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2023-24 ACADEMY - 3 & 4 GRADE (BOYS & GIRLS)

The ACADEMY is designed to get players "game-ready" for TRAVEL basketball.

Julie Niego was a scholarship basketball player at Lewis University and continues to shares her knowledge with young players!

3RD/4TH GRADE BOYS
MASTER TRAINER    SAM MAMPE

3RD/4TH GRADE GIRLS
MASTER TRAINER   JULIE NIEGO

Sam Mampe who played at North Central College, is one of the LockDown's premiere trainers and coaches. 

We understand the importance of developing players. The LockDown Academy provides a positive, instructional, fun, competitive and safe environment for players.  Foundational skills will be a constant focus along with activities to promote a love of the game!  At this level, it's critical  players focus on getting better and developing a positive feel and love for the game.

WEEKLY SESSION PLAYERS WILL LEARN:

  • how to "think-n-play" developing basketball IQ 
  • the rules of the game and basketball terminology
  • offensive skills of dribbling, passing,& shooting
  • dribbling with both hands using a crossover dribble
  • shot preparation when shooting the basketball
  • to play man-to-man defense 
  • balancing the floor offense
  • offensive and defensive progression over 4 months
  • engage in competitive drills to test skills

COMPETITIVE GAMES
The Developmental Competitive Game Series is designed to build skills, grow player confidence, & develop basketball IQ. Each competitive experience will build upon the next.

DECEMBER Series: 3-on-3 Competitions
This series gives players wide open spaces to implement their skills while handling over 30% of the time. It will also teach players how to work with teammates by implementing how to  pass and cut, pick and roll, & penetrate and pitch.  The importance of proper offensive spacing is taught during twelve 8-minute competitive 3-on-3 games

JANUARY Series: Full Short-court 4-on-4 games
This series will build upon the previous lessons learned while adjusting to additional players. While playing in the full-short-court set-up, players will learn how to strategically run the court in order to create more scoring opportunities on offense. They will also be taught how to read-and-reaction while performing basketball plays. Man-to-man defense principles will be taught and performed by the players. Players will participate in six full-short court 20 minute games.

FEBRUARY Series:  Full Long court 5-on-5 games
This series will continue to build upon lessons, strategies and principles from the previous two series. Referees will teach players how to set-up for free-throws and jump balls. They'll also enforce rules, call fouls, and give penalties for violations. Players will participate in four 24 minute full-long-court games

ADVANCED PLAYERS
Players with advanced skills and basketball IQ will be grouped together. These advanced players will be given advanced instruction and compete with each other.

3RD/4TH GRADE GIRLS

SEASON: November 7, 2023 - March 2, 2024
(off Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Year's week)

MASTER TRAINER
Julie Niego

PRACTICES
All practices will focus on player development & team play
TUESDAY/THURSDAY  7:00pm - 8:15pm

PRACTICE LOCATION
McClure Jr High, 4225 Johnson Avenue, Western Springs

TEAM:  Players will be participate in Competitive Games in teams progressing from 3-on-3, 4-on-4, 5-on-5.

SIX COMPETITIVE GAME SERIES DATES
Scheduled Saturdays between 12noon and 3pm

3RD/4TH GRADE BOYS

SEASON: November 7, 2023 - March 2, 2024
(off Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Year's week)

MASTER TRAINER
Sam Mampe

PRACTICES
All practices will focus on player development & team play
TUESDAY/THURSDAY   4:30PM - 5:45PM

PRACTICE LOCATION
TPS Sports (previously Score Sports Center) 8300 S Wolf Road

TEAM:  Players will be participate in Competitive Games in teams progressing from 3-on-3, 4-on-4, 5-on-5.

SIX COMPETITVE GAME SERIES DATES
Scheduled Saturdays between 12noon and 3pm