To get better in anything takes practice. Basketball is no different. Any player who achieved success at any level has done so because of working hard and practicing their craft.

Nicole Powell gives pointers on shooting.

That’s what the Sacramento Monarchs Basketball Jam was all about on Saturday. Kids from ages 2-12 came to ARCO Arena to work with Monarchs players who assisted them with several different basketball skills. The jam covered everything from pregame stretching to shooting and dribbling.

Before the skills instruction started, the kids were treated to a bunch of fun activities, starting with tours of the locker and media rooms, obstacle courses, poster making and basketball games on the court.

But when the players arrived, it was all business. Basketball business.

Nicole Powell, the Monarchs sharp shooting forward gave the kids private shooting lessons. She first gave a brief 1-2 minute explanation of proper shooting form and technique, then let the children rotate through a shooting line. Powell also gave pointers and advice to shooters in line.

Similar to Nicole’s station, Crystal Kelly gave a 1-2 minute explanation of proper post scoring (hook and bank shots) then, children rotated through line, practicing what Kelly just demonstrated.

Demya Walker and Charel Allen gave give an explanation of the importance of conditioning in basketball. Demya and Charel demonstrated and had the kids do basketball drills (liners, sprints) and showed proper stretching technique.

DeMya Walker speaks to the group.

Cones were set up for A’Quonesia Franklin, who explained dribbling techniques then demonstrated on cones. One by one, kids ran through the cone course, dribbling as Aqua gave feedback and advice.

“This was really cool,” said Andrea, an 11-year-old from Sacramento. “I’ve followed A’qua since she was in college, so it was neat having her teach dribbling in person. I’m a point guard, so I really wanted to learn from her.”

“My favorite part was having Nicole Powell teach shooting to us,” said Monica, a 12-year-old from Fair Oaks. “She’s my favorite player on the team.”

After the instruction, the kids received t-shirts and refreshments, and had the opportunity to get autographs from all the players.

The Sacramento Monarchs Basketball Jam was just one of many events taking place during August while the WNBA is taking the month off for the Olympics. For more information on the Monarchs Olympic break activities, keep checking SacramentoMonarchs.com.