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Saiman’s journey from basketball player to coach
Posted: 15/05/2025
Our Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity: Coaching Pathway student, Saiman Gill, has been making his dreams come true by playing guard for the Barnsley Sports Academy basketball team whilst also training under 12s for Barnsley Advance Basketball club.
We have a conversation with Saiman about his basketball aspirations and accomplishments to date:
What inspired you to choose basketball?
I started playing basketball because of the teamwork aspect of the game. Unlike some sports where individual brilliance can carry a team, basketball requires every player to contribute. A single player can’t do everything on their own, and that’s what drew me to it.
What are some of the key skills and techniques you have learned so far in your course?
Over the years, I have developed several key skills and techniques. Effective communication is crucial in basketball; it allows me to tell my teammates what to do without causing confusion. Leadership qualities have also been essential, helping me guide my team through tough situations. Problem-solving skills have been invaluable, enabling me to think of solutions quickly during a game.
How do the academic aspects of the course complement your basketball training?
Through my studies, I have learned how to plan sessions based on group size, ability, and specific aspects of the game. This knowledge has been crucial in helping me become a better coach.
What kind of coaching opportunities are available to you through the course?
The course has also opened up numerous coaching opportunities for me. Whether it's becoming a PE teacher, a football coach, a basketball coach, or a coach for any other sport, the skills I've learned on the court are transferable to many different areas.
Becoming a coach for Barnsley Advance Basketball has been an incredible journey. I now have the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped me. It's a privilege to guide and inspire young athletes, helping them to develop their skills and passion for the game. Every practice, every game, I see a bit of my own journey in them, and it motivates me to be the best coach I can be.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your training and games?
Balancing academic work with basketball has been manageable because the coursework isn’t overly challenging. Our teachers are excellent at explaining the assignments, and we usually have a week to complete them. This flexibility allows me to train regularly and spread out my assignments throughout the week.
What are your long-term goals in basketball, and how is this course helping you achieve them?
Looking ahead, I would like to continue playing basketball, but I also have aspirations to coach once my playing career is over. The course I am currently taking has provided me with a lot of work experience with a diverse range of participants. We visit primary schools to teach younger kids, and we have also worked with people with disabilities, which has enhanced our understanding of how to manage different groups.
Would you recommend the College?
Finally, I would highly recommend Barnsley College to anyone seeking a quality learning experience. The variety of courses, well-qualified tutors, and excellent facilities make it an ideal place to study and grow.
Basketball has been a significant part of my life, and I look forward to continuing my journey both on and off the court.
This page was last updated on: 15th May 2025 10:02am
