Academy & Clinics

If you are going to be a champion, you must be willing to pay a greater price. The greater price is focusing on the details of the game. You cannot perfect your game by simply putting on a team jersey and think you are learning. Building blocks, philosophy, technique, speed, explosion, and correct repition must be part of your daily diet of learning to be a great player. 

T.O.P.'s philosophy is developed around teaching 62 essential fundamentals that a player must know and master to reach his or hers ultimate potential. We do not promise, sell, or hype, instead we are committed to implementing outstanding instruction that is based on measurable evaluation tools for each players specific situation. Our top academy coaches provide professional instruction and a variety of expertises resulting in building solid basketball competitors.  

TOP COACHES

JEFF STEINES

Coach Jeff brings approximately 10 years of varsity basketball coaching experience where he was named 2-time Ames Tribune Mid Iowa Coach of the Year. He has developed 19 collegiate athletes and coached his teams to a state tourney appearance along with winning 6 conference championships. He brings years of instructing multiple college and all-star camps around the country and effectively communicates quality instruction and measurable evaluation.  Coach Jeff  has a career of producing committed athletes in the classroom and on the basketball court. In addition to coaching at The Orange Planet, Jeff serves as a teacher and varsity basketball coach.

CRAIG SLADEK
After playing 4 years of NCAA Division 1 for Hardin-Simmons University in Texas, Craig went on summer tour with Athletes in Action covering 26 different countries playing against USA, Canadian and USSR Olympic teams, University of Florida, UCLA, Georgetown, LSU, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson and Moses Malone. He has led countless basketball tours around the world, inspired hundreds of youth and coached over 100 clinics and camps. He currently recruits for AIA traveling teams, enjoys being a father and is married to Julie Rittgers, former Drake basketball standout. 

MORE on our LEADERSHIP TEAM coming soon! 

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING

• You'll come to learn that we take training seriously and uphold high standards.  Those who decide to participate will need to do thee same while demonstrating an outstanding attitude and a willingness to train (another word for work)!  Individual training is offered year around. All individualized training begins with an appointment with our Director of Player Instruction. The athletes needs, goals, schedule, and costs are discussed at that time. Training progression is evaluated with ongoing measurable objectives. All sessions are 50 minutes.

TOP SPECIALTY CLINICS

• Perimeter/Post Clinic-  This clinic covers the finite details of power, positioning, inside/outside game, getting the open shot, screening, and flow between guards and interior players.  
  
• BOYS 9-12th- 8:30-11 a.m. Cost: TBA
• GIRLS 9-12th- 1:3:30 p.m. Cost: TBA
• Taught by: Coach Sladek

TOP ACADEMYS

• TOP 7/8th GIRLS & BOYS ACADEMY- December 27, 2008. Boys 8-11 a.m. on courts 1 & 2. Girls 1-4 p.m. on courts 1 & 2.  Covering movement off the ball, getting open for the shot and shooting. Contests and awards included.  Space is limited to 48-60 boys and 48-60 girls.  Cost: $75 each participant.
   
• TOP HOOP U- 1st/2nd Co-ed, Teaching Fundamental Basketball. May 4 - 18, 2009, Monday and Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. Cost: $60 each. Space is limited to 60 participants.

• TOP 3rd-6th BOYS ACADEMY- 8-10:00 a.m., June 8-12, 2009. Cost: $60 each. Space is limited to 60 participants.

• TOP 3rd-6th GIRLS ACADEMY- Noon-2:00 p.m., June 8-12, 2009. Cost: $75 each. Space is limited to 60 participants.

• SHOOT/SKILLS/SPEED - 5th- 8th grade co-ed, 6-8 p.m., Monday/Wednesdays, month of June 2009. This clinic will overview speed, shooting and skill development. Cost: $75 each. Space is limited to 60 participants. 

• TOP 7th/8th BOYS ACADEMY - 8-10:00 a.m., June 15-19, 2009. Cost: $75. 

• TOP 7th/8th GIRLS ACADEMY - Noon-2:00 p.m., June 15-19, 2009. Cost: $75.
  

• TOP HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ACADEMY - 8-10 a.m., June 22-26, 2009. Cost: $75.
  

• TOP HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS ACADEMY- Noon-2 p.m., June 22-26, 2009. Cost: $75.
  

DISCOUNTS: Never a registration fee! 2nd child - $5 off. TOP Members- $5 off. TOP's Academy's run with a max of 60 athletes per session. First 60 to sign up and pay get spots. Waiting list available.

CONTENT OF THIS YEARS ACADEMY'S (unless otherwise noted). Teaching athletic, tactical and technical skiils, fun through hard work and proper execution of skills. 

SMALL GROUP TRAINING

• TOP JUNIOR TRAINING - Get their game right from the start! Training involves correct defensive movement, shooting form and repitition, and ball handling development. TOP certified coaches, Fun Environment, FastBreak Cafe, and Lowered Hoops.
  
• Ten - 50 minute sessions.
• Max of 10 participants.
• Fridays- May 28 - July 31, 2009
• 1st/2nd Grade, 3-3:50 p.m.
  
• 3rd/4th Grade, 4-4:50 p.m.
• Cost: $270
  

COMPLETE THE CORRECT FORMS: