FOUNDER JOSEPH PHILLIPS poses with campers at the 1st Annual Triple Double Sports Free Basketball Camp Ages 5-14.
In spite of rainy conditions, Triple Double Sports Camp, LLC, hosted their First Annual Free Basketball Camp on Saturday, October 14, at the Tree of Life Church in Hammond, Indiana.
Opening the event, Coach Joseph Phillips, founder of the organization, gave thanks to the Lord for allowing him to give back to the community. He acknowledged Tree of Life Pastor Eric Boone for sharing the church’s facilities.
“I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Phillips to parents and participants of the basketball camp. “And special thanks to Pastor [Eric] Boone and his church for providing the facility for free of charge. He is truly a blessing.”
Phillips said the organization’s mission is to “help athletes reach their God-given potential.”
The camp was segmented into four quarters (passing, dribbling, shooting and scrimmages), during which players learned basic skills and values of the game.
Passing exercises included chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. Dribbling exercises included right hand dribbles, left hand dribbles, stop-and-go dribbles, crab dribbles, and fast-break dribbles.
Additional activities included basic footwork, basic form and technique, and shooting contests games for the campers.
The group also participated in the CZT Skills Challenge and the Triple Double Sports Orange versus Blue All-Star Game.
“Your player will leave not only with a heightened basketball IQ, but also an increased confidence in their abilities and an inspired vision to encourage others through leadership and teamwork,” Phillips told parents and attendees.
A former athlete who played at the elementary, high school, college, and semi-pro level, Phillips has mastered effective and efficient coaching, player development, and evaluation feedback that will take a player’s game to the next level.
The former point guard from Chicago’s South Side stated he has helped develop players who have never touched a ball.
“Whether your player has never touched a ball, is being introduced to a new sport, or has been playing for years, they will experience basic sports fundamentals, pro-level training, and skill development that will set them apart from their peers through this program,” said Phillips.
“The program provides an opportunity for participation in various sports in an organized, competitive environment with hands-on coaching and close oversight of a player’s development.”
To close out the camp, Phillips thanked his wife, Cassidy, and sons Zion and Theo Phillips for helping organize the event.
The organization’s next camp will take place in December (ages 5 to 14). Schedule times to be announced.
For more information, visit tripledoublesportscamp.com, or the Triple Double Sports Camp Facebook page.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
