Camps > Illinois > Mattoon > Basketball Camp

Announcing! Breakthrough Basketball Camp In Mattoon, Illinois !

Name: Breakthrough Basketball Ball Handling and Scoring Skills Basketball Camp
Start: 2026-06-02
End: 2026-06-04
Location: Emerald Acres Sports Connection

Rapidly improve your skills at a basketball camp in Mattoon, Illinois.

These 2026 basketball camps focus on developing better scoring moves, ball handling, shooting, confidence, decision making, and playmaking ability!

At these basketball camps, you improve your ability to:

Beat your defender with better dribble moves

Shoot better and extend your range

Score at the rim

Footwork moves to beat the defense off the catch

Make better decisions with improved basketball IQ and more�

Check out the camp dates available below!

Location Details:

Emerald Acres Sports Connection
1201 Wooddell Way
Mattoon, IL 61938

Breakthrough Basketball Camp for Youth Players in Mattoon

RESERVE A SPOT

Benefits and FAQs Coach Profile Camp Details Register

What Players Will Learn

What will players get out of the basketball camp?

Attending a Breakthrough Basketball Camp offers a comprehensive experience designed to elevate every player's game, regardless of their current skill level.

For each camp, you can find exact details in the next section. This includes camp emphasis, age level, location, dates, and more!

However, here�s a general overview of what participants can expect:

Comprehensive Skill Development

Fundamental to Advanced Techniques: Whether you're mastering the basics or refining advanced moves, our camps provide tailored instruction in shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, defense, and more.

Skill Level Progressions: Instruction and drills based on each player's current skill level.

Fun! Enjoyment and Passion for the Game

Fun Environment: You get experience positive and supportive coaches that create an enjoyable, fun atmosphere that fosters a love for basketball.

Lifelong Memories: You will also build friendships and memories that extend beyond the hardwood.

Enhanced Basketball IQ

Strategic Understanding: You will learn to read the game better, anticipate opponents' moves, and make smarter decisions during play.

Game Situations: You will engage in drills that simulate game-like scenarios, improving your game performance and on-court awareness.

Mental Toughness and Confidence

Resilience Training: You will develop the mentality tactics to handle pressure and bounce back from setbacks.

Confidence Building: Through skill development and positive reinforcement from our coaches, you will gain the confidence to take your game to the next level.

Exposure to Top-Rated Coaches

Expert Guidance: You get to learn from top-rated camp coaches with a proven track record in developing players at various levels.

Teamwork, Character Development, Leadership, and Communication

Teamwork and Communication: Breakthrough coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and understanding team dynamics.

Character Development and Leadership Skills: You will also learn life lessons to develop character and leadership skills that help players succeed on and off the court.

Our camps are committed to providing a holistic basketball education, ensuring that each player leaves with improved skills, a deeper understanding of the game, and an enriched passion for basketball� While developing essential character, life, and leadership skills.

Coach Harley Story

Harley has been with Breakthrough Basketball for seven years. Beginning his coaching journey at Maryville University, he realized the transformative power of intentional development.

Following Maryville, Harley embarked on an enriching chapter in Southern California, where he joined the largest youth sports organization in the region.

Taking what he learned in Southern California, Harley founded Hall of Fame Sports Organization in Southern IL to help provide positive outlets using the tool of basketball to help the youth of his home communities. He served a stint at MICDS in St. Louis, MO where he helped bring a District title and postseason run. He is now the Head JV Coach at Parkway Central.

Coach Taylor Jacobsen

Taylor Jacobsen is in her fourth season as Arizona Christian University women's basketball program's top assistant coach after being hired in June 2020. An Aurora, Ill. native, Jacobsen is well-acquainted with the head coach, having played for him at Concordia University, Chicago all four years of her career

During her time as a member of the Cougars, Jacobsen amassed over 1,000-career points, and also averaged a team-high 18.3 points per game to go along with 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game during her senior campaign

She earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia (Chicago) and went on to serve as a graduate assistant at NAIA women's basketball powerhouse, Concordia University, Nebraska. She earned her master's of athletic administration and then accepted her first full-time job as an assistant coach under her former coach

Camp Details

Location Details

Emerald Acres Sports Connection
1201 Wooddell Way
Mattoon, IL 61938

Ball Handling and Scoring Skills Camp: June 2-4

GRADE LEVEL: 3rd - 8th Grade for Boys & Girls

INSTRUCTOR: Taylor Jacobsen

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

PLAYER LIMIT:
Each session is limited to 60 Players to ensure a high number of repetitions and improvement.

PRICE: ~~$255~~ $204 (Register Today For 20% Off!)

Have fun and rapidly improve your skills at this youth basketball camp in Mattoon, Illinois at Emerald Acres Sports Connection.

This 2026 Summer basketball camp focuses on developing better scoring moves, ball handling, and playmaking ability!

