Margaret Gartner, the Acalanes girls head basketball coach, her staff and varsity team held a clinic on Feb. 5 for young basketball players from all over the East Bay. “It was the goal of our program to share our love of the game with a group of enthusiastic middle schoolers with a skills clinic that combined instruction, encouragement and community spirit,” Gartner said. “We taught ball-handling, shooting technique, defensive positioning, rebounding and team concepts, all while emphasizing confidence and teamwork.”

    The Acalanes players were able to lead small-group stations so each participant could receive hands-on coaching and positive feedback. The younger players practiced game-like scenarios, took part in competitive skill challenges, and received tips on training and mental preparation that should help them grow as athletes and teammates.

    “Clinics like these ignite enthusiasm for basketball, build confidence and reinforce the values of teamwork and perseverance,” Gartner said. “We were thrilled to host the next generation of high school players who will be playing throughout the area in the future. Seeing the girls get outside their comfort zone and grow was inspiring. We were also so proud of our Acalanes athletes as they were patient, encouraging and great role models.”