I've been lucky enough to work a number of college basketball camps along the east coast over the last five years, and I am often asked by parents or middle and high school players about camps they're looking at. Here are some thoughts of what to look for when assessing camps for this summer and how to get the most out of your camp experience.
- Skill improvement matters!
- This is by far the thing that gets overlooked the most about camps, which is crazy because it SHOULD be the reason you're going to camp in the first place. You're going to camp to improve as a player. Most kids dread the skills stations or skill development sessions - but this is where the true value of camp lies.
- Find a camp that puts a strong emphasis on skills stations or other emphasis on individual development.
- Development should encompass a wide base of skills - shooting, rebounding, passing, transition, individual defense, team defense, footwork, screening, etc.
- Ask if coaches are allowed and willing to work one on one with players at any point during the day for extra advice and practice.
- Bigger does not always mean better!
- I've worked big camps and small camps - from privately owned to DII to power conference DI programs. While bigger camps often have more players, they aren't necessarily better.
- Find a camp where the actual coaching staff takes a hands-on approach to the camp, and doesn't just float around or show up for a few minutes each day.
- Many bigger camps have to take a "general" approach to teaching the game because they get players from a much broader range of ability levels.
- Smaller camps may be able to offer additional services, such as individual shooting clinics, because the lower numbers allow them to accommodate a higher percentage of campers.
- How much non-game competition is there?
- There are lots of ways to compete that don't involve 5 v 5 games. Personally, I believe 3 v 3 is a much better mode for working on your game because there's a much higher potential for you to be involved in every play.
- Most camps will guarantee everybody 2-3 full games a day. But how much better will you get if this is your only chance to implement the skills you're working on during the developmental sessions?
- Coaches want to see players compete and push themselves - camps with a mixture of individual and group competitions show all facets of your competitive nature.
- Cost effectiveness is crucial.
- Would you rather pay $500 for a day of check in, 3 full days of camp and a day of check out, or $450 for a day of check in, 4 full days of camp and a day of check out?
- In the current economy, there's no denying that attending camp is a luxury. Get the most out of the experience by finding one that is cost efficient.
- Quality opponents bring out the best in you.
- There's nothing wrong with asking about the talent level at a camp. Just go about it in a tactful way.
- Are you looking just to have fun? To show your skills to multiple college coaches? To impress one staff by going up against their other top recruits? Contact the camp directors and ask what kinds of players they target.
My top 5 reasons NOT to choose a camp:
- They have a lot of down time between games.
- Down time is okay - if it's structured. If you're spending time in the dorms, you're wasting money.
- They don't do a lot of stations.
- Why are you taking a week out of your summer to be at camp if you don't want to work on your game?
- All of my friends go there.
- It's great to spend time with your friends - but convince them to find the right camp too!
- It's at a big school.
- See above.
- They give out cool gear at the end of camp.
- Gear is nice, but t-shirts don't make jumpers.
- I can get autograph's from players.
- Send a letter to the coach or player. You'll be surprised how many will respond.
We run one session for boys players and one for girls players here at Houghton, and we work very hard to provide an environment where student-athletes can learn the game, improve their individual skills, and implement those skills into the team setting. We also stress character development throughout the week and our coaching staff is here to work, not to network with other coaches and look for jobs. If you know of someone who would be interested, please direct them to this link: Houghton College Basketball Camps
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