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| By Natasha Clark Reminder Assistant Editor EAST LONGMEADOW For Edward Winch, youth has always been synonymous with basketball. From spending his teen years practicing the fundamentals of the game, to his own NBA tryouts, and eventually spending the majority of his adult life coaching, Winch has dedicated his life to empowering youth through the game. For the third year he will head the basketball clinic at East Longmeadow High School July 10-14, July 17-18, and 20-21. "Building their confidence is the greatest thing," Winch explained. "I try to motivate them to want to be a great shooter." For example, Winch said that telling a child they made a good try on a missed basket can do wonders for their confidence. Winch said he will draw on what he learned at "great camps" run by basketball greats such as Jack Curran and Claire Bee. "That's where I learned the game of basketball," Winch said. "I played and lived with hall-of-famers three months out of the year." Winch said the first week will be a skills camp. He will provide a morning talk. The six hoops in the gym will be divided into six stations, with a coach at each basket. Boxing Out This station will teach that players have to be the attackers they do not wait for their opponents to come to them. Defense Fundamentals Teaching the fundamentals of defense: pressure on the ball, react, challenge and box out. Offensive Fundamentals Here, the perimeter, getting open on the wings, V-cutting, receiving the ball, squaring up, and the Four Basic Moves are taught. Shooting Mechanics Youth are shown the proper shooting mechanics. Learn the 1-2 Stop. Stepping Through Defenses Attendees learn methods of stepping through defenses like double-teaming. Jumping Rope Jumping rope helps basketball players develop foot coordination and jumping ability. The second week is a shooting camp, with two days for boys and two days for girls. Winch said youth of all skill levels are welcome to attend, and they will see great improvement in a week. "Working with kids who have not played is easier. They have no bad habits," he joked. "Shooting is a skill that can be taught. Once I teach the mechanics, the basketball is going to go in the hole. The last 10 to 15 years the fundamentals of the game have been lost." After Winch helps build up players both emotionally and physically, he expects them to return the favor to others. The coaches who staff the clinics are past students of his, usually seniors from the high school's varsity team. He said he'll tell them to pick out the weakest kid and go and offer positive reinforcement and tips. The boys basketball clinic will take place July 10-14 at East Longmeadow High School (ELHS). The clinic will be for boys in grades six through 10. It will take place Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will also be an Ed Winch Shooting Clinic for boys and girls. For boys, July 17 and 18; girls, July 20 and 21. These shooting clinics are for students in grades five through eight. This will also be hosted at ELHS, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. To learn more about either of the clinics, contact the East Longmeadow Recreation Department, 525-5437. Sneakers and gym attire are required. Participants should bring a water bottle and snack. |