Basketball for Beginners

A fun place to learn basketball for kids.

Summer School Sports Youth Basketball Camp in Waxhaw, North Carolina, is more than just a summer activity. It’s a starting point for a journey in sports, a foundation for personal growth, and a community of friends, mentors, and memories that will last a lifetime. Registration is now open, and we invite all interested families to join us in this exciting adventure. Let’s dribble, shoot, and score our way to fun, friendship, and the first steps toward a lifelong passion for basketball.

The Sky's The Limit

What to expect on first day of Basketball Camp

Because we serve young children we want to include a bit about what to expect the first day. You will check in and your child will get a security wrist band. They will be greeted at the gym door by a counselor with a basketball in hand. The morning will be filled with dribbling, shooting and passing drills, and a small snack. The end of camp will involve playing a “game” against other campers. Noon comes quickly and pick up is where you dropped off. Your child will be glad to see you and excited for the next day of hoops camp.

Located in the scenic town of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Summer School Sports Youth Basketball Camp offers an unparalleled introduction to the world of basketball for boys and girls ages 5 to 9. Designed as a beginner’s gateway into the sport, this camp is a vibrant, engaging, and nurturing environment where young athletes can embark on their basketball journey.

 

Summer School Sports is also a Christian organization. We hope to promote faith through a short prayer at the beginning and end of each day and will spend a short time daily discussing some stories from the Bible. Campers are encouraged to participate and ask questions. We hope that our camp can be a humble example of service to you and your family. 

 

Our camp is located at Marvin AME Zion Church, near the intersection of Providence and Rea Road. The church has the perfect facility for this camp with 8 foot baskets and plenty of playing space. 

 

Registration is open to all kids interested with no prerequisite skills required. We believe in inclusivity and the transformative power of sports to build character, discipline, and friendship. Our camp is more than just about learning basketball; it’s about growing together in a supportive and fun-filled environment.

 

The Youth Basketball Camp is structured over a series of sessions that span the basics of basketball. Starting with fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, our experienced coaches and mentors ensure that each child receives personalized attention, adapting teaching methods to suit different learning paces and styles. This approach ensures that every camper finds their footing, confidence, and, most importantly, their joy in playing basketball.

 

Safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. The camp adheres to the highest standards of safety, with all activities conducted under the supervision of certified coaches who are also trained in first aid. The health and well-being of our campers are paramount, and our staff is dedicated to creating a secure environment where children can freely explore their potential.

 

But it’s not all drills and skills training. Our camp emphasizes the importance of play and creativity, incorporating fun games and competitions that reinforce teamwork and sportsmanship. These activities are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that every child, regardless of skill level, can participate and feel a sense of achievement and belonging.

 

One of the highlights of our camp are the daily 5-on-5 games we play that allows campers to experience the thrill of competition in a supportive and encouraging setting. It’s a time of excitement, camaraderie, and pride as children get to showcase their newfound skills to friends, celebrating their progress and the fun of basketball. On Friday, parents and family members are invited to watch our end of camp “tournament.” The culmination of a week of learning and playing. The transformation of each player is remarkable to see. 



Summer School Sports Youth Basketball Camp in Waxhaw, North Carolina, is more than just a summer activity. It’s a starting point for a journey in sports, a foundation for personal growth, and a community of friends, mentors, and memories that will last a lifetime. Registration is now open, and we invite all interested families to join us in this exciting adventure. Let’s dribble, shoot, and score our way to fun, friendship, and the first steps toward a lifelong passion for basketball.

What skills do we focus on

Dribbling:

It's essential for kids to learn how to dribble the ball with both hands, keeping their heads up to observe their surroundings. Start with basic dribbling and gradually introduce changes in direction and pace.

Shooting

Teach the basic shooting form, focusing on the proper way to hold the ball, balance, and follow through. Kids should start close to the basket, working on layups and short shots before moving further away.

Passing

Introduce different types of passes (chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass) and the correct techniques for each. Emphasize the importance of accuracy, timing, and using both hands.

Catching

Learning to catch the ball correctly is crucial. Teach them to keep their eyes on the ball and to use their hands to securely catch the ball, preparing them to either pass, shoot, or dribble immediately after catching.

Basic Rules and Understanding of the Game:

Familiarize them with the basic rules of basketball such as traveling, double dribble, and fouls. Understanding these rules early on will help them play the game correctly and enjoy it more.

Teamwork and Communication

Encourage them to communicate with their teammates on the court, calling out screens, passes, and helping to build a sense of team unity and sportsmanship.

Conditioning and Agility

Basic exercises that improve endurance, speed, and agility are beneficial. This doesn’t need to be rigorous but should be enough to ensure they can enjoy the game and keep up with the pace.

Love for the Game

Above all, it's important to ensure the experience is fun and positive. Encouraging a love for the game will motivate them to continue learning and improving.

Coach John and Caroline Myers

our work inspires smiles

The Faces Behind Our Success

As a Christian husband, father, and teacher, I bring a wealth of experience to my role. Being a veteran teacher, my faith plays a significant role in shaping my approach to education. Over the past decade, I have actively coached basketball and directed basketball summer camps, finding immense joy in working with elementary-age students. For the past 14 years, I have been a dedicated educator in the Marvin school district, specializing in teaching middle school math at Marvin Ridge Middle School.