If you are an aspiring basketball player striving to reach the highest levels of competition, Exposure Basketball Camps can be a great opportunity for increasing your skill set and gaining visibility with college coaches and scouts. Exposure Basketball Camps can be a great way for you to get noticed by college coaches and scouts, increase your skill set, and gain valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. But before signing up for any camp, there are important things you need to consider such as if exposure camps are right for you, how to find the best fit camp that meets your goals, benefits of attending these camps and how best prepare yourself. We’ll discuss all this plus more including what items should be brought with when attending an exposure basketball camp so stay tuned.
The goal of this article will be two fold. 1. To give you a brief overview of my recommended steps to help focus in. Knowing that it is a holistic approach where I tell you how to write your own story (or help your player/child write theirs), I recognize that many people and moments in life require less holistic approach and more immediate knowledge and response options. 2. I break down common topics and questions regarding the Basketball Exposure Camps for ambitious basketball players and families seeking the opportunity to play at the next level.
Recommended Holisitic Process:
8th Graders and Freshman:
- Evaluate self and ask those you trust to evaluate you. Use any shared evaluation forms your coaches and trainers or camps you attend. Use this basketball evaluation form for self evaluation or ask your trainer to work thru it with you.
- Seek the best skill development, athletic development, and functional strength development options available within your financial and time budget.
- Focus in academic success. On grades, course selection, and test preparation. You are a student athlete. Do not confuse test optional with the fact that someone who scores higher than the median SAT value at a school will likely increase your value proposition at that school.
- Keep the joy in your game. Hear criticism, be self aware, but love yourself and your game for the player you are today.
- Explore:
- College basketball games in your area at multiple divisions. Here in Austin, Texas, go see:
- University of Texas game
- St. Edwards Division 2 Game
- Southwestern vs. Trinity or UT Dallas Game for Division 3
- Conversations with anyone in your circle or trainer’s circle that played college basketball
- Potential college majors.
- College basketball games in your area at multiple divisions. Here in Austin, Texas, go see:
- Avoid burnout and injuries. Seek health and wellness
- Focus on Bodwyeight Exercises for Basketball
- Improve Nutrition
- Understand tools in optimizing mental health and happiness
- Learn about Leadership Action Steps and Communication
- If a young woman, play against boys at every opportunity you get. If a young man, play against Varsity HS players and men every chance you get. Including older men who really have a knack for space, efficiency and how to move without the ball in screen situations etc.
- Explore Niche.com and also do Youtube college tours to start conversations about what would you value in a college education.
Sophomores:
- Continue to develop on path of above, but have a specific player development plan with SMART Goals to help you measure progress. This should include training goals, Game time per minute stat goals, and speed and strength goals.
- If you are on Varsity, begin to split time between skill development focus and exposure.
- If you are not on Varsity, focus all your efforts on what skills you need to get there. You cannot send JV film to a college coach. This is not exposure… it is getting exposed in a negative way. Do a gap analysis on what you need to gain to bridge the gap to be a top Varsity level player and impactful player on your club team.
- If you are on Varsity, start to gather film and also make a highlight reel and an academic resume.
- Start to assess potential Division landing spots in college. The truth is that if you don’t have D1 teams starting to flirt with you by the end of your sophomore year, you are probably not Division 1. Of course there are exceptions for seriously late bloomers, but the odds are growing miniscule.
- You should now have some ideas of the types of colleges you wish to explore. Look at their camps. See if they have a smaller invite only version or if they are all fundraisers as cattle calls. You want the smaller version. Frankly, if you have an email invite, from a coach who is not texting with you, it is likely the cattle call version. You can make an impression at the larger ones, but you get the idea.
- Make a list of 30 schools and begin contacting the coaches and sending highlight reels in an email and follow up with a phone call. You can fill out their website forms but I would also email and call. Follow them all on twitter and Instagram and Tik Tok if they have a channel. Reverse engineer how you get recruited. Recruit the coach and college. Make sure you are selecting schools you would love if your coach got fired or if you had a career ending injury or lost the love for hoops. Also, take a look at the average net price of the school and determine if it is a financial fit. For those with less financial ability, look for schools that are need met or need based.
- Build a spreadsheet and work the relationships. Write your own story, don’t hope someone writes you into theirs.
