Basketball camp remains constructive training ground
GLENDALE — There aren’t any surprises once Tony Passarella blows his whistle at mid-court at the Pacific Park Community Center gymnasium.
It’s a signal to the group of about 20 attendees to be prepared for about a 60-minute session ranging from calisthenics to basketball drills during the annual Basketball, Training and Fitness Camp that’s conducted by Passarella, a Glendale resident.
After about 10 minutes of stretching and going through an obstacle course featuring a couple of hurdles and cones, each camper gets a basketball before learning a few pointers on dribbling and shooting from Passarella. Passarella holds a session geared for ages 5-7, followed by a class for ages 8-10.
“It’s my 13th year doing this and it never gets old,” Passarella, 68, said. “I’ve always enjoyed teaching kids about exercising the right way and trying to get better at basketball. They know what we’re going to do.
“The one thing I want them to take away is that it’s a game. They get some feedback from me on different aspects and they can go home and practice what we go over here. It’s really designed for them to have fun.”
The 10-week summer session, which brought in residents from Glendale and surrounding towns, will conclude Thursday. Passarella, who is the basketball coach at Pacific Park Community Center, also holds similar sessions in the spring, fall and winter.
Passarella watched the participants line up in two rows and dribble while stationary. The group then dribbled while sitting down before practicing free-throw shooting. At the end of the session, the campers participated in a full-court scrimmage.
“It’s about being able to move your feet back and forth and being able to go side to side,” Passarella said. “They are energetic and I can see them improving every couple of weeks.”
Jack Coppersmith, 7, made his third straight appearance at the summer camp.
“He’s worked with us in dribbling and shooting,” Coppersmith, of Glendale, said. “I like the dribbling drill when you are sitting because it helps you control the ball a lot better.”
Atom Shahoian of Glendale took part in the camp for the older group.
Shahoian, 10, attended the event for the first time after previously spending the summer playing soccer.
“I had been playing soccer for a while and I was looking for some other camps when I came across this one,” Shahoian said. “I’ve seen signs of getting better with dribbling, too.
“[Passarella] gets into things right away because he wants you to succeed.”
The next 10-week class will begin Sept. 15 at the same venue. For more information, contact Passarella at www.coachtonyshoops.com.
