About the Camp
Alvernia University, Reading PA
PA/MD Girls Basketball Camp is a multi-day basketball camp for girls going into 6th-12th grade. The camp will be held July 21 through July 24 at Alvernia University in Reading, PA.
PA/MD Girls Basketball Camp is dedicated to providing girls with a unique and comprehensive basketball experience. The camp offers individual skill stations, fundamental instruction, full court games, competitions, and comfortable living quarters. With over 20 hours of coaching from high school coaches, we aim to develop skills and foster a love for the game, empowering girls to reach their full potential.
Each Camper Receives
Housing & Meals
• Air conditioned cafeteria, gym, and dormitories
•Living quarters may feature a living room and a private bathroom
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•All you can eat meals in the University
Dining Hall
Fundamentals & Skill Work
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Personalized help stations available after breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Position-specific skill development and improvement sessions
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Over 11 hours of fundamental skill instruction from high school coaches
Competitions
•A reversible numbered jersey for identification
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• Three full-court games daily​
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•Hot Shot, Foul Shot, 1 on 1, 3 on 3, and 3--point competitions
Instruction Areas
Guard
Development
​Ball Handling, Shooting, Playmaking
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Ball Handling & Dribbling: Stationary and on-the-move dribbling,
change of pace/direction, weak-hand development -
Shooting & Scoring: Form shooting, off-the-dribble shooting, catch-and-shoot fundamentals, mid-range and three-point shooting, finishing at the rim (floaters, reverses, contact finishes)
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Passing & Playmaking: One-hand/two-hand passing, passing under pressure, pick-and-roll reads, transition passing and decision-making
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Game IQ & Leadership: Reading defenses (zone vs. man), transition vs. half-court play, fast-break decision-making, leadership, and communication as a guard
Post Player Development
​Footwork, Positioning, Finishing
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Playing “Big”: Using body for space, absorbing contact, maintaining balance
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Post Positioning & Scoring: Establishing post position, sealing defenders, low post moves (jump hooks, drop steps, up-and-unders), high post moves (face-up game, mid-range shooting, jab steps)
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Rebounding & Boxing Out: Securing position, offensive rebounding (timing, put-backs)
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Post Defense: Holding position, contesting shots, body control, shot-blocking (timing, positioning, avoiding fouls)
Offensive Concepts
Spacing, Movement, Execution
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Screening & Using Screens: Setting legal screens, slip screening, using screens effectively
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Dribble Drive Motion & Cutting: Creating spacing, attacking off the dribble, off-ball movement for scoring
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Passing in Team Play: Precision, timing, vision, outlet passing for quick transitions
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Game-Speed Shooting: Shooting off the catch, bounce, curl, and fade
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Special Moves: Intro to the Euro Step (footwork, balance, finishing)
Defensive Concepts
​On-Ball, Help Defense, Rotations​
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On-Ball & Perimeter Defense: Stance, lateral quickness, staying in front of offensive players
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Help Defense & Rotations: Closing out, help-and-recover vs. penetration, rotating properly
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Screen Defense: Communication, fighting over/under screens, hedging, switching
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Team Defensive IQ: Understanding when to help, contesting shots, reading offensive actions
Coach Michael Smith
Director
Manheim Central Head Coach
Coach Michael Smith is the Head Girls' Basketball Coach Manheim Central High School. Coach Smith is entering his 13th year coaching and 4th year as a Head Coach. Over the course of his head coaching career, he has built a proven track record, leading his teams to a 57-27 record and guiding them to three consecutive District 3 5A and PIAA State playoff appearances. His commitment to excellence and player development has made him a respected figure in the basketball community.
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Before stepping into his current role as head coach for the girls team, Coach Smith spent nine years as the Assistant Coach for the Manheim Central Boys Basketball Team, where he honed his skills in strategy, leadership, and team dynamics. His extensive experience with both boys and girls basketball gives him a unique perspective on the game.
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In addition to his coaching achievements, Coach Smith has also played an integral role in helping out with the PA/MD Boys Basketball Camp. The success and excitement of that camp sparked his desire to create a similar experience for female athletes, leading to the launch of the PA/MD Girls Basketball Camp.
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Coach Smith’s passion for teaching the game, along with his dedication to helping athletes grow both on and off the court, is at the heart of the PA/MD Girls Basketball Camp. His goal is to provide a fun, competitive, and educational environment where players can improve their fundamentals skills, build confidence, and enhance their basketball IQ in a competitive environment.
Coach Sky Douple
Associate Director
Manheim Central JV Coach
Sky Douple spent 15 years playing basketball before transitioning into coaching. A graduate of Cedar Crest High School, she played throughout her school years and developed a love for the game. Now the JV girls’ basketball coach at Manheim Central, Sky is dedicated to helping young athletes improve their skills, work as a team, and grow in confidence. She is excited to share her experience and love for the game with players.
