UPB & WCA Host upcoming Mom’s Basketball Clinic
By Dylan Tehada
Parents play a vital role in the development of an athlete’s skill set and the love they have for a game. Whether it’s shooting hoops in the front yard or debriefing after a game, parents can leave a lasting imprint on how passionate their athlete is about hoops by simply getting involved. There are countless stories of parents and moms, in particular, at all levels of basketball paving the path and bringing out the best in their athletes. It is with this spirit in mind, that UPB is excited to host the Mom’s Basketball Clinic with the Women’s Coaching Alliance on Sunday, March 24th from 4-5:30pm.
While basketball is a game loaded with technicalities and physical skill sets, it is important to not lose sight of the joy and fun that the game provides. According to Pam Baker, founder of the Women’s Coaching Alliance, it is important for parents to help teach their athletes the lessons sports offer by encouraging their athletes to get involved and not back down from trying something new. Part of encouraging young hoopers to get involved is for parents to participate themselves, which Baker hopes to accomplish with moms through this clinic.
“As parents we always feel like we're telling our kids what to do and there's so much value when we can be vulnerable and silly with them,” Baker said. “When they see that there are things we don't necessarily do super well, but we're willing to get out there and try it, that's such a great lesson for kids to see.”
The 90-minute clinic will feature a variety of different activities and drills for moms to increase their knowledge of the game and put themselves in the shoes of their athletes. The activities will focus on teaching moms the three most critical skills to play basketball which will be taught through a variety of methods such as drills, in game situations, and coach demonstrations. Nationally known trainer of the Positive Coaching Alliance and Curriculum Designer for the Women’s Coaching Alliance, Kathy Toon, will be leading the charge in helping moms digest the basketball knowledge and maintaining a fun and social environment for moms to play basketball in.
“I'm hoping that the moms walk away with some confidence in the basic sort of skills of basketball, where they feel comfortable helping their kids practice in their driveway, or down at the park or any outdoor hoop,” Toon said.
Basketball is just as much of a mental game as it is a physical one. In order to achieve success, athletes must hone both their mental toolbox and their physical skill set simultaneously. Parents play a huge role in shaping the mental resilience for their athletes to thrive. Part of understanding the game is experiencing the mental nuances, and being able to keep a positive mindset, a value that is highly preached at UPB. Coach Toon is a firm believer in the power of the mental side of the game and hopes to implement those lessons in this clinic, so moms can better support the mental side of the game for their athletes.
“Mental skills and emotional skills are just like any other skill, so the earlier we can teach it and model it the fewer problems we're going to have down the road,” Toon said. “Moms are attuned to emotional and mental states when their kids are young. And so the earlier they can learn [the mental side of basketball] and be exposed to it, the better.”
Basketball is a long winding journey and having a strong support system, especially with your parents, can go a long way in achieving success. We are excited to see the impact and passion for the game that Coach Toon and Pam Baker will bring to Mom’s Basketball Clinic and cannot wait to continue sharing love for the game of basketball.
UPB’s very own Bianca Turner will also be part of the team hosting the Mom’s Clinic and seeks to also share her love and passion for the game of basketball with moms striving to get more involved. Bianca played basketball until 8th grade and has spent the last seven years watching her husband Packie Turner train clients on court. She has developed a strong passion for the game and is excited to be involved in her daughters’ basketball journeys. Turner watches and interacts with her daughters, Alessia and Chiara, during the Little Hoopers training sessions at the facility and is committed to continue being involved in their young careers. Her involvement in her daughters’ basketball careers has only strengthened her bond with them and with the game, and she’s hoping to make a similar impact for fellow moms through this clinic.
“Not only is helping your child practice for basketball a great way to bond, it is also important for young children to see women involved in sports. That way we can continue to change the male dominated culture in sports,” Turner said. “We have to normalize female leadership on the court and this is one small step in that direction.”
You can click here to sign up for the Mom’s Basketball Clinic located at the UPBasketball Training Facility on Sunday, March 24th from 4-5:30pm.
