March 03, 2016

Getting to Know: Kyle Pottkotter, Ohio Nike Basketball Camp Director

Kyle Pottkotter celebrates his 8th summer as Nike Basketball Camp Director in Ohio. Coach Pottkotter will host over 10 basketball camps in Ohio this summer including Denison University, a camper favorite overnight location in Granville. Nike Basketball Camps is also excited to announce the return of the girls basketball camp in Westerville at Otterbein University where we also host a boys camp as well. Founder of One Five Sports, Kyle is dedicated to providing high quality of instruction to help players of all abilities take their game to the next level.

How long have you been coaching basketball?

I began coaching and working camps while still in college, almost 20 years ago.  I had a back injury that ended my playing career, and I stayed with the program as a student assistant.  One of those experiences was actually running a huddle to draw up a last-second set in an NCAA tournament game.  I was hooked.  My first year directing Nike Basketball Camps was 2008. 

What is your favorite camp drill and why?

1 on 1 defensive knockout.  I was always a pretty defensive minded coach, so it fits my personality.  It’s a one-on-one drill where we limit the number of dribbles for the offense.  The defense closes out and tries to get a stop.  If they get a stop, they score a point and remain on defense.  There are no drill points scored on offense.  You must score or get fouled on offense to get to defense. 

What’s in your bag?

Depends on the day!  During camp, it’s prizes, whistles, camp schedules, training cones, and laptop.  In the winter, it’s shoes, whistles, & rule books.  Did I mention I’m an official, too?

For more information on Coach Pottkotter look for his 'Coaches Bio' on the Nike Basketball Camps in Ohio camp pages or contact us at 1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226).