Okay guys, let me walk you through my whole weekend at Carroll College’s 2025 basketball camp for beginners. I showed up Friday afternoon feeling like a total newbie, honestly. Had my gym bag, beat-up sneakers, and zero clue what drills we’d be doing.
Getting Started with the Basics
First thing Coach Miller made us do? Dribbling drills until my hands went numb. Seriously, spent like an hour just slapping the ball against the court – left hand, right hand, eyes up. Coach kept yelling “Ball is your buddy, quit looking down at it!” My buddy Kevin actually tripped over his own feet trying to stare at the ceiling instead.
Footwork and Defense Day
Next morning they drilled defensive stances HARD. We looked like awkward crabs sliding sideways. Coach Davis broke it down:
- Feet wider than shoulder-width
- Butt down like sitting on imaginary chair
- Hands up waving like scaring crows
My knees were screaming after 20 minutes of shuffling drills. Half the group nearly face-planted when they made us backpedal suddenly. Coach just laughed: “Nobody becomes Giannis overnight!”
Shooting Meltdowns & Breakthroughs
Sunday was all about shooting form. My first 20 attempts didn’t even touch the rim. Felt brutal until assistant Coach Rivera pulled me aside. Showed me the “BEEF” method he teaches rookies:
- Balance: Feet planted like tree roots
- Elbow: Keep it tucked, not chicken-winged
- Eyes: Lock on front rim
- Follow-through: Fingers down like reaching in cookie jar
Swear I nearly cried when my first shot finally swooshed. Teammate Sarah started cheering like we won state finals. Pure luck? Maybe. But I’ll take it!
Scrimmage Chaos Finale
Last afternoon was actual 3v3 games. Total disaster zone. Passes flying into walls, travel calls every 10 seconds – absolute comedy. Forgot every drill when Tommy charged at me dribbling. Panic-passed straight to opponent. Coach Miller just facepalmed shouting “PIVOT! WE PRACTICED PIVOTING!” Felt like deer in headlights but weirdly… fun?
Final takeaway? These coaches pour patience on newbies like maple syrup. They know we suck. They expect airballs. But man, seeing 12-year-old Tim drain his first jumper after 50 misses? That moment’s why they do it.