A = Academics
THE STUDENT COMES BEFORE THE ATHLETE
Excelling academically and athletically is not easy. Our primary aim, as an organization, is to create a strong youth sports culture that simultaneously emphasizes academic achievement and competence as a priority over athletics. We endeavor to support families in skillfully integrating their child’s passion for basketball with their work at school. Blue Chip Basketball’s academic success campaign involves periodic classes to provide general support and team bonding around academic topics as well as specialized tutorials designed to prepare students for standardized ISEE, SAT, and ACT tests. The academic success campaign also includes a guidance service to aid those interested in private schools.
B = Basketball
THE FOUNDATION OF THE PROGRAM
Greater Skills = More Confidence = More Aggressiveness = More Playing Time = Less Frustration for Player (and Parents)
Our methodology of establishing a continuum from problem identification, to solution, to benefit, to results allows us to transform our kids from those who just play basketball into basketball players. We arrive at this point through our process known as ACP.
1. Assess: The coach assesses each individual’s challenges.
2. Correction: Having identified the challenge, the coach corrects via explanation, demonstration and drills.
3. Progression: As skills are mastered, new skills are introduced to broaden the player’s capacity to implement what has been learned.
As a program, our coaching philosophy is to be corrective and not punitive. We do this by creating an environment that promotes intrinsic or self-motivated performance, and by providing intense, professional, and age appropriate instruction in our clinics, specialty clinics, developmental leagues, elite club play, and private instruction. We also follow the 80/20 philosophy that athletes should focus on training 80% of the time and on playing 20% of the time, a proven methodology for success
C = Character
WHO YOU ARE ON THE COURT USUALLY REPRESENTS AND IS INDICATIVE OF WHO YOU ARE OFF THE COURT.
Blue Chip has recognized the importance of not only cultivating the best student-athletes, but helping students become well-rounded individuals. Our program is about character building and development, improving self-confidence, promoting good sportsmanship and good citizenship.
NURTURING THE COMPLETE STUDENT-ATHLETE
The Blue Chip Academy of Basketball provides workshops and activities on the following topics:
Etiquette: It is important to help our children develop social skills, show them how to interact in a polite manner and to treat others with respect. We will also discuss technology etiquette and the proper use of technology.
How to Dress for Success: Knowing how to dress appropriately and respectfully in every situation is an art. Shorts and gym shoes are not the right attire for every event!
Training in Verbal Skills: In this technology age, children often miss out on the art of face-to-face “conversation.” They will learn how to introduce themselves to others and how to interview for school or employment opportunities. Public speaking tips will also be addressed.
Financial Literacy: Teaching students economic principles will help them improve their personal financial decision-making. Topics such as income and expenses, saving for short and long term goals, budgeting, investing, and managing credit and debt will provide a road map for a solid financial future.
Community Service and Outreach: Learning how to give back to others is one of the greatest gifts we can give our participants. Our players and coaches have participated in and created community service opportunities such as Shoes for Africa, One Voice Holiday Food Program, Upward Bound House Thanksgiving, and the JDRF One Walk.