How to get the most out of camp this summer.

I am disappointed when I hear a player say that they did not learn anything at camp.  First of all, not all camps are created equal.  Some are simply better than others.  However, no matter what camp you are planning on attending this summer, the fact is this:  You get out of a camp what you put into it!  That’s right; it is completely up to you.

As I stated earlier, not all camps are created equal, it is also true that the coaches working the camps have differences.  I hope that all camp coaches are working hard to provide their campers with a fun, meaningful camp where lots of learning takes place.  However, not all coaches will have the same level of motivation.  Some coaches love the game and want to share their passion with the campers.  Other coaches may be there because they need to work, or their coach requires them to work the camp.  Whatever the reason, the key to getting the most out of your camp experience is to bring out the best from the coaches who are working with you.  Now I can hear you saying, “But I paid good money to come to this camp, why should I have to help them do their best to teach me?  They should be doing that anyway!”  I totally agree.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go the way we want them to.  Since the main reason you went to camp was to improve your game, why not do everything you can to motivate your coaches to do their best to teach you what you want or need to know?

Here is how you do it.

1. Ask for help during breaks, come in early and/or stay late each day.
   • All coaches love a player who wants extra work.  Why sit around when you can be getting extra touches with the ball, get one-on-one or small group instruction?  Most coaches will not you’re your request for extra help, and if one does, ask one of the other coaches.
2. Hustle, hustle, hustle.  Always hustle!
   • This is another thing that coaches love to see in a player, hustle.  If a coach sees you putting out extra effort, many of them will put out more effort themselves.  It is contagious, it is human nature.
3. Ask questions when you do not understand (and when you want deeper understanding).
   • This shows the coach that you want to learn and get better.  Again, you are receiving one-on-one or small group instruction.
4. Always listen quietly when being instructed.
   • We all appreciate it when people pay attention when they are being talked to.  Coaches are no different.  Besides, it is rude to do anything besides listen when the coach is instructing.  It is also rude to your fellow campers and teammates, since your actions may distract and hinder their opportunity to learn.  Many times coaches (and teammates) will “turn you off” when you don’t listen.  You are demonstrating to them that they are not worth your investment of time and effort to get better or that you feel you are “better than them or too good”.  This is probably a message you do not intend to send.
5. Be cheerful and have fun throughout the day.
   • Everyone (including coaches) would prefer to be around people who are happy and positive.

Many players will go to camp this summer; some may try these tips only when they feel like it.  The only players who will get the most out of camp are the ones who give their best effort all the time and employ the tips given above.  Give these tips a try.  You will learn more and you will be practicing skills that your coach back home will love come school and/or club season.