How To Pick The Right Basketball Camp
When it comes to camps we know there are an overwhelming number of options available to you. And sure, you want to have fun, but what camps will really be worth your while? Summer doesn’t last forever, so here’s how you can make sure you are making the best use of your time:
First things first - what is the camp’s specialty? What skills are highlighted and what will your focus be if you attend? Who are the coaches, and what do they specialize in? Of great importance is determining what you will learn at any given camp. Above all, camps are excellent intensives where you can learn a lot in a short period of time, from a diverse array of coaching staff. If you’re considering a defensive skills-focused camp, but you know you really need to prioritize shooting, opt for the hoops session instead.
This second point is connected to the first; who are the coaches? Camps give you a unique chance to work with a range of different coaches - many have played college basketball, worked as trainers, or coached at a variety of levels. These are great connections to make as you continue your journey toward securing a scholarship.
Examine exposure opportunities: Parents, this one's for you. Read carefully, especially before you spend a dollar...familiarize yourself with NCAA rules regarding dead periods and live periods. If you are thinking of traveling three states away to attend a week-long camp with the goal of getting exposure to coaches - but you go during a dead period - literally no college coaches are going to see you. Zero. Because it's a dead period (coaches won’t be there). Money out the window. Do your research on dates of camps before you commit!
Scouting for scouts: camps are a great time to get noticed by scouts - see if you can get information on what scouts typically like to show up at what camps. Scouts will disclose where they are headed on the TPC app or on Twitter. See if any of your coaches, trainers, or scouts you know have information on what camps in your area might be good targets for maximum scout exposure.
Want to see what scouts, coaches, and other players have planned for summer camps? See what’s happening on The Players Circle app!