge Academy, Barnet Lane, N20 8AZ.
Booking closes Thursday 29 October 2026.Brighton
Virtual classrooms: Thursday 12 November and Tuesday 17 November 2026, 7–8pm.
Practical: Saturday 14 November, 12–4pm, Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre, Moulsecoomb Way, BN2 4PB.
Booking closes Wednesday 11 November 2026.Southampton
Virtual classroom: Monday 15 February 2027, 7–8pm.
Practical: Sunday 14 February, 9.30am–2.30pm, Brookfield Community School, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7DU.
Booking closes Thursday 11 February 2027.Manchester
Virtual classrooms: Monday 15 February and Monday 22 February 2027, 7–8pm.
Practical: Sunday 21 February, 12–4pm, Manchester Enterprise Academy Central, Lytham Road, Fallowfield, M14 6PL.
Booking closes Sunday 14th February 2027.Northampton
Virtual classrooms: Tuesday 6th April & Tuesday 13th April 2027, 7-8pm.
Practical: Saturday 10th April 12-4pm 2027, Moulton College, John Ashby Sports Hall, Pitsford Road, NN3 7SX.
Booking closes Monday 5th April 2027.