With the first two weeks in the books, it’s fair to say that it’s going to be an amazing summer. The Chain Link Fundamentals clinics have been a big hit in Harlem, teaching hundreds of young ones how to play the game, giving tips to more experienced ballers, and moving kids off the street and onto the court. After all, the playground isn’t the problem, it’s the solution.

Following our successful first run on the 12th, we added a second session to cater to more students of the game, including ones coming out of camp or school. At Chain Link Fundamentals we stress the importance of academics in addition to basketball. The programming is set up in this mold, with the instruction on Monday and Open Gym on Wednesdays.

Our day starts at about 9 AM when the kids arrive to warm up and shoot around. The clinic starts at 10 with a few words of guidance from experienced NYC program director Eric Newman. The participants are grouped and begin to cycle through the six stations: shooting, rebounding, defense, ball-handling, one-on-one moves, and SPARQ training.

Coach Lance Williams leads the Defensive station.

These clinics provide the invaluable opportunity for children of all levels to learn from ex-college and professional players who specialize in youth development, including NYC basketball icons Mike Campbell, Ira Miller, and Kenny Satterfield. It also gives them a great workout while becoming well-rounded players, and better athletes with the SPARQ component.

This summer is just the springboard for Chain Link Fundamentals in New York City. Our next clinic is Monday, July 26th at 10 AM, and the second session begins at 12:30. Be on the lookout for more in the near future!

P.S. Become a fan of the Chain Link Fundamentals Facebook Page and check out all of the great photos from the summer so far!