Minnesota Swish is a Twin Cities West Metro spring and early summer basketball club program. Players from all communities and areas are welcomed to tryout and participate.
***Planning on having tryout options in mid-to-late March for MN Swish AAU Teams***
Working through details and costs yet as tournaments & gym space are still impacted by covid protocols compared to previous years, but planning on going back to traditional team format (Boys 5th-11th and Girls 5th-9th) after doing the summer league last year - info for that still listed below. Hope to have more 2021 info by first week of February.
MINNESOTA SWISH Summer League!
...a competitive play option replacing our traditional AAU/Club season since that has been wiped out by COVID-19 for 2020.
FORMAT
With individual player signups and a tryout process, athletes will be placed in a division consisting of up to 16 players. Those athletes will compete twice a week, with one being a weeknight and once on Saturday for 5 consecutive weeks in July and August. In wanting to create a competitive environment, since only shooting and skill work have been permitted for months, individual player standings will be kept.
Each of the 10 sessions will be 1.5 hours in length and will consist of:
10 Minutes - Warm up and Skill Move of the Day
15 Minutes - 1on1 Game Play
20 Minutes - 3on3 Half Court Game Play
45 Minutes - 5on5 Full Court Game Play
Individual Player Standings - Scoring System:
2 points if your 5on5 Team Wins
2 points if your 3on3 Team Wins
2 points for Most Points Scored in your 1on1 Group (3 groups)
1 point for 2nd Most Points Scored in your 1on1 Group
5on5 Teams, 3on3 Teams, and 1on1 Groups will be different each session and will be split to try to get competitive balance. For example, one night you would have "player x" on your team, and the next session he/she would likely be an opponent.
Sample Standings after 2 sessions:
1. M.Jordan - 12 points
2. L.Bird - 10 points
3. M.Johnson - 9 points
4. (tie) K.Malone - 7 points
4. (tie) C.Barkley - 7 points
6. I.Thomas - 5 points
DIVISIONS & TRYOUTS
*Next School Year (2020-21) Grade Level*
# reg = Number of Registrations as of 7/5/20
5th Grade Boys (10 reg) - WED, 7/8...6:15-7:30pm at Chaska HS (Back Gyms)
6th Grade Boys (7 reg) - TUE, 7/7...6:30-7:45pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
7th Grade Boys (10 reg) - TUE, 7/7...6:30-7:45pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
8th Grade Boys (12 reg) - WED, 7/8...7:45-9:00pm at Chaska HS (Back Gyms)
9th Grade Boys (30 reg) - MON, 7/6...7:45-9:00pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
10th & 11th Grade Boys (18 reg) - TUE, 7/7...8:00-9:15pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
7th Grade Girls (7 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
8th Grade Girls (10 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
9th Grade Girls (6 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
*Looking like there will be multiple divisions at 9th grade boys level. They would be split into a top group and 2nd group after tryouts. The hope is to get everyone that wants to play a chance to do so. Need at least 9 athletes to run a division. A couple of examples, if there are 28 kids that tryout, would likely do 14 and 14. If 25 tryout would likely do 16 in top and 9 in second. The tough range will be if 17 to 24 kids tryout for a division, would likely only have one division of 16. If 2 divisions are formed at a grade level, will try to keep them playing at the same time using 2 courts.
REGISTER for tryouts below (even if you had previously registered for the March tryouts)
Each division will be led by Hoops Training & MN Swish Director Andrew Dahl along with two other coaches who will try to point out tips and give guidance while also acting as referees in the scrimmaging.
***If unable to make your scheduled tryout time above, contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com for other tryout times/options***
SCHEDULE & LOCATION
All players will play on Saturdays: July 18, July 25, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15
And then one weeknight per week.
*Specific Times and Locations are now posted in the Division Pages below*
Hoping to be able to allow parents/fans in the gym as well, but that's somewhat up in the air at this point on how many people will be allowed in the gym at one time. At this point, looking like parents will be able to watch from Chaska and Chan HS upper area while keeping social distancing and wearing masks. Won't be allowed on gym floor.
