Basketball camps provide players with a short-term, intensive opportunity to improve skills. When deciding what camp to send your child to, consider his age, his ability level and his basketball goals. Young children are probably best served by day camps or camps that focus on fun, while children in high school and college can look into more competitive camps.
Day Camps
You can find basketball day camps at recreation centers, high schools, middle schools and universities. Some day camps are held for four or five hours each day for a week, while other camps offer full-day intensive workshops every day for one to three weeks. Parents should drop off players each day so that they're dressed and ready to play. High school basketball coaches, college basketball players or former basketball players lead camps as a way to groom future players in the community for competitive play.
Overnight Camps
Overnight camps give players the chance to eat, drink and sleep basketball. From early morning to late at night, participants attend sessions lasting 30 minutes to several hours on everything from fundamental skill development to position-specific seminars and team scrimmages. According to Amy Loomis, sports and fitness coordinator in Salem, Oregon, overnight camps are best for middle school or high school athletes who are truly committed to the sport. You don't want younger athletes to get burned out over the course of the camp because of the camp's intensity.
Instruction
Current or former college athletes often pass their knowledge on to future players. Mandy Brouscher, a current basketball player at a small university in Belton, Texas, says that each year she and her teammates put on a day camp for young basketball players in the community. They design drills and games specifically for the players' age and ability levels, and enjoy the opportunity to help players learn to love the sport of basketball. When choosing a camp, make sure you look into who is providing the instruction and what experience they have with the sport.
Considerations
Basketball camps can vary in cost depending on the services provided, the style of camp, the location of the camp and the type of instruction provided. Day camps provided by recreation centers or put on by middle school or high school coaches will tend to be less expensive than specialty basketball camps provided at university campuses. Make sure you fully understand the cost of the camp provides before signing your daughter up.
References
- Amy Loomis; Kroc Center sport and fitness coordinator; Salem, Oregon
- Mandy Brouscher; University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; Belton, Texas
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