Juniors
- If you have not been seriously contacted via text with coaches and have meaningful conversations personalized to you, then D1 is very likely off the table. Shift focus even if you keep this dream alive.
- Contact all the coaches on your spreadsheet and ask exactly what showcases and exposure camps they will be at this Spring and Summer. Then see which ones you have multiple coaches attending and see if that event works for your family.
- Sell. Sell. Sell. Do not under any circumstances settle for interest from 2-3 coaches. You want to have about 10-15 in play, and you need to understand that until a coach offers you a roster spot, it means nothing. This is like a High School dance. There is flirting. Friendliness. Dancing. Posturing. Posing. And you are trying to find the right fit for marriage.
- Start to attend more exposure camps and college camps where you know your target audience is. Playing in D1 exposure events in California may not be best approach if you want to attend a New England Division 3 college.
- Develop your sales plan to include:
- An elevator pitch that shares your value and what you value you in a college.
- A highlight reel that is 3 minutes and shows the strengths you offer a program.
- An email that you include said highlight reel in.
- A YouTube channel where you can host game film.
- A DM sales pitch
- Thank you note stationary and stamps and a script for that.
- Spreasheet system to keep track of touchpoints, next steps and apointments.
Seniors
- Don’t give up hope. Transfer portals, coaching changes, injuries, academic failures, and injuries can all cause late changes in needs for players.
- There are unsigned senior events. Some of those can be fits.
- Be very direct with coaches: “Do you have any openings available for roster spots next season, and if so, at what position and skill sets?” You cannot waste time.
That is my recommendation based on many years of experience. They include being a college basketball player. Training close to one hundred players who reached that level. Being the parent of a college basketball player. And also being the friend of many college coaches.
Now, many of you need more generic and specific questions answered… so here is part 2 of this guide:
Table of Contents:
- Are You a Fit for an Exposure Basketball Camp?
- Goals for Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp
- Finding the Right Exposure Basketball Camp
- Benefits of Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp
- Preparing for an Exposure Basketball Camp
- What to Bring to an Exposure Basketball Camp
- FAQs in Relation to Exposure Basketball Camps
- Conclusion
Are You a Fit for an Exposure Basketball Camp?
Are you striving to enhance your basketball ability? If so, exposure basketball camps are a great way to get noticed by college coaches and scouts. Exposure camps provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of top-level recruiters and coaches. But before you sign up for one, it’s important that you understand if these camps are right for you.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Before committing to an exposure camp, ask yourself if you possess the necessary capabilities to perform at that level. Do you have strong fundamentals? Are your ball handling and shooting skills on point? Do you know how to read the defense and make smart decisions with the ball? Exposure camps attract some of the best talent around so make sure that your skills can match or exceed those of other participants.
Remember, these events can both offer you exposure, but also expose you.
How devoted are you to the activity?
Exposure basketball camps require a high level of commitment from participants. Not only do they need skill but also dedication when it comes to training off the court as well as competing on it. If there is any doubt in your mind about whether or not you’re ready for this kind of commitment then maybe an exposure camp isn’t right for now – focus on improving first until such time that attending one becomes more realistic goal.
Do You Understand The College Basketball Recruiting Process?
It is essential that anyone who attends an exposure camp understands how college recruiting works – from making contact with coaches through networking opportunities, attending events like combines or showcases, all the way down to signing day itself when offers come in. Knowing what steps need taking ahead of time will give players an advantage over those who don’t understand what needs doing during each stage of recruitment process; this could be crucial in getting noticed by college programs and earning scholarships later on.
If you have the drive and ambition to become a better basketball player, then an Exposure Basketball Camp may be just what you need. Attending one of these camps can help you realize your ambitions and take your basketball game to a higher level.
Pro Tip: Download our basketball evaluation form and evaluate yourself before pursuing exposure camps. Ask your HS coach, trainer, and select coach for help and to fill it out too. Ask them for feedback about their candid take about your as a college basketball prospect. Determine if your focus should be more on skill development or seeking exposure.
Goals for Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp
Goals for Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp
Improving Your Game:
The primary goal of attending an exposure basketball camp is to improve your game. It’s important to understand what areas you need to focus on in order to take your skills and abilities up a notch, whether it’s shooting accuracy, dribbling, time in speed drills or agility and footwork. Take advantage of the resources available at the camp such as drills, scrimmages and skill challenges so that you can hone in on those weaknesses and become more well-rounded overall.