COST
Player fee is $375 if paying by check (to Hoops Training) or cash...or $385 if paying by credit card. Will need to collect a check or receive payment on the night of the tryout to know you are committed to playing if selected. The player fee covers the costs a reversible jersey top that is yours to keep, gym time rental, coaching and reffing, and insurance.
The COVID-19 risk liability waiver needs to be signed and returned at tryouts, otherwise the athlete will not be able to participate.
*The waiver is located right under the "Register" button below*
If the Swish Summer League would be cut short for any reason, prorated refunds (minus some expenses that likely wouldn't be able to be recouped such as the jersey) would be given.
OTHER THOUGHTS
After a lot of consideration, I decided that this was the best option to provide competitive basketball to kids that are probably really needing it right now! By avoiding attending large tournaments, we're hopefully protecting the safety of the kids to some extent by limiting exposure to metro or out-of-state clubs/teams, venues, etc. Trying to quickly learn offenses, out of bounds plays, press breaks, and other things to be ready to play in a week or two after tryouts seemed difficult and maybe a waste of time for a traditional AAU team format. Where with the Swish League, hoping to help kids learn to play without plays and utilizing screening, keeping spacing, and mixing in other actions seemed more beneficial. In addition, by not having to order full uniform and warmup sets, pay large tournament entry fees (not to mention admission prices for parents) and head coaching payments, was able to keep the cost significantly lower than playing AAU...even my Swish program was going to be $650 where this comes in at about half that. Hopefully it works out well and the kids enjoy it, compete & battle, and come away as better players!!!
Please contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com with any questions
***Planning on having tryout options in mid-to-late March for MN Swish AAU Teams***
Working through details and costs yet as tournaments & gym space are still impacted by covid protocols compared to previous years, but planning on going back to traditional team format (Boys 5th-11th and Girls 5th-9th) after doing the summer league last year - info for that still listed below. Hope to have more 2021 info by first week of February.
MINNESOTA SWISH Summer League!
...a competitive play option replacing our traditional AAU/Club season since that has been wiped out by COVID-19 for 2020.
FORMAT
With individual player signups and a tryout process, athletes will be placed in a division consisting of up to 16 players. Those athletes will compete twice a week, with one being a weeknight and once on Saturday for 5 consecutive weeks in July and August. In wanting to create a competitive environment, since only shooting and skill work have been permitted for months, individual player standings will be kept.
Each of the 10 sessions will be 1.5 hours in length and will consist of:
10 Minutes - Warm up and Skill Move of the Day
15 Minutes - 1on1 Game Play
20 Minutes - 3on3 Half Court Game Play
45 Minutes - 5on5 Full Court Game Play
Individual Player Standings - Scoring System:
2 points if your 5on5 Team Wins
2 points if your 3on3 Team Wins
2 points for Most Points Scored in your 1on1 Group (3 groups)
1 point for 2nd Most Points Scored in your 1on1 Group
5on5 Teams, 3on3 Teams, and 1on1 Groups will be different each session and will be split to try to get competitive balance. For example, one night you would have "player x" on your team, and the next session he/she would likely be an opponent.
Sample Standings after 2 sessions:
1. M.Jordan - 12 points
2. L.Bird - 10 points
3. M.Johnson - 9 points
4. (tie) K.Malone - 7 points
4. (tie) C.Barkley - 7 points
6. I.Thomas - 5 points
DIVISIONS & TRYOUTS
*Next School Year (2020-21) Grade Level*
# reg = Number of Registrations as of 7/5/20
5th Grade Boys (10 reg) - WED, 7/8...6:15-7:30pm at Chaska HS (Back Gyms)
6th Grade Boys (7 reg) - TUE, 7/7...6:30-7:45pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
7th Grade Boys (10 reg) - TUE, 7/7...6:30-7:45pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
8th Grade Boys (12 reg) - WED, 7/8...7:45-9:00pm at Chaska HS (Back Gyms)
9th Grade Boys (30 reg) - MON, 7/6...7:45-9:00pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
10th & 11th Grade Boys (18 reg) - TUE, 7/7...8:00-9:15pm at Chanhassen HS (Back Gyms)
7th Grade Girls (7 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
8th Grade Girls (10 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
9th Grade Girls (6 reg) - MON, 7/6...6:15-7:30pm at Chanhassen HS (Main Gym)
*Looking like there will be multiple divisions at 9th grade boys level. They would be split into a top group and 2nd group after tryouts. The hope is to get everyone that wants to play a chance to do so. Need at least 9 athletes to run a division. A couple of examples, if there are 28 kids that tryout, would likely do 14 and 14. If 25 tryout would likely do 16 in top and 9 in second. The tough range will be if 17 to 24 kids tryout for a division, would likely only have one division of 16. If 2 divisions are formed at a grade level, will try to keep them playing at the same time using 2 courts.
