Mission Statement

Fundamental Basketball Academy seeks to aid aspiring basketball players in the development of basic basketball skills. The students will learn proper techniques that will better develop their all-around approach to the game as well as enhance their success. This will add to their enjoyment of participating in the sport of basketball. The Fundamental Basketball Academy will put strong emphasis on individualized instruction and attention to detail. Customizing the workouts according to the athlete's individual needs allows the players to grow and maximize their individual talents. With hands-on individual training, every effort will be made to develop not only the physical but the mental approach. This will allow the individual to mature with regard to his or her ability - such as understanding and utilizing better work habits, becoming a valuable team member in addition to acquiring leadership traits.


The Director

The Fundamental Basketball Academy founder and director is veteran Coach Rick Walrond. Coach Walrond, a strong believer in basic skill development, has over 28 years of coaching experience. Working with players over an extended period of time at different levels of competition has given the Coach a unique perspective in evaluating talent. Walrond, in eight years, became the all-time winningest coach at the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie. He has played and coached at every level, including high school, college and professional. His professional career includes four years as a player and coach in Sweden, as well as time in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), which is among the top 10 professional leagues in the world. He has conducted camps and clinics in Morocco, China, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the Bahamas. Walrond has also been a Division I assistant coach at Stetson and Bethune-Cookman Universities. Coach Walrond also coached Pan Americana University in Mexico City. As a High School head coach in North Carolina his teams won three conference championships in four years. "My goal is to help prepare athletes to compete and acquire a better understanding of the game of basketball. I want each student to become the best all-around player he or she can possibly be."

Coach Rick Walrond
Director


Important Reminders Academy Students

I. Always Play In An Athletic Position
II. Communicate With Teammates By Talking
III. Good Passers Make Good Shooters - Shot Preparation
IV. Always Show Hands When Receiving Pass. (Give Passer A Target)
V. Always Make Sure Your Elbow Is Above Your Eyes On Your Follow-Through
VI. Shooters Should Reach For The Front Of The Rim
VII. Follow-Through Should Be Up And Over - Pose
VIII. Make Sure Elbow Is Above Eyes On Completion Of Follow-Through
IX. Always Maintain Good Balance When Shooting Lay-Ups - High Jump Not Broad Jump
X. When Shooting Layups From The Right Side Always Jump Off The Left Foot And The Right Foot On The Left Side
XI. Crossover Dribble - Make Sure To Keep Ball As Low As Possible When Changing Direction with the Ball.
XII. Dribble Two Balls - Head Up And Stay In Athletic Position
XIII. Read Defense On Screening Situations (1) Curl (2) Back Cut (3) Fade
XIV. Move Your Feet - Step Slide - Keep A Wide Base