How Are We Different from Other Camps?

We teach concepts, not just skills

To play the game intelligently, players must not only be able to dribble, pass, and shoot well; they must also understand conceptually how to dribble productively, why its important to throw a sure pass rather than a maybe pass, and the difference (objectively) between a good shot and a poor shot, and many other concept-based tactics that apply to each of these skills. An understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of these skills separates highly skilled, but ineffective players from highly skilled, conceptually sound and effective players. Good coaches know and value this important distinction. At SmartHoops, players will be taught skills in the context of a sound, concept-based basketball value system. Players spend as much time in the classroom as on the court. They are learning, not merely playing. What the athletes learn in the classroom will be immediately reinforced on the court in carefully designed drills to increase the likelihood that the concepts will “take” in these game-like practice situations. One of the most enjoyable experiences for us is to see a classroom-taught concept become a “click moment” habit on the court. The SmartHoops experience is unique. It is more than just a camp.

The Director is a full-time instructor

Richard is with the athletes 24/7. He conducts all aspects of the camp, ensuring continuity and quality. SmartHoops students will not be given a token “hello” from the director, only to have their experience turned over to a cadre of wet behind the ears “junior counselors”. Richard invests himself in the teaching process from the first minute of camp to the last minute. He passionately believes in his teaching approach and demands championship focus, effort, and performance from his students.

We Have Limited Enrollment

SmartHoops accepts a maximum of 70 campers per venue. Our limited enrollment enhances the learning process and fosters fun, meaningful relationships among the athletes. Richard will know each camper and treat them as an individual, not a number.

We Have Classroom Instruction

The classroom sessions are Richard’s favorite part of the camp. It is a place for learning, bonding, and growing. Richard’s former campers tout his entertaining teaching style and informative lecture and video sessions. SmartHoops athletes must take notes in the classroom, and they will be given a final exam on the last day of camp to test their knowledge of the SmartHoops basketball value system. Athletes will be exposed to the “Socratic” method of learning, and will be called upon to answer questions and teach concepts themselves. They will be asked to step outside their comfort zones. They will be asked to lead in front of their peers. When they embrace these challenges, they will return to their teams and their coaches with a confident understanding of the game, and noticeably enhanced leadership skills.

We Believe Mistakes Are Learning Tools

Failure is the seed of learning. The SmartHoops teaching approach welcomes mistakes. Each mistake is a “teachable moment”, and we want each player to check their fear of failure at the front door. On each and every possession in the game of basketball, there are numerous mistakes made. Our goal is to teach our athletes to aspire to minimize, not eliminate mistakes, and to accept the reality that there has never been a “perfectly” played basketball game, or even a perfectly played possession. We will teach our athletes not only how to minimize mistakes, but also how to respond to mistakes productively and intelligently in ways that will good coaches will value. When our athletes return to their teams and coaches, we hope that their mistake/response reflex will be on high alert!

We attract serious athletes

Because we spend as much time in the classroom as on the court, we usually don’t get a critical mass of mere “campers”. Our athletes are serious in their goal of improving their understanding of the game, and are also almost always top-shelf students. We think it is “way cool” to make the A honor roll. If you a slacker or someone who is afraid to say that you make good grades, then this probably isn’t the experience for you!

We value and teach leadership skills

Whether you are a point guard or a post player, you must be willing to lead. We teach leadership tactics because they are vital to team and individual success. “Leadership” is a vague concept that can take many forms and has become a cliché in our sports culture. We will teach practical, common sense leadership concepts that are adaptable to each player’s unique personality and standing on their team. You can be a leader by example, or a vocal leader. You can even be a “shy” leader. What matters most is that you understand the psychology of leadership, how easy it really is, and that communication, both verbal and non-verbal, really makes a difference in the game of basketball.