REGISTER for tryouts below (even if you had previously registered for the March tryouts)
Each division will be led by Hoops Training & MN Swish Director Andrew Dahl along with two other coaches who will try to point out tips and give guidance while also acting as referees in the scrimmaging.
***If unable to make your scheduled tryout time above, contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com for other tryout times/options***
SCHEDULE & LOCATION
All players will play on Saturdays: July 18, July 25, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15
And then one weeknight per week.
*Specific Times and Locations are now posted in the Division Pages below*
Hoping to be able to allow parents/fans in the gym as well, but that's somewhat up in the air at this point on how many people will be allowed in the gym at one time. At this point, looking like parents will be able to watch from Chaska and Chan HS upper area while keeping social distancing and wearing masks. Won't be allowed on gym floor.
COST
Player fee is $375 if paying by check (to Hoops Training) or cash...or $385 if paying by credit card. Will need to collect a check or receive payment on the night of the tryout to know you are committed to playing if selected. The player fee covers the costs a reversible jersey top that is yours to keep, gym time rental, coaching and reffing, and insurance.
The COVID-19 risk liability waiver needs to be signed and returned at tryouts, otherwise the athlete will not be able to participate.
*The waiver is located right under the "Register" button below*
If the Swish Summer League would be cut short for any reason, prorated refunds (minus some expenses that likely wouldn't be able to be recouped such as the jersey) would be given.
OTHER THOUGHTS
After a lot of consideration, I decided that this was the best option to provide competitive basketball to kids that are probably really needing it right now! By avoiding attending large tournaments, we're hopefully protecting the safety of the kids to some extent by limiting exposure to metro or out-of-state clubs/teams, venues, etc. Trying to quickly learn offenses, out of bounds plays, press breaks, and other things to be ready to play in a week or two after tryouts seemed difficult and maybe a waste of time for a traditional AAU team format. Where with the Swish League, hoping to help kids learn to play without plays and utilizing screening, keeping spacing, and mixing in other actions seemed more beneficial. In addition, by not having to order full uniform and warmup sets, pay large tournament entry fees (not to mention admission prices for parents) and head coaching payments, was able to keep the cost significantly lower than playing AAU...even my Swish program was going to be $650 where this comes in at about half that. Hopefully it works out well and the kids enjoy it, compete & battle, and come away as better players!!!
Please contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com with any questions
The main focus of the Fall League is to prepare for the upcoming season and sharpen and develop skills. At the same time, we want to create a competitive environment and push players to bring a maximum effort in all areas of the game. So, we will recognize athletes after each week of play for the following weekly awards:
MVP - The overall most valuable player typically on the winning team in both games. Plays a solid overall floor game creating plays for their team, plays hard all game, and does a lot of the "little things" that aren't always recognized in a scorebook.
THE GLASS CLEANER (Top Rebounder) - The player that consistently goes hard after rebounds and loose ball on both ends of the floor. Rebounding stats are not being kept, so this award goes to the person who's always boxing out and crashing the offensive glass.
THE GLOVE (Top Defensive Player) - The player that is giving maximum effort on the defensive end. Not just getting blocks or steals, but the player who is in good help position, talking, and making it tough on the person they are guarding.
