Running a basketball camp is a great way to develop young players, grow your program’s visibility, and give back to the game. Whether you're planning a youth fundamentals clinic or an elite-level skills camp, success comes down to preparation, organization, and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Here are 10 key tips for running a smooth and impactful basketball camp this summer.
1. Define Your Goals and Audience
Before you start planning your basketball, clarify your goals. Are you focusing on skill development, team-building, exposure for recruiting, or fundraising? Knowing your target age group, skill level, and purpose will guide every decision—from your drills and camp structure to your marketing and volunteers.
2. Build a Strong Staff
Your camp is only as good as your coaching staff. Bring in energetic, knowledgeable coaches who can teach, motivate, and connect with players of all ages. Consider including current or former players—they bring credibility and can energize young campers.
3. plan every detail
Successful camps run on clear schedules. Break your days into structured segments: warm-ups, drills, competitions, and breaks. Plan out station rotations, group sizes, and backup activities in case of weather or gym limitations. And make sure your staff knows the schedule and is on the same page.
4. Focus on Fundamentals (and Fun)
Skill development should be your core, but don’t forget to keep things fun. Use contests (free throws, 1-on-1, hot shot) and team competitions to keep players engaged and energized. Fun builds confidence and keeps kids coming back. Having awards at the end of each day or at the end of camp can also motivate your campers during each session.
5. communicate clearly
Make registration easy with clear instructions and deadlines. Before the camp, send out information on what to bring, where to go, and the daily schedule. During the camp, communicate expectations and transitions clearly to both staff and players. If you are running a youth camp, make sure parents are aware of the day’s schedule and when to be there at the end of each day.
6. Safety first
Ensure all of your campers have waivers signed and that medical info is collected. Have a first aid plan in place and keep hydration breaks frequent—especially during July and August. Supervision during and between sessions is also critical.
7. Create a Positive Environment
Outside of skill development, another main goal for your summer camp should be to foster a culture of encouragement and respect. Coaches should be positive and constructive, setting the tone for teamwork and hustle. Recognize good effort, improvement, and sportsmanship—not just winning.
8. Add Value
Think about how to make your camp stand out. Look at adding training equipment like Dr. Dish shooting machines to help enhance the experience. Camp t-shirts, guest speakers, highlight videos, or awards for hustle and leadership can create a lasting impression as well. Small details can go a long way in building your camp’s reputation.
9. Gather Feedback
Invite parents, players, and staff to give feedback after the camp. Ask questions like:
- What worked well?
- What can be improved?
- Were there skills that were missed?
- Were there enough breaks?
- Did the players have fun?
Learning from each experience will help you fine-tune your focuses, schedule, and staff for future camps.
10. follow up
Send a thank-you email or letter to the families and campers who participated. Share a few photos or highlight moments like “camper of the day”. This not only shows professionalism but also helps build a loyal base in your community for future events.
Running a basketball camp takes effort, but with clear goals, strong organization, and a passion for teaching the game, you can create an experience that impacts players long after the final huddle. If you’re looking to run a basketball camp this summer, focus on fundamentals, fun, and connection—and success will follow.