Marv M2Academy Logo 2023 WIDE2
M2 Squared Basketball Academy
We are a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are
tax-deductible.
Marv M2Academy Logo 2023 WIDE2
M2 Squared Basketball Academy
We are a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are
tax-deductible.

M2 Coaching Clinics

We have been doing Coaching Clinic for the West African Youth Basketball Coaches 

Men’s & Women’ Team(s) and Academy’s 

since 2020

These clinics are in-person when we visit West Africa once or twice per year

Along with our Zoom Clinics that we’ve been doing monthly starting in 2024

Projects

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 16-Feb-2025

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 26-Jan-2025

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Projects

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 26-Jan-2025

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 26-Jan-2025

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Projects

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 24-Nov-2024

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 24-Nov-2024

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Projects

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 27-Oct-2024

M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic 27-Oct-2024

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Potential Student Athlete & Coaching Tips

Differences between a friendly game and a match-instilling confidence in the younger players how can we, as African Coaches, address that issue?

That’s a great question! Building confidence in young athletes is crucial for their development. Here are some ideas to help instill confidence and keep them motivated:

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**Positive Reinforcement**

🏀 Celebrate their efforts and successes, no matter how small. Positive feedback encourages them to keep trying and improves their self-esteem.

📌 Help them set realistic and attainable goals. Achieving these goals will give them a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence.

📌 Teach them to believe in their abilities. Share stories of athletes who have overcome challenges and succeeded through hard work and determination.

📌Foster a positive and supportive team culture. Encourage players to support and uplift each other.

📌 Offer feedback that is both supportive and constructive. Focus on what they did well and how they can improve.

📌 Help them understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process. Encourage them to keep going even when things get tough.

📌 Introduce them to role models and mentors who can inspire and guide them. This can be local athletes, coaches, or even successful individuals in their community.

With limited practice time, what can we do to help continue development?

That’s a great question! Building confidence in young athletes is crucial for their development. Here are some ideas to help instill confidence and keep them motivated:

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**Skill Drills**

🏀 Share a list of simple drills they can practice daily. Focus on key skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Make the drills fun and competitive by incorporating games or challenges they can do alone or with friends.

📌 Create or recommend short video tutorials that demonstrate specific techniques or strategies. Watching and then practicing what they see can reinforce what they’ve learned with you.

📌 Provide them with workbooks or handouts that include diagrams, tips, and exercises. These can serve as a reference and guide for their practice sessions.

📌Encourage older or more experienced players to mentor the younger ones. Peer coaching can be a powerful tool for learning and motivation.

📌 Stress the importance of physical fitness. Share a basic fitness routine they can follow to improve their stamina, strength, and agility.

📌 Help them set personal goals and track their progress. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, to keep them motivated.

📌 Make sure to include elements of fun and creativity in their practice routine. It will keep them engaged and excited about improving their skills.

Schedule regular check-ins via phone, video calls, or even social media to see how they’re progressing and offer encouragement.

Share stories of successful athletes who started with humble beginnings. It can inspire them to keep pushing forward.

Players Highlight Reels & YouTubes Content Suggestions

To maximize exposure and catch the attention of U.S. basketball coaches, West African players’ highlight reels and resumes should be structured strategically. Here’s what they should include:

A polished highlight reel + a well-structured resume increase visibility and credibility, making U.S. coaches more likely to respond.

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Highlight Reel (3-5 minutes max)

🏀 Opening Title Slide (5-10 sec)

  • Full Name, Height, Weight, Position(s)
  • Graduation Year & Birth Year
  • Contact Info (WhatsApp, Email, Social Media) of local contact (Program coaches or family)
  • Academy/Club Team Name

🏀 Best Plays First (First 30-45 sec must be explosive)

  • Dunks, blocks, three-pointers, elite passes, steals, key defensive plays
  • Plays showcasing athleticism, skill, and decision-making
  • At Full Court and Full Speed in game action
  • Should either highlight the specific players & their uniform numbers, if possible.

🏀 Game Situations Over Basic Highlights

  • Full-court transition plays (fast break offense & defense)
  • Half-court execution (pick-and-roll, off-ball movement, spacing)
  • Defensive clips (footwork, on-ball defense, help-side rotations)
  • Basketball IQ moments (court vision, assists, clutch plays)

🏀 Variety of Matchups & Skillset Demonstration

  • Against strong competition (not just weak opponents)
  • Shooting from different ranges (mid-range, three-pointers, off-the-dribble)
  • Passing and playmaking (especially for guards & wings)
  • Post moves and finishing at the rim (for bigs)

🏀 Limited Flashy Editing

  • Keep it professional—avoid excessive effects, music, or long transitions
  • Circle or highlight the player at the start of each play for clarity

🏀 Closing Slide (5-10 sec)

  • Repeat contact info, academic details (GPA, SAT/ACT if available), and eligibility status
  • Coach’s name & contact info for verification

📌 Personal Information

  • Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality
  • Height, Weight, Wingspan (if notable), Position(s)
  • Contact Info (Phone, Email, Social Media)
  • Address (City, Country)

📌 Academic Information

  • Current School / Academy
  • Expected Graduation Year
  • GPA (if applicable)
  • Test Scores (SAT/ACT, TOEFL if taken)

📌 Basketball Experience

  • Teams Played For (Club, Academy, National Team, School)
  • Notable Achievements (Championships, MVPs, All-Star selections)
  • Tournaments & Camps Attended (Adidas, NBA Academy, FIBA events)
  • Key Statistics (Points, Rebounds, Assists, FG%, FT%, etc.)

📌 Skills & Strengths

  • Athleticism (Speed, Vertical Leap, Strength)
  • Basketball IQ (Court Vision, Leadership, Defensive Awareness)
  • Offensive & Defensive Capabilities (Shooting, Passing, Shot-Blocking, Rebounding)

📌 References

  • Coach’s Name, Title, Contact Info
  • Academy/Club Director Contact Info

We Aim To Teach & Build Up Coaching

From his first trip to Abuja, Nigeria, Coach Menzies identified the immense promise and potential of this region. It was his belief that by investing in education and sports programs, we can empower the youth to thrive and contribute to their communities. Education provides knowledge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Coach Menzies identified a path for a brighter future through these instructional programs - Supporting schools, scholarships, and vocational training. Additionally, having extensive experience in sports training, coaching, and development. Marvin Menzies recognizes the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that student athletes would receive. These virtues build character and teach valuable life lessons. By giving back, we create a ripple effect—inspiring young minds, nurturing talent, and ultimately strengthening the fabric of these nations. He has championed an education and sports initiative in Africa by creating M² Squared Academy. Currently, we are unaware of any existing programs that emulate our current five-prong curriculum. This program will ensure that West Africa’s youth can dream big and achieve even bigger!