Last week, the Weber State University men’s basketball team coaching staff held a skills camp for children. The camp was held at the Swenson Gym from 9-12 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
One hundred children were at the camp. The coaching staff divided them into two groups of 50, one upstairs and the other downstairs. Each group worked closely with the WSU staff and worked on learning skills to become fundamentally better basketball players.
“The campers did a great job of paying attention to details and focusing on the tasks at hand,” said head coach Randy Rahe. “I am very proud of these last two days.”
Rahe said he liked the energy and enthusiasm of the children at the camp. He also said he felt the skills camp is something the team and players enjoy doing.
“The campers came here with a positive attitude, and all of them worked very hard,” he said. “This camp is really important because it gives the serious players an opportunity to learn from our players and coaches. We are very excited about continuing this camp next year.”
One of the most important things Rahe said the children learned was the proper basic skills and discipline it takes to be successful in the sport of basketball.
Many WSU players helped at the camp, acting as coaches for the children, teaching them the proper way to play basketball. Each player had a group of 10 children of different ages. The players taught them how to shoot baskets and dribble correctly, and worked on other fundamental skills.
“This camp is a great opportunity to work individually with the kids on their basketball,” said assistant coach Eric Duft.
Duft said he felt the camp was a success, and that the children were able to learn proper basics, which they will be able to expand and build upon as they continue to practice.
“The skills camp gives the kids a chance to learn drills they can work on by themselves, so they can continue to improve,” Duft said.
Nathan Beazer, one of the youth who attended the skill camp, said that he learned about strengthening his hand to be able to dribble better. Beazer said he loved the camp and thought that the coaches were great.
“They have the best coaching staff,” Beazer said. “They will help you on everything.”
Beazer has attended multiple basketball camps at WSU, and said he thinks the camps don’t only benefit the children, but also help the team build unity and prepare for the upcoming season.
“I think the Wildcat team is coming together fast through these camps,” Beazer said. ”The players will do what is asked by the coaches, and then, when that’s done, they will laugh of what they will accomplish this year, a lot of victories.”
Duft said he is hopeful that the skills camp will happen again next year.