Local Youngsters Refine Skills At Palm Desert Basketball Camp

Over 40 area children gathered at College of the Desert’s Wright Gym this week to be part of the school's annual basketball camp, which helps athletes reach a higher level of play.

The kids, aged 5 to 15, received instruction in all points of the game from current and former coaches, and elite college players. For COD head men’s basketball coach Henry Viveros, hosting the camp is an opportunity to give back to the community. 

“I’m a life long resident, played basketball here my whole life,” Viveros said. “These weren’t things that were offered to us way back in the day, so now it’s just something we can provide for the community.” 

Kids take part in drills on all aspects of the game; from dribbling and ball handling, to shooting and rebounding. All drills and teaching are geared to the age and experience of each camper. 

“You have the whole spectrum here, from little kids who can’t dribble or pass …  but they get to the point where they’re going all up and down the floor,” former Cathedral City High coach Rob Hanmer said. “And for the high school kids here, for them it’s about fine tuning. We’re really trying to get them to a higher level to be
successful at the high school level.” 

“We also play games where the kids are separated by ability and by size,” added Viveros. “We want to make it fun for all the kids.”  

One of the games that all kids take part in is ‘Coach says,’ a variation of the classic ‘Simon says,’ but using basketball movements.  

“It’s a lot of fun, and it works on their listening skills, and in today’s world it’s critical.” Hamner explained. “Kids have that ‘Nintendo mind’ where they
flip that attention on and off, so this works on a skill that is very important
in life, while having fun with it.” 

Another four-day basketball camp will be offered from August 15-18. Go here for more information.