McCracken Basketball Camp at South Bend Adams High School South Bend, Indiana

Todd German

Coach German has been involved with The McCracken Basketball Camp for 40 years, first as a camper, then as a counselor, next as the assistant director, and now as the Director. German was a standout high school and college athlete from Bronson, Michigan. He played basketball at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and at Manchester College. At both schools he was the leading scorer, rebounder, and MVP. He received his master's degree from Western Michigan University.

A Message from the Director

CAMP GOALS & IDEALS

A high school coach once told us, “Do you know why I like your camp? It’s because you teach
– you don’t just throw out the ball and say ‘play’.” The two long-stated goals of The McCracken
Basketball Camp are that each camper should 1) have fun; and 2) learn to become the best player
that he or she can possibly be. We work toward both of these goals in every camp activity.
I think that basketball must be fun, and that players should look forward to going to the gym. We
work to make learning how to play basketball interesting and enjoyable. Making things fun doesn’t
mean not working hard. Hard work can be fun, if approached with the right attitude (just ask any
former camper about our Defense Day or Stations). We also feel that being positive and offering
encouragement when teaching basketball is very effective in improving a player’s confidence and
interest in the game.
Our second goal is that campers work to be the best they can possibly be. We have been saying
this for 50 years. To do this, it is important that players learn how to play the game correctly, and that
they practice those techniques. Playing games is good for improving reactions and decision-making
in game situations, but there are limits to how much improvement can be made if all a developing
player does is play games. Our program will give an advantage to the individual player looking to
improve.
In competition, players tend to shy away from their weaknesses (off-hand, outside shooting, etc.)
or parts of their game where they’re simply not as confident yet, as it might lead to a turnover or
missed shot. In a game situation, the next thing the player knows, he or she is sitting on the bench.
At camp we give detailed instruction along with repetitive drills that will give campers the ability and
confidence to become more complete players. We also show drills and practice techniques that can
be used to continue to improve individual skills. Those individual skills (both basic and advanced) can
be mastered and, only then, blended with those of other players so that a team may have success.
Coach German
Phone: (260) 432-0099
E-mail: todd@mccrackencamps.com
 

P.S. to Parents

Parents ask me why they should send their son or daughter to our camp. What makes our camp
so different from other camps? It’s no secret. Our philosophy is that we believe in personal attention
for each player, both on and off the courts. We are not an assembly line, stuffing kids into slots. The
individual is the most important part of our camp and always will be.
We would appreciate the opportunity to work with your son or daughter. If you have any questions
about the camp program, supervision, safety, staff, etc., please call me at the number on this brochure and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.