MVP - The overall most valuable player typically on the winning team in both games. Plays a solid overall floor game creating plays for their team, plays hard all game, and does a lot of the "little things" that aren't always recognized in a scorebook.
THE GLASS CLEANER (Top Rebounder) - The player that consistently goes hard after rebounds and loose ball on both ends of the floor. Rebounding stats are not being kept, so this award goes to the person who's always boxing out and crashing the offensive glass.
THE GLOVE (Top Defensive Player) - The player that is giving maximum effort on the defensive end. Not just getting blocks or steals, but the player who is in good help position, talking, and making it tough on the person they are guarding.
Program Details
Minnesota Swish is a Twin Cities West Metro spring and early summer basketball club program. Players from all communities and areas are welcomed to tryout and participate.
2020 MN Swish Tryouts are POSTPONED
AAU TRYOUT UPDATE (6/21/20)
With game-play being allowed to take place in July in MN, I should have an announcement on tryouts and season dates/options this week. Gym space might be the biggest obstacle for having teams practice, but hoping for a good update on that early this week. Make sure you're on the email list at the bottom of this page to get any updates or if you have previously registered for tryouts a message will be sent when new details are available. Thanks for your patience.
-Coach Dahl
BOYS
4th Grade Boys -
5th Grade Boys -
6th Grade Boys -
7th Grade Boys -
8th Grade Boys -
9th Grade Boys -
10th Grade Boys -
11th Grade Boys -
*Times are for current 2019-20 grade level
GIRLS
May have roster spots still available for 4th-8th grade girls teams - contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com if interested and will set up a tryout/workout time if needed.
2020 MN Swish Tryouts are POSTPONED
AAU TRYOUT UPDATE (6/21/20)
With game-play being allowed to take place in July in MN, I should have an announcement on tryouts and season dates/options this week. Gym space might be the biggest obstacle for having teams practice, but hoping for a good update on that early this week. Make sure you're on the email list at the bottom of this page to get any updates or if you have previously registered for tryouts a message will be sent when new details are available. Thanks for your patience.
-Coach Dahl
BOYS
4th Grade Boys -
5th Grade Boys -
6th Grade Boys -
7th Grade Boys -
8th Grade Boys -
9th Grade Boys -
10th Grade Boys -
11th Grade Boys -
*Times are for current 2019-20 grade level
GIRLS
May have roster spots still available for 4th-8th grade girls teams - contact AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com if interested and will set up a tryout/workout time if needed.
Tournaments
April 11-12: no teams (Easter Weekend)
April 18-19: likely all teams
April 25-26: likely all teams
May 2-3: likely all teams
May 9-10: Mother's Day - likely off but may swap to this weekend
May 16-17: likely all teams
May 23-25: no teams (Memorial weekend)
May 30-31: likely all teams
June 6-7: likely all teams
June 13-14: potential option to swap to
April 18-19: likely all teams
April 25-26: likely all teams
May 2-3: likely all teams
May 9-10: Mother's Day - likely off but may swap to this weekend
May 16-17: likely all teams
May 23-25: no teams (Memorial weekend)
May 30-31: likely all teams
June 6-7: likely all teams
June 13-14: potential option to swap to
Schedules will remain tentative until after tryouts and may be changed if there is a need to due to player or coach availability. Level of competition considerations will be taken into account...some teams may play in club-sponsored D1 or D2 division events while others may play in MYAS or lower divisions based on the abilities of the team. Athlete tournament availability will be collected on the online sign-up form. Most tournaments are 2-day (both Sat and Sun) events with 3 or 4 games guaranteed. The TEAM pages below have examples of what 2019 Swish teams played at different age levels.
Practices
Team practices will be in the following area schools & gyms: Waconia, Victoria, Chaska, and Chanhassen
There will typically be 2 practices per week with the possibility of having just one over Easter and Memorial weeks or if coach or player schedules dictate. We will take input on practice scheduling from online registration forms or you may bring to tryouts a list of dates to avoid having practices.
There will typically be 2 practices per week with the possibility of having just one over Easter and Memorial weeks or if coach or player schedules dictate. We will take input on practice scheduling from online registration forms or you may bring to tryouts a list of dates to avoid having practices.
