Welcome to
The Next StepBasketball Training
Personalized basketball training designed to take your game to the next level.
TNS holds group sessions every Sunday from 12 to 1.
Call, email, or text Coach for more info.
Contact Coach →What We Offer
Programs Built to
Elevate Your Game
Individual Training
Personalized 1-on-1 sessions focused on your specific needs — ball handling, shooting mechanics, footwork, and IQ.
Group Sessions
Small-group workouts that build fundamentals, sharpen skills, and grow basketball IQ in a structured team environment.
Training Camps
Intensive multi-day camps focused on skill development, fundamentals, and a love for the game.
About the Coach
Coach Al Blount
Coach Al Blount
Al Blount is a native to the Lehigh Valley. He attended Louis E. Dieruff High School where he was a stand out basketball player. Al received a scholarship from Tennessee State University of which he attended from 1978 to 1982. He went on to play semi pro basketball with Meadowlark Lemon and the Bucketeers.
He then worked as a counselor at Kidspeace Corp and soon after was the activities director in the Allentown School District.
Coach Blount has been a pillar of Lehigh Valley Basketball always willing and able to give back his time to the game. He has a personal training business “The Next Step (TNS)” where he focuses on creating a foundation to the youth by teaching the fundamentals of the game for many years.
The Next Step Basketball Program is a great resource for all basketball programs from youth through college teams preparing for the upcoming season. TNS holds its own sessions on the weekends and looks to assist in your team’s skill development as well as basketball IQ.
Get in touch →Testimonials
What Our Families Say
Coach Al has played a huge role in my son’s growth as a basketball player and as a young person. Through his patience, encouragement, and clear instruction, Xavier has gained confidence in his abilities and developed stronger fundamentals and game awareness. Coach Al creates a positive, motivating environment that allows kids to believe in themselves, work hard, and enjoy the game. We are incredibly grateful for the impact he’s had on my son’s confidence and love for basketball.
Coach Al’s approach has truly transformed my son’s game. Through disciplined, fundamentals-based drills, Derek has become a more confident shooter, a stronger ball handler, and a more complete all-around player. The time, consistency, and attention to detail Coach Al brings to every session has made a lasting impact, not just on my son’s skills, but on his work ethic and mindset as a player.
The Next Step
Ready to elevate your game?
Reach out to learn about training sessions and upcoming camps.
Contact Us