At these basketball camps, you improve your scoring, ball handling, shooting, passing, athleticism, footwork, decision-making, and 1 on 1 moves to take your game to the next level!

These basketball camps are for boys and girls in grades 3rd to 8th.
You will improve your shooting, ball handling, passing, athleticism, footwork, decision-making, and 1 on 1 moves to take your game to the next level.

At this basketball camp you will learn:

Explosive dribble moves that make you hard to guard.

Highly effective scoring moves that work at any level.

Game like shooting drills to drive up your shooting percentage.

How to create 2-3 feet of separation from any defender for better scoring opportunities.

The best hand-eye coordination and ball handling drills that will accelerate your feel for the basketball. These drills will make dribbling during game situations feel easy.

How to develop an explosive first step. The secrets behind the proper shin angle, head position, shoulder position, and hip position.

Critical components of basketball IQ required to become a great offensive player from an individual and team aspect.

How the top pros create advantages which allow them to make plays for themselves and their teammates.

The most efficient scoring moves around the basket that helps you finish against any defender.

Here are some of the topics covered throughout the basketball camp:

Ball handling

Stationary ball handling routine that improves rhythm, feel, and coordination with the basketball.

Live ball moves to help you blow by the defense at will. You will learn how to shift (or setup) the defender with your body and feet.

Critical progressions to ensure that your dribble moves are effective and explosive.

How to stay in attack mode, dictate the tempo, and control the defense.

Shooting

How to position your feet and align your body to increase the chance of shooting the ball straight.

A form shooting routine that almost every great shooter has utilized that can be done at home.

Proper footwork and how to develop a quick release.

How to shoot game shots from game spots at game speeds.

Finishing

Finishing techniques used to reduce turnovers, finish over larger players in the paint, and make more shots.

How to finish through contact.

1 on 1 finishing drills that ingrain good habits while competing in a fun way.

Offense

How to cut and get open. You will learn v-cuts, basket cuts, l-cuts, backdoor cuts, and more.

Attacking down screens, back screens, and more.

How to score and make plays using ball screens. Learn how to run defenders into screens and make lightning quick decisions.

How to use dribble hand off actions to attack the defense and put them in a constant disadvantage.

Footwork

How to use your feet to gain a better position to score from almost anywhere on the floor.

Utilize front pivots, reverse pivots, step throughs, sweeps, drop steps, and hops to make you an elite player.

Passing

Improve hand eye-coordination and passing skills that make players like Chris Paul one of the best playmakers in the game.

Competitive passing drills to develop game-like passing with head and pass fakes.

How to be strong and pass out of double teams and traps.

Who Can Participate?

This basketball camp is for 3rd-8th grade, ages/skill levels will be separated.

Shooting & Ball Handling Camp: July 7-9

GRADE LEVEL: 7th - 12th Grade for Boys & Girls

INSTRUCTOR: Harley Story

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

PLAYER LIMIT:
Each session is limited to 60 Players to ensure a high number of repetitions and improvement.

PRICE: ~~$310~~ $248 (Register Today For 20% Off!)

Develop high-level scoring moves that will keep defenders off-balance and give yourself the advantage no matter where you are on the floor.

This intensive camp teaches you the pillars to becoming a complete offensive player who can score at will against even the tightest defenses.

Whether you�re looking to dominate the competition or simply make the team, this camp will take your game to the next level before next season starts.

Shooting fundamentals that will quickly boost your FG and FT % (stance, release point, hand position and follow through)

Constructing your killer crossover to blow by defenders

A rarely taught shooting adjustment that extends your shooting range while staying highly accurate

Sneaky finishing moves perfected by the pros (so you stop getting blocked)

Common mistakes that limit players� offensive abilities (and quick fixes for each)

Finishing at the basket through contact (even against bigger, stronger players)

How to develop a quicker shot release to get better looks and avoid getting blocked

Techniques for creating space so you get more clean looks at the basket

How to change direction with your dribble to get separation

Pro-level secrets to shooting off the dribble

Catch-and-shoot fundamentals for varying game situations

Keys to protecting the ball under pressure

The �shooter�s mentality� that will immediately give you a psychological edge in every situation

We use a �Progressions�-based approach to ensure all players establish a strong foundation while incorporating complex drills for advanced players.

This ensures all age levels and skill levels are challenged appropriately.

Topics Covered In Camp

We will focus on confidence, mental toughness, hard work, intelligent planning, and other intangibles to develop great shooters & ball handlers.

Foundation of Shooting

This is the first step in becoming a great shooter. Some players will progress through this stage quickly, while others will need to spend a bit more time to correct some bad habits. You will also learn:

How your stance could actually be causing your shot to go left and right and how to fix it.

Why the parallel stance may not be the right fit for you.