Player FeE
Program Philosophy & Goals
The goal each year is to give kids in the area a chance to:
- Gain valuable playing experience with 15 to 25+ games
- Be challenged by playing with and against better players and athletes
- Experience a different role or coaching style and hopefully learn new skills, learn from game situations, and learn to play with more intensity, aggressiveness, and toughness.
- Come back an improved player ready to contribute at a higher level in the 2020-21 school or travel season!
MN Swish teams will have intense practices with a focus on skill development and improving game situation knowledge. A few specific skill areas teams will work on developing include:
1) Finishing strong around the basket
2) Creating scoring opportunities with good footwork and fakes
3) Handling pressure - both dribbling, passing, and pivoting
4) Defensive positioning, intensity, communication, and boxing out
Not a lot of time will be spent on learning plays that won't benefit athletes in the future. Each team will have a motion offense and keep good spacing on the floor with the option to add a few sets and plays. Defense played will be primarily man-to-man with occasional zones or presses.
Spring-sport athletes are welcomed and supported by the Swish program. We'll do our best to schedule around practice and tournament conflicts and work with you if need to miss basketball for your spring sport practices/games. Playing multiple sports for as many years as you can is encouraged by MN Swish to develop complete athletes!
Rosters: Nine or 10 players will be selected to each team roster.
Playing Time: Coaches will be instructed to play each athlete in both halves of each game and at least 30% of the game's total
minutes while still trying to win the game and have the team's top line-up in during crucial times.
Coaches: We have a number of excellent coaches returning and lined up for 2020. There may be a need for a couple more coaches depending on number of athletes at tryouts. Anyone interested in a paid coaching position should contact Andrew Dahl at 651-592-6099 or AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com as soon as possible.
Hotels/Transportation:
No hotel rooms (in tournaments where that may be necessary) or transportation is provided. Players & families will be on their own to decide where to stay and/or coordinate rides.
- Gain valuable playing experience with 15 to 25+ games
- Be challenged by playing with and against better players and athletes
- Experience a different role or coaching style and hopefully learn new skills, learn from game situations, and learn to play with more intensity, aggressiveness, and toughness.
- Come back an improved player ready to contribute at a higher level in the 2020-21 school or travel season!
MN Swish teams will have intense practices with a focus on skill development and improving game situation knowledge. A few specific skill areas teams will work on developing include:
1) Finishing strong around the basket
2) Creating scoring opportunities with good footwork and fakes
3) Handling pressure - both dribbling, passing, and pivoting
4) Defensive positioning, intensity, communication, and boxing out
Not a lot of time will be spent on learning plays that won't benefit athletes in the future. Each team will have a motion offense and keep good spacing on the floor with the option to add a few sets and plays. Defense played will be primarily man-to-man with occasional zones or presses.
Spring-sport athletes are welcomed and supported by the Swish program. We'll do our best to schedule around practice and tournament conflicts and work with you if need to miss basketball for your spring sport practices/games. Playing multiple sports for as many years as you can is encouraged by MN Swish to develop complete athletes!
Rosters: Nine or 10 players will be selected to each team roster.
Playing Time: Coaches will be instructed to play each athlete in both halves of each game and at least 30% of the game's total
minutes while still trying to win the game and have the team's top line-up in during crucial times.
Coaches: We have a number of excellent coaches returning and lined up for 2020. There may be a need for a couple more coaches depending on number of athletes at tryouts. Anyone interested in a paid coaching position should contact Andrew Dahl at 651-592-6099 or AndrewDahl@HoopsTraining.com as soon as possible.
Hotels/Transportation:
No hotel rooms (in tournaments where that may be necessary) or transportation is provided. Players & families will be on their own to decide where to stay and/or coordinate rides.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE PRIOR TO TRYOUTS
2019 Swish Gear Order
to support your team this spring by clicking the button below!
Deadline is Monday, April 1, 2019 at midnight!!!
to support your team this spring by clicking the button below!
Deadline is Monday, April 1, 2019 at midnight!!!
