McCracken Basketball Camp
The McCracken Basketball Camp is beginning its 62nd year of operation, and in that time over 133,000 players have attended.
McCracken Camps is known as a teaching camp, offering instruction for the most advanced high school player to the younger player who is just learning the game. We look forward to the opportunity to help you become the best you can be.
Founded in 1963 by Indiana University's Hall-of-Fame coach, Branch McCracken, The McCracken Basketball Camp is dedicated to teaching boys and girls ages 7-18 the skills necessary to have success. Branch's son, David B. McCracken, became Director of the camp in 1970 and continued in that position until 2001. Long-time camper and counselor Todd German is now the Owner/Director and will continue the goals of both Coach McCrackens to provide all players with the best possible camp experience.
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 more than 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
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 above and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.