Over the past year, I have spent a great of time evaluating how we can better develop young players on both a conceptual and skill level. As I have looked at our programs, I think we are very strong on the conceptual side, but that we can offer more in terms of specific skill-development.  

By conceptual, I mean giving kids an opportunity to develop a better ‘feel’ for the game. This is a super high priority for us (maybe my highest priority in fact). I believe most kids need more contextual, game-like learning in order to develop. The game teaches the game. Creative, fun games teach it even better. Play is the foundational for all skill development.  

But there is also a clear need for specific skill work. It naturally depends on the player and his or her stage of development, but I have seen a need to give more players more time to more consistently focus on developing their skills. Less context. Just skills. Ball-handling, shooting, footwork, finishing. 

In light of this, I am launching monthly “Skill Development Groups” for boys and girls Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12. There are two things you need to know. 

First, these groups will be different than my current workout groups or anything like them. In our workout groups, we will probably spend about 30% of our time on skill work. The rest of our time is devoted to ‘contextual’ learning. These skill groups are an entire hour (100%) devoted to skill work. This is important to note, because this type of work is not for every kid. It is really designed for kids who want to ‘tinker’ and try new things from a skill perspective. There are plenty of kids ready for it in middle school, but not all. High School players are more than ready for it (and need it most from what I have seen!)

Second, creativity and consistency is the key. We will meet two evenings per week for one hour with no more than 20-25 players. Each hour will consist of ball-handling work and then skill stations that players can move pretty freely in between. Our team will consist of myself, my father (Steve Crispin), Connor Dickerson (one of my current players woh is exception is this regard), and other players I have worked with who I believe can give great feedback and show players of various ages how it can be done. 

Third, my long-term goal is to develop more of these groups and a better culture of skill work. I will be giving Connor Dickerson a great deal of freedom in this regard, because these are all learning principles he is engaging in to develop his own game. And he is passionate about teaching others. I am confident such structure can serve many of our players very, very well.  

Details: $100 per month for 8-9 sessions. 

Grades 5-8 – Tuesday and Thursdays – 5:30-6:30pm

Grades 9-12 – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 6:30-7:30pm