How your legs and not just your follow through can actually cause a flat shot.

The proper release point and follow through.

How inflexibility in your legs can affect your shot in a negative way.

Learn a little adjustment that allows players to shoot accurately from further distances.

Shooting Off of the Catch

After we have built a great shooting foundation, we will progress to shooting off of the catch. You will learn:

How to make your shot quicker.

The mentality to make your shot quicker.

The proper body position for every shot off of the catch.

The proper footwork for different situations during the game.

The proper hand position to create consistency and accuracy.

How to pull up out of the fast break.

Learn Advanced Shooting Techniques Used by the Pros

You will learn the keys to a quick release used by the pros such as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. You will learn the Michael Jordan 1-2 step used to create space and hit the open jumper.

You will learn the details required to be successful with these advanced moves. If you're not ready for the advanced moves yet, we have a system set up that will progress players at the proper rates.

Finishing

An elite player needs to be crafty around the rim especially against bigger defenders. Learn how to attack their weakness and put them in foul trouble and get to the foul line

You will be taught a move that will take away the defender�s momentum in transition to create space to finish at the rim

Develop body control while attacking the basket, stopping on a dime and finishing through contact

Improve Your Ball Handling

During the camp you'll receive both instruction and intense training to develop exceptional ball handling skills and dribbling moves.

Proper progressions for the dribble moves

We will break down how to effectively progress through dribble moves. Learn these vital progressions that most trainers skip that result in poorly executed dribble moves.

6 things you need to know to be a great ball handler.

You can be an extremely effective ball handler by knowing and practicing six things. Most players and coaches make things too complicated. But dribbling effectively is simple. You don't need lots of moves. You just need EFFECTIVE moves.

How to be more effective with your dribble

In today's game, so many players misuse the dribble. They use it and lose their advantage against the defense. We will teach them how to effectively use the dribble and cover more space with fewer dribbles at a faster pace.

Develop an explosive first step to create space and transitioning into your shot

Players usually don't work on this, but this is one of the most deadly weapons in the game of basketball. Due to our background in athletic development, we will incorporate speed drills that will make them faster and quicker with and without the ball.

Learn how to properly pick up the basketball and how doing it the wrong way could be causing your shot to miss to the left and the right.

Learn how the pace of the dribble can make your shot quicker.

Learn how to properly execute the sweep and step through to create space from your defender.

Learn the mentality needed to have a successful pull up jump shot and how the wrong mentality can be easily defended.

Here�s What Attendees Have To Say:

�Loved it. It really helped my son see that it takes a lot of hard work and practice to be great not just in sports but life as well. The coaches did a great job instilling those values.�

- Steve M., Olathe, KS

�I enjoyed the way the coaches were very engaging with the kids. Indicating specific examples of how and why to do things. My son loved it! As a parent, I was glad to see coaches that would take time to work with athletes to perform drills correctly instead of watching them do the drills incorrectly.�

- Bryan T., Marion, IA

�My son said the coach was exactly the kind of coach you hope to have. Not too mean and not too nice�just firm and positive!�

- Mia B., Marion, IA

Spots Are Limited

We�re committed to giving you the most personal attention, reps and opportunity for improvement during this camp.

For that reason, spots are very limited.

If you�re ready to take your offensive game to the next level, we encourage you to reserve your spot while they�re still available.

After You Register

Once you enter your initial registration information at the bottom of the page, you�ll be taken to the payment page to complete the sign up process.

Your spot will be immediately reserved once payment is made.

Then check your email in 10-15 minutes for a Welcome Message with all the information you need to set your child up for success at camp.

What�s Your �Why�?

Every player has their own unique motivations and goals for attending a Breakthrough camp, including:

Getting more playing time

Stepping into shots with confidence

Making the �A� team

Increasing your scoring average

Higher FG and FT %

Making teams pay for leaving you open

Feeling confident even against stiff competition

Protecting the ball and lowering turnovers

Finishing at the basket through contact

Beating your defender off the dribble with crafty moves

Loving the game more than ever as you see yourself succeed.

What are YOUR biggest motivations?

When you come to camp focused on what you want to achieve, you put yourself in the best position to succeed.

No matter what your goals are, the Scoring, Shooting, and Ball-Handling Camp can help you achieve them.

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June 2-4 Ball Handling and Scoring Skills Camp - 3rd - 8th Grade July 7-9 Shooting & Ball Handling Camp - 7th - 12th Grade

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Observing Coaches

Coaches can attend for free by working the basketball camp. Email us with your coaching/playing experience if you're interested in helping with the basketball camp.

Otherwise there is a $97 fee to attend as an "observing coach". You will get to learn new drills and techniques from Taylor Jacobsen, just like all the players and other coaches in attendance. Visit this link to reserve your spot as an observing coach.

This fee is not necessary for parents or individuals of paid campers.