Gaining Visibility:
Exposure camps are also great opportunities for players looking to get noticed by college coaches and scouts. Most camps will feature some kind of showcase event where you can demonstrate your talents in front of these professionals who could potentially offer scholarships or recruit you onto their teams. Make sure you put your best foot forward during these events.
Making Connections:
You never know who else might be attending an exposure camp—it could be potential teammates, coaches or even future business partners. Use this opportunity to meet new people with similar interests while expanding both your personal network and professional connections. Who knows? Maybe one day they’ll end up helping out with a project or providing advice when needed down the line.
Participating in an exposure camp allows athletes to gain confidence by learning from experienced trainers and playing alongside peers who have been through similar experiences before them. Gaining assurance through the exposure camp can then be reflected in enhanced showings both while playing and beyond.
Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp is a great way to reach your basketball goals and take your game to the next level. Locating a camp that fits your needs can be tricky, but with sufficient research you can discover the ideal one to help you reach your basketball ambitions and enhance your playing ability.
Finding the Right Exposure Basketball Camp
Finding the right exposure basketball camp is essential for ambitious basketball players and their families. It’s important to research the various camps available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs and goals. Here are some tips to help you find an exposure basketball camp that fits your needs:
1) Research Camps:
Before committing to a camp, it’s important to do your homework. Look into what each camp offers in terms of instruction, facilities, staff members, and more. Make sure it aligns with your expectations and objectives as a player or family member looking for the right fit.
2) Ask Questions:
When researching different camps, make sure you ask plenty of questions before making any decisions. This will give you a better understanding of what type of environment they provide and how they can help improve your game or support your child’s development as an athlete.
3) Talk To Coaches:
Get in touch with coaches who have attended or worked at certain camps in order to get first-hand accounts about their experiences there. This will give you valuable insight into whether or not the camp is worth attending for yourself or for someone else in your family who may be interested in playing at a higher level of competition than their current league allows them access too
Price should never be the only consideration when selecting an exposure basketball camp, so it’s important to weigh up the costs and benefits of each program before committing. Do your due diligence by researching camps, asking questions, talking to coaches who have been there and getting a first-hand account of their experiences. Armed with the facts, you can make a choice that provides optimal potential for basketball success.
Lastly, take some time out from doing all this research and look over reviews left by past attendees/participants online (Google/Yelp/Facebook etc.). These comments often contain useful information about how satisfied people were with specific programs offered at these types of events which could further help narrow down potential choices depending on individual preferences such as skill set levels desired outcomes etc.
Finding the optimal basketball camp can be intimidating, yet with thorough research and contemplation of your aspirations, you could locate one that is ideal for you. With this in mind, let’s explore the benefits of attending an exposure basketball camp to further understand why it could be beneficial for ambitious players and their families.
Pro Tip: Reverse engineer this process. Make a profile of the type of college you would want to attend. Contact the coach after filling out the recruiting form and ask them where they will be this spring and summer and then target those events. Understand coaches plans do change but if you try to stack events where several coaches you are interested in will be attending, it will increase your chances of success.
Benefits of Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp
Improve Basketball Skills and Abilities
Attending an exposure basketball camp is a great way for ambitious players to develop their skills and abilities on the court. Exposure camps offer the chance to glean insight from coaches with expertise in both college and professional hoops. At these camps, players will be able to gain insight into cutting-edge drills and strategies from experienced coaches in order to hone their basketball skills. Additionally, players will have access to advanced training equipment such as weighted vests or agility ladders that are not typically available in recreational leagues or youth programs. By attending an exposure camp, aspiring athletes can refine their shooting mechanics, increase their foot speed by working on speed drills and agility, work on defensive fundamentals like closing out on shooters or positioning themselves correctly when defending a pick-and-roll play.
Connect With Top Coaches
Exposure basketball camps also offer the chance for ambitious players to connect with some of the best coaches in the game today. Not only do these experienced mentors help teach valuable lessons about playing smarter rather than harder but they also provide invaluable insight into what it takes to make it at higher levels of competition such as college or even professional ball if desired. Many times these relationships lead to additional opportunities such as tryouts with select teams or even scholarship offers from colleges looking for talented prospects who may have been overlooked by other programs.
