Last Saturday, Crack Is Wack Park in Harlem transformed into one big fundamental as the Bounce and Dime playground pro team hit the court with a bag of Tim Duncan moves for the area’s youth. Working hard in the baking sun, the clinic emphasized
basic defensive principles, team concepts, and passing.

Huddling up before the clinic. Photo by J. Shotti

The group of approximately 40 youths benefited from the strong instruction of Sean Couch, Eric Newman, Tim “Headache” Gittens, Ira Miller, Corey Goodall, Bob Mahoney, Ray Abellard, Kje Demas, Demez Carrington, and Mike Smart. Many members of the staff were part of a Nike training team that worked with youth in China last summer, and each have experience with professional players.

Chillin’ with Tim “Headache” Gittens after the first session. Photo by J. Shotti

The emphasis on sportsmanship was reflected in the awards given out at the clinic - First to show up, first to respond to a coaching point, top defender, best passer, and MVP. All the kids received a free t-shirt to go along with equipment donated by Adidas and Spalding. The event reached a climax when Cory Shaw from the Parks department of NYC rolled up and said, “I got kicks for every kid in the clinic.” Fundamentals fell into fun in the mental when the kids discovered that they were getting free kicks! After they got hit off with the Nikes, the camp ended with each kid thanking the coaches, Cory, and their parents for a wonderful day.

Nike Summer Shoe Program in conjunction with the Parks Department. Photo By J. Shotti

A big strong soul clap to our sponsors and the clinic participants for putting in the work. Check for us next year, as we bring nothing but the fun in the mental and top-notch instruction to a city near you.