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Basketball is a great sport for kids to learn at a young age. Not only does it provide an opportunity for physical activity, but it also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance. If your child is just starting out in basketball, here are three key points to keep in mind when it comes to their training.

Repetition:

Repetition is key when it comes to mastering any skill, including basketball. Encourage your child to practice their dribbling, shooting, and passing regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Consistent practice will help them build muscle memory and develop their skills over time.

Positive Coaching:

Positive coaching is essential for young athletes. As a parent or coach, it’s important to provide constructive feedback and encouragement to your child. Celebrate their successes and help them learn from their mistakes. Remember, the goal is for them to enjoy the sport and develop their skills, not just win games.

Practicing Game Situations:

In addition to practicing basic skills, it’s important for young athletes to practice game situations. This can include running drills that simulate game scenarios or scrimmaging with other players. Practicing game situations will help your child learn how to make quick decisions and work as a team, which are important skills to have on the court.

One great way to help your child develop these skills is by signing them up for Clippers Summer Camps. These camps are designed for young athletes ages 6-14 and provide a fun and supportive environment for them to learn and grow. Coaches at these camps emphasize the importance of repetition, positive coaching, and practicing game situations, all while keeping the focus on fun and personal development. By incorporating these elements into your child’s training, they will develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed on the court. Consider enrolling today!

Parenting and coaching girls in sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of unique challenges. Girls often face societal pressure to be perfect and conform to traditional gender roles, which can affect their participation and enjoyment of sports. To help ensure a positive experience for girls in sports, here are five tips for parents and coaches to follow:

      1     Use Inclusive Language

The language we use can have a big impact on how girls feel about themselves and their place in the team. Using gender-neutral language like “y’all” or “everyone” instead of “you guys” can make girls feel more included and valued. This can help build confidence and encourage girls to take an active role in their team.

      2     Focus on Progress, Rather than Perfection

Girls often feel pressure to be perfect, which can lead to fear of failure and decreased enjoyment of sports. Instead of focusing on winning or being the best, focus on progress and improvement. Celebrate small victories and encourage girls to set achievable goals. This can help them develop a growth mindset and see sports as a fun and rewarding activity rather than a performance.

      3     Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is essential for girls to feel comfortable and confident in their sport. Make sure you have equipment that fits properly and is appropriate for the sport and skill level. For example, having the right size basketball can make a big difference in a girl’s ability to handle and shoot the ball. This can help girls feel more comfortable and confident in their abilities.

      4     Allow Girls to Connect with Each Other

Sports can be a great way for girls to build friendships and connect with each other. Encourage girls to socialize and get to know each other outside of practice and games. This can help build a sense of team unity and support, which can be essential for girls to feel comfortable and confident in their sport.

      5     Set Goals Together

Setting goals can be a great way to motivate girls and help them stay focused on their progress. Work with girls to set achievable goals that are specific, measurable, and realistic. Encourage girls to track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way. This can help girls develop a sense of ownership and pride in their sport.

Parenting and coaching girls in sports requires a thoughtful approach that takes into account the unique challenges that girls face. By using inclusive language, focusing on progress, having the right equipment, allowing girls to connect with each other, and setting goals, parents and coaches can help create a positive and empowering environment for girls in sports

Clippers basketball is here and winter is coming. But the Clippers aren’t the only ones taking the court this season..

Kicking off another year of programming, Jr. Clipper leagues are back! 

All across Los Angeles, Jr. Clippers are getting ready to lace up their shoes and throw on their new jerseys. Coaches are gearing up to meet their teams and prepare their practice plans. 

It’s the time of year we all look forward to.

With more than 100 leagues running this winter, now’s the time to join the action. This season, Jr. Clipper league partners will receive co-branded jerseys, skills clinics, resources for coaches, exclusive NBA offers, and more.

Are you a league operator, sports director, or someone involved with a youth basketball program? Send us an email at youthbasketball@clippers.com and we’ll share more about what it means to be a Jr. Clipper league partner.

Are you a parent looking to find a league for your all-star in the making? Visit our partner page and find a league near you!

The fun is just getting started Clipper Nation, we’ll see you in the gym!

Robert Covington hosted 15 students for an event with his Allergic to Failure foundation. L.A. Times’ writer Andrew Greif shadowed Covington, and spoke with the Clippers forward about his charity, as well as the outlook for the team on the court this season.   

• “More than an hour had passed since Covington had walked into the El Segundo store and surprised a group of 15 students from the After-School All-Stars program by handing each a gift card with $300 to be spent on whatever they chose. Covington explained they were initially going to receive $150 until his foundation matched the amount, but judging by the students’ reactions, it was unclear whether the students quite heard those details. At the sight of Covington, one boy exclaimed, “It’s Robert Covington!” At the mention of the gift cards, one girl covered her masked mouth with her hand while another boy’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened.” Read the L.A. Times story HERE.

Take an inside look at Clippers Basketball Academy Summer Camps. For the first time ever the LA Clippers are offering 30 youth basketball camps across Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and the San Fernando Valley. Each session is being held indoors at selection locations, including Shoot 360’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Camps include skills training to learn the game, experienced and professional coaches, special giveaway items for participants, and (1) free ticket to a 2022-23 home game with a skills session on the Clippers official NBA court.