It's Coach Obama! President trains daughter's basketball team (but didn't forget to invite the photographers along)

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 03:45 EST, 12 February 2012

Barack Obama might be forgiven for wanting to spend his weekends relaxing from what is arguably the world's most stressful job.

Instead, the President apparently devotes his time off to another high-pressure activity - coaching his daughter's high school basketball games.

He is well known to be a huge b-ball fan, and now it is clear that he is hoping to pass on his passion to his children.

Coach: Barack Obama regularly helps out with his daughter Sasha's high school basketball team, it has emerged

Coach: Barack Obama regularly helps out with his daughter Sasha's high school basketball team, it has emerged

But sport is serious stuff at the elite Sidwell Friends School in Washington attended by Malia, 13, and 10-year-old Sasha.

And the President has committed himself to instructing Sasha's team every weekend, according to ABC News.

This does not entirely come as a surprise, as a year ago Mr Obama and his aide Reggie Love stepped in to coach a team when its regular coaches were unavailable.

The First Lady Michelle described her husband as very dedicated to their daughters' sporting exploits in an interview earlier this week.

'He hasn't missed a week,' she said. 'I think he was hoping to get this weekend off, but I'm gone.'

Mrs Obama is currently dancing her way around America to promote her Let's Move! initiative which aims to encourage children to exercise.

Sporty family: The President with his daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, right, as they leave Sea Life Park in Hawaii in December

Sporty family: The President with his daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, right, as they leave Sea Life Park in Hawaii in December

When Mr Obama's daughters are not playing in a school game, he has been known to organise impromptu ball games with them and their schoolmates.

Last month, he fulfilled the dreams of many a basketball fan when he was given a personalised pair of Nike Air Jordans at the request of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan himself.

And his love of the sport is reflected in an unusual piece of campaign merchandise - a basketball jersey with 'Obama 44' emblazoned on it, yours for a mere $95.

But in 2010 his hobby led him into danger when he had to have 12 stiches in his lip after being elbowed in the face during a game with friends and family.

Passion: The President is well known to be a keen sports fan

Passion: The President is well known to be a keen sports fan

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