Dean Kinsman, former Head Coach of the Australian Institute of Sport Women’s Program and the Australian Junior Women’s team, the Gems, conducted a Basketball Camp over last weekend for the Junior Lakers’ squad members.

The Camp, sponsored by IGA, proved to be an ideal start to the Junior Lakers 2015/16 season, setting standards in terms of commitment, understanding, work ethic, team plays and communication. Lakers coaches will now follow up these themes and ideals in future trainings in the coming weeks.

More than 100 representatives from Under 12 through to Under 18 Boys’ and Girls’ squads participated in the intense and demanding sessions. It was also pleasing to see the number of parents watching the sessions, which started on Friday afternoon, continued through Saturday and concluded at lunch time on Sunday. 

Kinsman highlighted the areas on which coaches and players need to focus to improve individual skills, team offence and defence.

The Coaches in attendance gained an insight into the latest trends in the coaching of junior basketballers.    

Junior Lakers Town Team Coordinator Liz Markiewicz commended the players on their commitment and enthusiasm. She was pleased to see the squads and coaches take the opportunity to learn from Kinsman, one of the best coaches in Australia.

Basketball Mount Gambier Junior Development Officer, Trevor Semmens, was also pleased with the weekend sessions. He commented on the need for Coaches and players to now implement the drills and strategies learnt in their trainings and games so that there are long term benefits from the Sessions.

Kinsman recounted;

“I really get a buzz working with kids. It is great to see them smiling when they come over to me at the end of sessions. It is extremely rewarding. They responded well when challenged and encouraged. It was also encouraging to see the parents support the training sessions and watch intently.”

A second Camp to be conducted by Dean Kinsman is being planned for December.