Our future UH'ers. That's the other name we could use for our Junior Uptempo Hoops League players. At this young age, they are already part of the Uptempo Hoops family. Although the camp was aimed at Kinder through 3rd grade, we were more than happy to accept some Pre-K'ers. Any child who loves basketball and wants to play should be allowed to play. We do our best to live up to that at UH.
Day one was hectic. The UH staff checked in each junior player as coaches went over the plans. There were more kids than expected, but well welcomed to the 7 week camp. Each child filled with enthusiasm. Their bright eyes and smiles lit the gym with energy. The staff was overwhelmed yet excited. We could not wait to get this party started.
As the weeks went on, each one better than the last, the kids learned the fundamentals of basketball and played in short scrimmages. Each session starting with the standard laps around the gym followed by drills. As a large group, the players ran through the drills, then separated into smaller groups. The great thing about the UH family is how everyone pulls together to make sure every session is a success. We had coaches leading the groups, even new to UH coaches stepped up and lead the way. Our young AAU players volunteered and their presence inspired our young minds. There was so much support and encouragement. All the families who attended and watched were pleased with all the interaction and attention.
The sessions wrapped up with scrimmages. Each scrimmage was age appropriate. Shorter baskets were provided for our younger players. This was the favorite part of the camp; the scrimmages. The kids loved them and wanted more. You can hear the young players keeping the UH spirit alive by cheering on their peers. Families enjoying every moment with laughter and cheers...and pride.
By week 2, the kids were provided with their camp tshirts. Each tshirt proudly read "where basketball isn't just a game, it's a way of life". The players were excited to receive their shirts and wear them immediately. The waves of bright gold covered the now larger gym. We moved to a larger gym giving the kids more room and more courts. With a larger gym comes louder noise. The kind of exciting basketball noise that every fan loves to hear: cheers, squeaking shoes and the sound of the basketball hitting the hardwood floor.
The following weeks flew by. At the end of every session we would hear questions in anticipation. Families looked forward to coming back. It was a welcoming feeling. Before we knew it, the final week came and it was the best one yet. The kids at this point were showing off what they learned in scrimmages. You can see some had been practicing at home. We picture them envisioning themselves in UH uniforms playing in the AAU just years later. All the kids improved. All of them showed better ball control than they had on day one. We were so proud to see the group progress as a whole. What's better than their skills was the attitude. Many friendships were made. They played on teams with and against friends. But none of them had bad attitudes and were very supportive of each other. They often cheered every single basket made, whether they watched from the side line or were playing. This was the attitude which strongly represents UH: our support for each other and cheering on each player.
Week 7 the players wore their gold camp shirts and were treated to a private show by the Flying Dubs. These are the gentlemen who perform on trampolines during the Golden State Warriors games. The kids lined the courtsides sitting in anticipation and excitement. Families came to attend and watch as well. The acrobats flew through the air filled with screaming cheers. They ran back giving high fives and entertaining the children. This was a celeb moment for everyone. These men are exciting to watch during NBA games, but even better up close and personal. This was the highlight of the camp. During week 7 kids also received their end of season awards and certificates. We took a group picture and pictures with the Flying Dubs. Families had a chance to get autographs and their pictures taken with the entertainers. We were honored they were able to perform at our camp. They were a great group and I'm sure inspired many young minds that night. Some may even grow up and decide to be a flyer themselves. That would be very cool. Thank you to the Yamaguchi family and coaching staff for setting this up.
It is heart warming to see how the UH families pulled together and helped out. The AAU players helped with drills, coaching and encouragement. Coaches volunteered their time after busy weekends, even filled with tournaments, to come over and spend time inspiring young athletes. Parents making the effort to bring their children, and some staying the whole time, offering a hand at clean up and set up. One parent even stepped up and coached. The acrobats coming on the last day to entertain our families. Those men are now part of the UH family. The players who wanted to play, wanted to learn and improve. All these people are part of the UH family and the way everyone supported each other and came together to make this a success....was more than words can say. Thank you to everyone.
Please check out www.uptempohoops.com to see the slideshow of the Junior Uptempo Hoops league highlights.
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