Teaching Fundamental Basketball

 

[Robert Barnes, CSUB men’s head coach (left) Kadar Waller, a camper (right) getting done with camp.]

Boys ages 8 to 18 will soon be able to learn the game of basketball from coaches and players who have competed at the highest collegiate level.

The CSUB Athletics Department is hosting a basketball summer camp June 24 to 27. The camp cost $200 for each camper. The camp will be hosted in the Icardo Center on the CSUB campus. The summer camp happens every year and it helps the Athletic Department raise money for the men’s basketball team. Along with raising money it improves the campers basketball knowledge.

Basketball is a mind game. As a member of the women’s team at CSUB, I know this from first- hand experience. Not everyone who plays basketball has a basketball I.Q or really knows and understands the game of basketball. In basketball a player must have good footwork, skill work, be coachable, understand what is being taught, and be willing to improve his or her game.

Campers will develop all of the key basketball skills including shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defending. CSUB men’s basketball camp immerses the camper in the sport, giving him a great focus and intensive workout for improvement.

Basketball camp is there for kids to work hard, improve in the activities they are given, and make new friends. Players who want to learn how to play competitive basketball usually go to this camp to improve on their agility skills, footwork, and dedication to the game and to show they are willing to work during offseason.

The men’s summer basketball camp is open to the community.

Campers will arrive at 8 a.m. and leave by 1 p.m. but the facilities will be supervised until 5 p.m. The campers will get a lunch break at noon.

According to the director of basketball operations, Doc Waller, he said, “Well I’m from Bakersfield and I have two kids of my own. I like the fact that I used to be an elite player and I’m always willing to help out people who are always willing to listen and improve their game.”

Waller also said, “One of the main reasons is teaching young kids basic fundamentals to have their basketball skills, interacting with the community and also, it’s kind of like connecting a bridge with the city of Bakersfield for men’s basketball.”

This summer camp is useful and will help kids learn from elite players.

“I’m good already, but my attitude gets in the way sometimes, so this camp can teach me to get better, plus my dad is always on me,” said Kadar Waller, 11, Coach Waller’s son who plans to attend the camp.

Along with working on fundamentals, campers will also engage in contests and games that will allow them to be competitive.

For information, call Doc Waller at (661) 654- 2344.