Paula Urquiola

Favorite Quote: " It's not how big you are but how big you play." John Wooden

Class given: Basketball

Name: Paula Urquiola

Years in Education: 5
Intermediate English

Professional/Qualifications & Experience:

Degrees:
- - - - Bachelor in Industrial Engineering. Universidad Católica Boliviana, La Paz - Bolivia.
      - Bachelor in Gastronomy. Instituto Gastronómico de las Américas “IGA”, La Paz - Bolivia
Certifications:
- - - - Basketball Coaching Certification, LEVEL I - Bolivian Federal Basketball Association
      - Sports Psychology applied to basketball. Consultora Psicovida
Work experience:

- - - - Basketball coach at Club Kairos (children and youth divisions U8, U10, U12, U13, and U15)
      - Basketball coach at Club Basketball La Paz.
      - Assistant basketball coach at the Tennis Club

Description

This basketball class is designed to develop fundamental basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun and engaging environment. Students will work on dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques while also learning the rules and strategies of the game. The class focuses on skill-building, physical fitness, and fostering a love for basketball.

Class Structure:

Warm-Up

Light jogging or dynamic stretches. Basketball-specific warm-ups, like dribbling around the court or passing in pairs.

Skill Development

Dribbling: Practice stationary dribbling, moving drills (zig-zag or cone drills), and crossovers.
Passing: Partner passing drills, chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes.
Shooting: Focus on shooting form, layups, and free throws.

Mini Drills and Challenges

Small group drills to practice skills in a game-like context.
Shooting contests, dribbling relays, or passing accuracy games.

Scrimmage

Students will be divided into small teams for 3v3 or 4v4 games. Focusing on applying skills in a real-game setting, with guidance on teamwork and strategy.

Cool Down and Reflection

Light stretching to relax muscles and prevent soreness. A short discussion on what they learned, what they enjoyed, and areas for improvement.

Fun Facts

Basketball has been a lifelong passion of mine, bringing me some of the most rewarding experiences throughout my journey, it has been a constant source of joy and fulfillment in my life.

In 2004 I had the honor of being part of the Bolivian national basketball team, where we earned 3rd place in the Sudamericano Basketball Games, securing qualification for the Panamerican Games in Puerto Rico.

For the past five years, I have been dedicated to coaching. Currently, I coach at the "Kairos Club", working with various youth divisions, including U8, U10, U12, U13, and U15.

I truly love working with children and aim to inspire them to share the same passion for this sport that I hold dear.