Today’s post is an part 1 of a series on how to run a [tag]basketball camp[/tag]. Various [tag]basketball drills[/tag] and [tag]basketball coaching[/tag] tips are included.
Basketball Camp is an incredible opportunity for young players to learn the fundamentals of the game, have fun, meet new friends, and develop their skill sets. In addition to being a fun and rewarding experience, coaching a camp can be a very effective way to hone your teaching [tag]skills[/tag], learn from other coaches, and become a more effective basketball “thinker”.
The [tag]Basketball[/tag] Camp Plan you’ll find on the following pages a simple, effective formula that can apply to camps of all skill levels and ages. They are based on a 5-Day Basketball Camp, running approximately 8 hours per day.
The drills can be adapted or customized to focus on specific skills or areas that you would like to teach, but the basic overall framework for the camp should stay the same.
A successful and well-run basketball camp should accomplish the 3 following goals:
1) The Kids Learn the Fundamentals & Improve Their Skills
Basketball Camp provides a unique opportunity to teach the basic skills of the game. Practices with your team usually run 1 to 2 hours, so you rarely have the opportunity to focus on one specific skill for more than 15 minutes. A camp setting allows you several hours of uninterrupted coaching time, enabling you to give detailed individual instruction to all the players.
The most effective way to teach fundamentals with large group is to use a technique called “Stations”. If you’re not familiar with the concept, it allows you to split up the large group into smaller sub-groups, and have each sub-group rotate through a number of skill-focused Stations at fixed time intervals. I’ll explain this in detail and provide detailed Station workout plans later in this report.
2) The Kids Get To Compete in Games
In addition to teaching the fundamentals, it’s extremely important to set up your camp plan in a way that allows the players to practice the skills they have learned in a game situation.
Controlled scrimmages are the best way to accomplish that. Begin by focusing on 2 on 2, and 3 on 3 half-court games. Then, as the players begin to demonstrate the taught skills and display them in game situations, you can move up to 5 on 5 full court games.
Control the action with tight refereeing, and don’t be afraid to stop the game to point out examples of good plays and plays that need improvement.
3) The Kids Have Fun
Let’s face it, the players are there on their summer vacation or spring break and they want to have fun. I’ve mixed into the Camp Plans a number of fun, competitive drills that build skills, but also encourage the players to interact, make friends, and get to know one another.
3 Point Shooting, Dribble Relays, Shooting Contests and Dunk Contests are great ways to get the camp involved and having fun together.