West Vancouver Basketball Club offers developmental programs for kids in grades 2-10.
Head coach Greg Meldrum answers some questions about his program and the game.
NSN: What does your program focus on?
GM: Our main focus of every session is to make basketball fun. Within our younger age groups, our goal is to develop athletes as opposed to basketball players. Basic movement skills are taught, which include the ABCs of Agility, Balance, Co-ordination and Speed. Fundamental basketball skills are introduced at a young age and become more complex as the players get older. We believe that all skills should be taught to all players. That way, every player will have a solid foundation of skills.
NSN: What are the hardest skills of the game for kids to learn?
GM: The hardest skills for kids to learn are the fundamentals. The “showtime” moves and flashy no-look passes are glamourized on TV and kids want to emulate these moves, so that’s what they practice. Lots of young players don’t realize how much time needs to be spent on dribbling, shooting, and passing to play at a high level.
NSN: What are the easiest skills of the game for kids to learn?
GM: Certainly nothing is easy, but kids can improve their ball control simply by carrying a ball wherever they go. The more that you become familiar with a basketball in your hands, the easier the game becomes. We feel the same way at our camps. It’s amazing how quickly ball control and dribbling can improve by playing a simple game of tag while everyone dribbles a ball.
NSN: What type of kid is suited to play basketball? Can any kid learn to play?
GM: I feel that most children can learn to play at a high level. Genetics can obviously play a factor, but athleticism and ball skills can be developed over time. As long as a player loves the game and is willing to work hard to improve, most that set their mind to it can play on a high school team. I think it’s a myth that all players need to be tall and have the ability to jump out of the gym. There are many examples of successful players that don’t fit this mold.
NSN: How does a kid become a good basketball player?
GM: First and foremost, a player needs to show the willingness and maturity to learn. Young children will often develop bad habits playing on the playgrounds at school. Good players have an open mind and have the discipline to listen to their coaches and apply what is being taught. Successful players also have a strong work ethic and the intrinsic motivation to get better.
NSN: Who are the kids that join your program?
GM: There is often a wide range of abilities. Some come to us having never played before, while others are stars on their Steve Nash League Team or their high school team. In the summer, we offer a High Intensity full-day camp, which often attracts some of the better players on the North Shore. Regardless of his or her abilities, we pride ourselves on making every player’s experience a fun and challenging one.
NSN: What do the summer camp programs specifically focus on?
GM: The beauty of summer camps is that so much can be done in one week with over 15 hours of concentrated instruction. Summer is traditionally the “off season” so the campers are challenged to pick one or two specific areas that they can improve upon, whether it is shooting, dribbling, rebounding, individual defense, etc.
We try to find a nice balance of skill development and small-sided games throughout the week. Having said that, every week-long camp culminates with a tournament, which the kids love. Parents are invited, prizes are awarded, and the campers are always excited to showcase what they’ve learned.
For more information about the summer camp programs at West Vancouver Basketball Club visit wvbc.ca.
This story originally appeared in a special section of the North Shore News focusing on summer camps.
