Developing complete athletes, not just basketball players.
Basketball is an easy game to play, but a hard game to play well. Coach Tim McGarrigle builds every lab around the philosophy of live competition so that players learn skills that are transferable to games. Small groups, honest feedback, and high-touch coaching will help athletes make decisions, and use their skills while under the pressure of real defense. Built for athletes who already compete, not an intro-to-basketball program.
Voices from the gym
From former players, parents, and coaches who’ve seen Tim’s impact up close.
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“Three seasons with Coach Tim completely transformed my game, confidence, and life.”
Lydell Husbands
Halifax Grammar School alumnus. Now playing at Dalhousie University -
“Tim teaches the fundamentals, builds confidence, teamwork and a love for the game.”
Kathy Spurr
Former Senior Girls Basketball Coach, Halifax Grammar School -
“Coach McGarrigle understands basketball & what players need to succeed.”
Sven Stammberger
Halifax Grammar School alumnus, Now playing at Dalhousie University -
“No coach has shaped my basketball journey and character more than Tim.”
Campbell Colpitts
Halifax Grammar School alumnus
Coach, Sackville High School ·
Coach Tim McGarrigle:
Coaching basketball can be broken down into two schools of thought. You can teach players so that they learn the plays, or you can teach players how to play. It has been my belief and developmental strategy that I want to teach players how to play.
The most basic truth about getting better as a basketball player is that if you practice better you’ll develop your talent, and you won’t develop your talent, unless you practice better.
Basketball players do not decide their futures; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures.
A Lifetime Devoted to the Game
Inside the McGarrigle Basketball Lab
McGarrigle Basketball is where young athletes learn to think the game, love the work, and lead on and off the court.Tim coaches in the quiet moments most people never see: the extra rep after practice, the adjustment on a missed read, the questions that turn confusion into confidence.
Every session is built on teaching, not shortcuts. Athletes slow the game down, understand the “why,” and build habits that hold up when pressure rises. What they learn in the Lab travels with them, into school, teams, friendships, and life.
Groups are small, the coaching is honest, and every rep has a purpose: helping players who love the game learn how to play it well.
“He makes learning basketball fun. Not easy, but fun.”
– Madeleine (13)
Parents can expect:
Short check-in after Week 1 and a final note in Week 6 with strengths and next steps.
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Reads, spacing, decision-making for 13–15 year-old athletes. When to pass, drive, or shoot. See help early. Drive-and-kick, swing-swing, 0.5-second decisions in small-sided games.
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Change-of-pace, retreat and split dribbles, protect with hips and shoulders, keep the ball out of traps.
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Stance and angles, closeout footwork, staying in front without fouling, hit first on the box-out, team talk.
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Shot pocket and line, balance, 1–2 and hop footwork, catch-and-shoot vs off-the-dribble, shot prep on the move.
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Jump stop and stride stop, pivots, rip-throughs, jab series, start-stop without traveling.
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Simple counters that work at this level: hesitation, punch-drag, step-back as a counter only, protect the pickup.
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Learn what it means to be a competitor.
Effort, communication, next-play focus. Respect for teammates and opponents. -
Quick activation → skill block → small-sided game with constraints → finisher/compete → debrief with one takeaway.
Pick A Lane:
Choose the lab that fits where your athlete is right now. Six weeks. Small groups. Game-speed reps. Real defense. These sessions are built for committed athletes already competing on school or club teams, not for beginners.
ELITE ATHLETE PROGRAM
Female athletes ages 13-15.
You want hands-on coaching and rapid improvement. Semi-private, 6-week lab with Coach Tim, includes 1:1 evaluations.
SOLD OUT
VARSITY PREP PROGRAM
Female athletes ages 13-15.
SOLD OUT
A space where girls are pushed and supported. 6-week varsity prep lab with Coach Tim to sharpen shooting, footwork, and decision-making.
VARSITY PREP PROGRAM
Male athletes ages 13-15.
CAPPED AT
12 SPOTS ONLY
You want a plan, confidence, and real game experience. 6-week varsity prep lab with Coach Tim to sharpen shooting, footwork, and decision-making.
WHEN: FRIDAYS
JANUARY 9TH - FEBRUARY 13TH
TIME: 9:00PM - 10:30PM (90MIN)
( 9 hours of on-court work)
Help Us Grow the Community
Basketball gets better when it’s shared. If you know an athlete, parent, or coach who’d value great reps and great coaching, send them this page. And if you want to stay in the loop on new labs, pop-up sessions, and openings, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Contact Tim
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly. Looking forward to hearing from you!