Programs Offered:
Point Guard University, Offensive Moves and Finishing, Shooting Lab, Keys to a Quick Handle (Ball Handling Program), 24-7 Training, Future Stars
The Keys to our Success
Download Hoops USA Camp Brochure 2011
Our Curriculum
Hoops City U has taken the proven methods and training techniques that we use with our pro players and have broken them down into a progression to show players exactly the steps they need to take to improve on a regular basis. We have even created a textbook (curriculum) to ensure we stay on track and lead all of our players down the same professional path! In other words, we truly do what we say: We train "U" like the PROS!
Our Consistency
The key to any successful developmental basketball program is consistency. A plan must be written and organized, the schedule and process must be followed, and the journey must be built on the principles of progression. There must always be a place for the athlete to go next or they will eventually hit a developmental wall which will stunt their growth in the game of basketball. That's why Micah Lancaster has taken the necessary steps to create and implement a training curriculum for Hoops City U, using the training methods and practices that have been proven over time to produce results in athletes at every level.
Our Progression
Training is progressive. When a progression is not followed, the results are bad habits and limited growth. These problems can clearly be seen in today's game as young players hoist deep shots outside their range, shoot fadeaways before they are even strong enough, and attempt to duplicate "jump shots" that only players with 30 inch verticals can actually convert. Without a progression, young playerswill simply try to duplicate what they see grown men do, college and professional players. That's why a beginning, a middle, and an end must be planned in advance. Players must learn the fundamental principles in their training and, in the correct order, master the steps to establish the types of habits and skills needed to find future success. That's exactly what the Hoops City U Program Curriculum has been designed to accomplish.
Our Levels
Depending on the ages and skill levels of players, levels must be distinguished to find success. A player needs to start at point A if they are going to be prepared for point B, and must pass through point B before being tested with point C. The trick, however, is having levels predetermined and planned to give each player exactly what they need to continue their progress. That is why Hoops City U has chosen to segment training programs into two main levels, Varsity and Collegiate, with the vision of offering Pro levels based on invitation only. With that in mind, separate curriculums have been designed for each level so each and every player can be trained at the exact level needed according to their age and skill level. The Varsity level is reserved for elementary and middle school players while the Collegiate level is mainly reserved for middle school and high school players. Even a Future Stars level has been distinguished for the 24/7 program for the ages of pre-k through 4th grade. Skill level, of course, must always be taken into account when deciding which program and which level is best suited for each player, no matter their age and grade!
Our Honest Evaluation
Self-Assessment and Self Awareness are paramount elements to finding success at the collegiate and professional level. Since the majority of our basketball students have set their eyes and their goals on college and the pros, we find it most important that we treat them like college and professional players. At Hoops City U, we train every player like a pro, using advanced training methods that demand each athlete to get outside their comfort zone and embrace making mistakes along the way! However, since we can not expect elementary, middle school, and high school players to be masters of self-assessment and self-awareness, it is our duty as professional skill coaches to assess and evaluate each player in order to keep them on the path needed to find the success they are looking for. That is why our pro training staff works together to give program recommendations and skill assessments to each participant at the close of each program. Honesty is the key, as each athlete will be given three program recommendations in order of need (even if that means retaking a program) and will be shown the three main skill areas they most need to improve.
Our Qualified Staff
Since Micah Lancaster's arrival in October, he has worked diligently at creating a curriculum, jam packed with the training mthods used for college All-Americas and professional players, and setting up a training system that is sure to give players amazing results. However,a training system of this calliber is only as good as those who teach it. That's why we are most proud of the professional trainers we have assembled and are continuing to assemble as Hoops City U continues to develop as a nationally renowned elite training academy. Our five main and nationally renowned trainers, Micah Lancaster, Rashid Cann, Jonas Richard, Hernando Planells and, Robert Brickey are unleashed and utilized for each of the programs and each of our additional staff are also put through weekly rigorous training regarding the highly detailed Hoops City U Program Curriculum. In fact, weekly training and maintenance further ensures the quality of each Training Program. We consider the knowledge skill level of our staff to be of the utmost importance in order to ensure we continually develop and master the training techniques and methods needed to give players the best possible results!
Click here for a message from Micah Lancaster further expaining our philosophy at the "U"