The recent New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles girls’ basketball camp in Missouri was not solely dedicated to the game of basketball. It was focused on creating an enjoyable and inclusive environment for young girls to learn and appreciate the sport. The camp saw a participation of 21 girls ranging from first to sixth grade, and its main objective was to impart fundamental basketball skills while instilling a love for the game at an early stage.
Dana Woods, the head coach of the Central High School and Middle School girls’ basketball program, stressed the significance of introducing young girls to the game. The aim is for them to cultivate their skills and foster a passion for basketball that will motivate them to continue playing as they mature.
The camp’s agenda encompassed activities such as dribbling and shooting practice, speed drills, and offensive and defensive techniques. Dana Woods, alongside her assistant coaches Victoria Duenne and Alana Basham, orchestrated the sessions to ensure an enjoyable learning process, often incorporating drills into games.
As a continuation of her efforts, Woods introduced the “Little Dribblers” program last year and intends to expand the program in the upcoming academic year. This extension will offer girls in first through sixth grade the opportunity to hone and exhibit their skills during the half-time of an NMCC Eagles varsity basketball game. Furthermore, plans are in place to establish a travel team for girls in grades four through six in the upcoming school year.
Woods expressed contentment with the outcome of the camp, noting that it ran smoothly and that the participants seemed to have enjoyed themselves while acquiring new skills. The emphasis on enjoyment and skill development is envisioned to lay a robust groundwork for these young girls as they continue to explore and excel in the sport of basketball.