Dedicated Basketball Coach in Chester County
If you’re looking for a dedicated and experienced basketball coach in Chester County, Tommy Gardler is the coach for you. With a passion for basketball that shines through in both his playing and coaching careers, Tommy has made a significant impact on the court and beyond.
Early Basketball Career
High School Achievements
Tommy’s basketball journey began at Marple Newtown High School, where he was a standout player for four years. As a two-year captain, he led his team with skill and determination, earning a spot on the All-Central Team in 2019 and a selection for the All-Star Labor Classic.
Phelps School Contributions
After high school, Tommy spent a graduate year at Phelps, where he worked his way into a starting role and helped lead his team to the final four of the PA Independent Schools Athletic Association League.
Collegiate Success
University of the Sciences
In 2020, Tommy was offered an athletic scholarship to attend the University of the Sciences. Although the season was canceled due to the pandemic, Tommy’s resilience shone through the following year as a redshirt freshman. He started many games, averaging 8 points per game and boasting a 49% field goal percentage and a 39% three-point shooting accuracy.
La Salle University
Tommy then transferred to La Salle University to play under legendary coach Fran Dunphy, where he continued to grow as a player and leader.
Transition to Coaching
Early Coaching Endeavors
In 2016, Tommy transitioned from player to coach, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to young athletes. He started running his own clinics, a tradition inspired by his family’s long-standing involvement in basketball through Gardler Clinics.
Tommy also took on the role of coaching a 6th-grade AAU team, where he focuses on developing youth basketball talent.
Coaching Philosophy
Emphasis on Fundamentals
Tommy emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, focusing on offensive movement and shooting. He believes in the value of hard work, a lesson instilled in him by his father, Chris Gardler, and reinforced by his experience with Coach Fran Dunphy.
Holistic Development
Tommy understands that success in basketball is not only about wins and losses but also about the growth and development of his players as individuals. By instilling these values, Tommy helps his players become well-rounded athletes and people.
Training with Tommy
Session Structure
A training session with Tommy starts with positive reinforcement, verbal goal setting, and a confirmation of what will be accomplished in the session. Warm-ups include fundamental ball handling or form shooting, depending on the athlete’s goals.
Progressive Drills
The workout progressively becomes more challenging, incorporating drills that emphasize in-game reads and frequent foul shooting while tired. Tommy assesses each player’s level and works with them to achieve their personal goals.
Coach Tommy Gardler is a true asset to the Chester County basketball community. His dedication, expertise, and positive coaching style ensure that every player he works with reaches their full potential. If you’re interested in training with Coach Tommy, you can message him and book sessions through the links below.
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