How to Run (a Successful) Basketball Camp
As we begin to enter basketball camp season, you may be wondering how to run a basketball camp. However, while that question is inherently important, you should also be asking yourself how you can run a successful basketball camp.
Running a basketball camp isn’t easy.
It requires organization, planning, and a mix of drills and plays that will not only keep your players engaged but also teaches them new skills and drills.
Below, we’re going to walk you through running a successful, and fun, basketball camp, that will teach your players how to be better basketball players.
Why Start a Basketball Camp?
As stated above, running a basketball camp isn’t easy. In fact, it can be very difficult.
You will be in charge of coordinating all aspects of the camp and will have the trust of the athletes on your hands. Running a successful and fun basketball camp will not only have athletes coming back year-after-year but will also have new athletes signing up.
However, running a poorly organized basketball camp will not only tarnish your reputation but will also leave a sour taste with the athletes who attended.
While many coaches and individuals opt to run a basketball camp due to their love of the sport, we caution against doing so just for the love of the game.
Rather, it is important to be able to provide added value to the athletes attending the camp. This means that the athletes attending should be leaving with more knowledge and basketball knowhow then when they first came to the camp.
That is, if you have something to teach basketball athletes, then a basketball camp may be one of the best ways to do so.
Have a Basketball Camp Purpose
Without a doubt, one of the most important parts of running a basketball camp is having a purpose for the camp. That is, be sure to niche down on what you are trying to achieve by running a basketball camp.
Are you looking to teach basketball fundamentals? Or is this a shooting basketball camp, where players can expect to increase their shooting abilities?
Or is this a defensive basketball camp, where players can gain a better understanding of defensive drills and skills?
Whatever it may be, be sure to be forthright and clear about it from the get-go. Let players and their parents know what to expect and what they can expect to gain by attending.
Not only will this lead to more sign-ups and interest, but it will also set expectations from the very beginning. In addition, doing so will lead to only the right audience attending the camp.
Organization Above All Else
Running a successful basketball camp means being organized on every detail of the camp. Nothing can kill the success of a camp more quickly than an unorganized schedule and one that leaves athletes and coaches confused and unsure of what comes next.
From sign-up to drills to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you should have all aspects of the camp organized and prepared for the arrival of the athletes.
Being organized will not only show professionalism but will also help you to avoid a mini rebellion by the athletes if they become bored or unhappy with the scheduling and list of activities.
In addition, being organized allows you to provide the schedule and list of activities to the participants before they arrive at the camp. This will not only make them excited for their upcoming time at the camp but will also help them to mentally prepare for the events ahead.
Hire Good Basketball Coaches
While costs may be on your mind, you oftentimes have to spend money to make some.
With that said, you should be prepared to hire good, qualified, experienced basketball coaches to help you run the basketball camp. These coaches should have previous experience either coaching high-level basketball teams or have experience running a basketball camp.
In addition, it is important that you hire relevant basketball coaches. You don’t want to hire a defensive expert basketball coach and have them run offensive drills. Similarly, only hire basketball coaches who match the basketball niche that you are looking to focus on.
Keep Everyone Involved
Let’s face it, kids nowadays get bored more easily and quickly.
And, with the proliferation of social media, many of them aren’t hesitant to voice their displeasure.
A great way to avoid any issues is to keep everyone and every athlete involved. An athlete at a basketball camp should be kept busy and engaged throughout their time at the camp.
Whether it is running drills, learning basketball fundamentals, or engaging with other athletes, have a packed schedule for each athlete at your camp.
In addition, keeping everyone involved will help avoid any conflicts of interest and feelings of playing favorites.
Don’t Forget the Free Time
While you want to be organized and have the athletes engaged, you also don’t want to overdo it. Rather, find a healthy middle ground that keeps athletes engaged while still providing them with the time needed to rest, relax, and recover.
In addition, by giving athletes some time to unwind, they will have ample time to create connections with others at the camp. Not only can they learn from one-another, but they may create long-lasting friendships with another athlete.
Teach Character
While a basketball camp should, obviously, focus on basketball, you can also take the opportunity to help the athletes to elevate their characters and self-discipline.
Teach your athletes on good character, on how to be a good citizen, and how to be good members within their own communities.
Many athletes look up to their coaches and the knowledge they impart. Take the opportunity to provide them with real-world advice and help them to simply be better people to all.