Networking Opportunities
At an exposure basketball camp, ambitious players have the chance to network with staff and participants alike, which can open doors that would otherwise remain closed off through traditional job searching methods. This could prove beneficial down the line when seeking employment within sports organizations or outside of them altogether depending upon career aspirations after retirement from competitive play. With these connections made, more options become available post-athletic career – whether it be pursuing a different business venture or taking on an entrepreneurial endeavor.
Mental Strength Development
Attending an Exposure Basketball Camp can provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills, build relationships and gain exposure to higher levels of competition. Preparing for such a camp requires commitment, dedication and focus in order to maximize the benefits it provides.
Preparing for an Exposure Basketball Camp
If you are looking to make an impression and maximize your exposure at a basketball camp, then preparation is key. To make the most of your exposure basketball camp, proper preparation is essential. Here’s what you need to know about preparing for an exposure basketball camp.
Know What You Want:
Before attending any camp, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what type of training or instruction you want from the experience. Do some research on different camps in order to find one that meets your needs and expectations. Make sure that the program offers skills development, drills and games tailored specifically for players with similar abilities as yours so that you can be challenged appropriately while still having fun during each session.
Get Physically Ready:
A great way to prepare yourself physically for an exposure basketball camp is by doing cardio workouts like running or swimming before attending the event. Make sure you use these cardio activities in a basketball fashion… series of sprints in multiple directions with slower effort between the sprints. This will help increase endurance levels and improve overall conditioning which will give you more energy when playing against other athletes at the camp. Additionally, stretching exercises should also be incorporated into pre-camp routines in order to reduce muscle soreness after long days on court sessions where intense physical activity is expected from participants.
Mental Preparation:
Just as important as physical preparation is mental preparedness when it comes time for attending a basketball camp – particularly if it’s geared towards college recruitment opportunities or professional tryouts . Developing strong focus techniques prior to arriving at the event can go a long way towards helping players perform their best under pressure situations like these often present themselves during camps such as these . It’s also beneficial for players who may lack confidence due this type of environment – working through visualization exercises ahead of time can help build up courage needed compete successfully against other highly talented athletes .
Practicing your skills is of course essential for any exposure basketball camp. No amount of preparation will matter if players don’t put in enough work beforehand perfecting fundamentals such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. Players should practice drills designed specifically with the goals they wish to accomplish while participating in an exposure basketball camp so that they look polished and confident when showing off their talents to coaches, scouts, evaluators etc. Rehearsing plays, strategies or even game scenarios beforehand could mean the difference between getting noticed, making a team roster or ultimately earning a scholarship offer down the road.
Proper preparation is key to getting the most out of an Exposure Basketball Camp. To ensure you are ready for the camp, familiarize yourself with what to bring and any requirements that may be necessary. Next, we’ll look at what items should be packed in order to make your experience a success.
What to Bring to an Exposure Basketball Camp
When attending an exposure basketball camp, it is important to come prepared. To ensure a successful experience, here are some items that you should bring:
Clothing:
You will need comfortable clothing and shoes for the duration of the camp. Make sure your clothes fit properly and don’t restrict your movement on the court. Also, consider bringing extra layers in case of cold weather or rain during outdoor activities.
Basketball Gear:
The most essential piece of equipment is a basketball – preferably one with your name on it. Bring any other gear that you typically use when playing such as wristbands or headbands. Don’t forget to pack all of your protective gear like knee pads and elbow pads if necessary.
Water Bottle:
It’s important to stay hydrated while at camp so make sure you have plenty of water throughout the day. A reusable water bottle will help keep track of how much fluid intake you get each day and can be refilled easily between sessions or drills.
Snacks & Meals:
If allowed by the camp, bring snacks and meals with you so that you won’t go hungry during long days filled with physical activity and intense training sessions. Choose healthy options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, protein bars etc., which provide sustained energy levels throughout the day without crashing afterwards due to sugar overload from unhealthy snacks/foods consumed earlier in the day.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray:
Exposure camps may involve outdoor activities so make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out into direct sunlight for extended periods time; bug spray might also be necessary depending on where they are held (e.g., near forests).
