McCracken Basketball Camp Saline Middle School

Camp Coaches

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  Todd German

  Camp Director

  Coach German has been involved with The McCracken Basketball Camp for over 50 years - as a camper, counselor, Assistant Camp Director, and now as Camp Director. German was a standout high school and college athlete from Bronson, MI. He played basketball at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Manchester College; he was the leading scorer, rebounder, and MVP at. German received his master's degree from Western Michigan University.

  View Todd's Bio
  

  Todd German

  Camp 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.

  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 or email me directly.

  Coach German
  Phone: (260) 432-0099
  E-mail: [email protected]

  Basketball Tips by Todd:

  • 3 Tips to Improve your Individual Game in the Off Season
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  David Vogel

  Camp Coach

  David Vogel is a current Graduate Assistant Coach at Texas Christian University. Prior to coaching, he finished his playing career at DePauw. The Bluffton, Ind., native graduated in 2018 with a degree in communications. He is a longtime camper and coach at McCracken Basketball Camps. He attended Norwell High School where he led his team to the IHSAA State Finals.