Youth Basketball Coach - Coach I

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Maplewood, NJ

7d•$18 - $20

About The Position

The South Mountain YMCA is seeking a capable, enthusiastic, and dependable Youth Basketball Coach I to support and lead basketball programs for children of different ages and skill levels. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Youth Sports, the coach assists with and, when assigned, leads engaging, developmentally appropriate basketball instruction. Duties may include supporting lead coaches, managing activities or groups, and independently facilitating assigned sessions based on program needs and demonstrated capability. The role supports the growth of South Mountain YMCA Basketball across introductory and evaluation-based programs. Coaches work with participants across multiple age groups and developmental stages, building instructional, practice-organization, group-management, and communication skills. The position offers opportunities to support experienced coaches and take on additional instructional responsibilities as confidence and capability develop. Additional coaching responsibilities and professional growth may become available as the program expands. This is a part-time, hourly position. Programming generally takes place on weekday evenings and weekends, and schedules and weekly hours vary according to program offerings, enrollment, and seasonal needs. Weekend availability is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Ability to teach or demonstrate fundamental basketball skills and support structured, developmentally appropriate instruction for youth.
Ability to engage and manage groups of children while following direction from a lead coach or basketball program leadership.
Strong organizational and instructional skills, including the ability to maintain an engaging pace, maximize active participation, and minimize unnecessary downtime.
Ability to adapt communication and instruction to different ages, abilities, skill levels, and learning styles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and commitment to 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.

Nice To Haves

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.
Weekend availability is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with and, when assigned, lead age-appropriate basketball practices, instructional classes, and skill-development sessions for youth.
Support lead coaches with group instruction, activities, transitions, and participant engagement; take responsibility for assigned drills, stations, or groups.
Organize activities and provide purposeful instruction to maximize active participation, maintain an engaging pace, and minimize unnecessary downtime.
Teach and reinforce fundamental basketball skills, including ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork, defensive principles, and introductory team concepts.
Adapt instruction and communication for 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, promoting 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; set expectations and provide constructive feedback.
Foster an inclusive and encouraging environment where participants feel valued, challenged, and motivated to improve.
Collaborate with lead coaches and program staff to maintain consistent instructional standards, effective program delivery, and a positive participant experience.
Maintain a safe, organized, and well-supervised environment for participants.
Assist with attendance tracking, equipment organization, gym setup and breakdown, and other routine program responsibilities.
Work with basketball leadership and fellow coaches to evaluate instructional effectiveness, identify improvements, and support the growth of youth basketball offerings.
Model the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and child safety standards.