Keep a notebook handy along with pencils or pens for taking notes quickly as needed without having to search through bags every time something needs jotting down onto paper for future reference purposes later on after leaving camp grounds. This can help retain information better than relying solely on memory alone, and writing things down also helps jog our memories later.
Hygiene and First Aid Products
Here are some random thoughts on what I have seen forgotten at camps and exposure camps:
- extra set of contact lenses
- extra socks
- broken in sneakers… this is not the time to break in new sneakers.
- on this point, many of these events are long, bringing two pairs of sneakers and switching them and putting on fresh socks half way thru can help bring you a serious mental boost by reducing foot fatigue. I learned this from an old bartender who told me happy feet were critical to happy attitude and service.
- Neosporin, multiple bandaids in various sizes and adhesive tape. Most events have great trainers, but you don’t want your whole event to be based on a trainer having the right equipment to keep you on the floor. Any time you get a scratch on the arm, I highly recommend you get neosporin on it to reduce the chance of getting a staph infection.
- Hair ties, headbands or any products necessary to keep your hair out of your eyes.
- Nail clippers or a nail file to keep your nails safe for others and functional.
- Protein bars. Fruit.
- A few sports drinks. I am not a huge fan of these, but some of these exposure basketball camps are long. I coached at one in Iowa called the Snow Valley Camp headed by USA Basketball’s Don Showalter. The camp started at 7am and went to 10pm. For players who gave it their all, the 8pm competition games could be at the end of many player’s energy cycle. This might be the time for a sports drink like Biosteel. My old teammate and boy Jeff Shine turned me on to this and it is way better than Gatorade.
- A notebook and pens. Write down notes and also feedback from coaches. List who you want to speak with after the event. Who you should ask about a skill… write it down!
- A great portable phone charger and also appropriate cords. I just bought this charger from MyCharge and love how it comes with USB C cord, Iphone lightning cable and a wall outlet charger all attached. Less for me to misplace!
- Feminine hygiene products
- An extra pair of shoelaces
- Sweatshirts… it can be cool in some of these facilities between games!
FAQs in Relation to Exposure Basketball Camps
Are basketball exposure camps worth it?
Yes, basketball exposure camps can be worth it. At basketball exposure camps, players can demonstrate their abilities to college coaches and scouts who may not have seen them otherwise, while also receiving instruction from experienced trainers and playing against formidable opponents which will aid in the development of their game. Additionally, they often offer instruction from top-level trainers and the chance to play against high level competition which helps players develop their game. It is essential to investigate thoroughly before making any decisions regarding camps, as some may not be trustworthy and won’t provide what they advertise.
Why are basketball camps important?
Basketball camps are advantageous, offering a secure and orderly setting for athletes to sharpen their abilities. Players can learn from experienced coaches, practice drills, and play against other teams in competitive games. This helps them gain confidence and understand the fundamentals of the game while building team chemistry. Camps also offer an opportunity for networking with peers and potential mentors who can help guide them throughout their basketball journey.
How do you get exposure in basketball?
The best way to get exposure in basketball is by taking advantage of every opportunity. Developing relationships with coaches, attending camps and tournaments, joining a team or league, networking online through social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, creating highlight videos for YouTube or other streaming services are all great ways to build your profile as an aspiring player. Having the correct tools, such as private coaches and specialized training courses, can give you an advantage over your peers. Ultimately though it’s up to you; hard work and dedication will be essential if you want to stand out from the crowd.
What do you learn in basketball camps?
At basketball camps, athletes hone their abilities in a range of areas to better their game, from honing shooting form and ball-handling drills to improving footwork and agility training, passing precision and strategy. These can include shooting technique, ball handling drills, footwork and agility training, passing accuracy and strategy development. Players also develop an understanding of the mental aspects of the game such as confidence building exercises and sportsmanship. Camps provide an opportunity for athletes to hone their skills in a competitive environment with experienced coaches who are there to help them reach their full potential.
How do I stand out at basketball Camps?
Enthusiasm, Excellence, Effort, Encouragement. Be the teammate you want in others.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, research, and mindset you will gain invaluable experience in meeting coaches from top programs around the country while also learning how to maximize your potential on court. Attending an exposure camp isn’t for everyone, but if you think it could be beneficial then make sure to do your research and prepare thoroughly before enrolling so that the experience is worthwhile.
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