D-ONE Ducks Basketball

Where Champions are Developed, On and Off the Court

At D-ONE Ducks Basketball, we develop more than just skilled players - we develop champions for life.

Led by experienced Coach Brian Clifton, our program is designed for 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who want to hone their skills, build confidence, and become well-rounded individuals.


We understand you, the parents. You want a program that fosters a love for the game while also prioritizing character development, teamwork, and a positive coaching environment. That's exactly what we offer.

Why Choose D-ONE Ducks Basketball?

Expert Coaching: Our program is led by Coach Brian Clifton, an experienced coach dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential.

“Coach B” has personally developed and trained NBA first round draft picks, McDonald’s All-Americans, Division 1 college basketball players, and international professional basketball players. He offers a unique perspective on the game of basketball that will resonate with your child wherever life may take them. 

Skill Development with a Purpose: We go beyond drills. We use basketball as a platform to teach essential life skills like discipline, perseverance, and leadership.

Balanced Approach: We understand the importance of academics. Our program is designed to help your child manage their time effectively and maintain a healthy balance between basketball and school.

Positive Coaching Philosophy: We believe in encouraging and building confidence through a disciplined approach. Our coaches create a supportive environment where every player feels valued and motivated to improve.

Focus on Teamwork: Basketball is a team sport. We teach our players the importance of communication, collaboration, and working towards a common goal.

Safety First: Your child's safety is our top priority. We emphasize proper training techniques and injury prevention.

Building Future Leaders: We empower young athletes to take initiative and become problem-solvers both on and off the court.

Preparation for the Next Level: Whether your child aspires to play high school basketball or simply wants to improve their skills, our program provides the foundation they need to succeed.

Don't let your child's love for basketball fade due to a program that prioritizes winning over development. At D-ONE Ducks Basketball, we nurture a passion for the game while fostering valuable life skills that will benefit your child far beyond the court.

Start Your Child's Journey Today

Check out some of the latest articles from our blog:

D-ONE Ducks Playbook: A Parent's Guide to Youth Sports

Welcome to "D-ONE Ducks Playbook: A Parent's Guide to Youth Football and Basketball," your resource for navigating the exciting journey of youth sports alongside your child. At the heart of the D-ONE Ducks ethos is the belief that sports are more than just games; they are powerful platforms for teaching discipline, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Our blog is dedicated to supporting parents of aspiring young athletes, offering insights, tips, and stories to help you and your child thrive both on and off the field and court.

Here, you'll find a treasure trove of information, from practical advice on nutrition and training to wisdom on fostering mental resilience and sportsmanship in young athletes. We understand the challenges and rewards of raising a young sports enthusiast, and this blog serves as a community for sharing experiences and celebrating milestones. Whether your child dreams of scoring touchdowns or shooting hoops, "D-ONE Ducks Playbook" is your go-to source for empowering them to reach their fullest potential, underpinned by the values that make a true D-ONE Duck: dedication, growth, and excellence. Join us on this transformative journey, where development takes flight.

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Going the Distance: Building Basketball Stamina and Endurance

March 23, 20242 min read

Hey D-ONE Ducks! Coach Brian back on the court, this time to talk about the fuel that keeps you going – stamina and endurance! Basketball is a game of constant movement, quick bursts of energy, and sustained effort. This week, we'll explore strategies and drills to build your basketball endurance and dominate the court for all four quarters.

Become a Stamina Machine:

  • Cardio is King: A strong foundation in cardiovascular exercise is essential for basketball stamina. Include running, swimming, biking, or jumping rope into your routine to improve your heart health and lung capacity.

  • Interval Training: Interval training pushes your body to work harder and recover quickly. Alternate between periods of high-intensity activity (sprints, jumping jacks) and rest periods. This builds both power and endurance.

  • Circuit Training: Circuit training incorporates various exercises that work different muscle groups. This keeps your workout dynamic, prevents boredom, and improves overall fitness, all of which contribute to better on-court stamina.

  • Basketball-Specific Drills: Integrate basketball drills into your endurance training. Practice fast breaks, suicides (full-court sprints with defensive slides), and layup lines at game speed with minimal rest. This builds muscle memory and trains your body for the specific demands of the game.

Train Like a Pro:

Here are some drills used by professional athletes to build basketball stamina:

  • The Pyramid Drill: This drill involves running increasing distances (e.g., half court, full court, back and forth) followed by decreasing amounts of rest. It progressively challenges your endurance and builds mental toughness.

  • Suicide Shooting: Sprint sideline to sideline, stopping for a layup or jump shot at designated points. This drill combines sprinting with shooting, mimicking the demands of a fast break and requiring sustained effort.

  • Gamble Drill: This drill involves shuffling side-to-side along the baseline, reacting to coach's calls to sprint to the opposite sideline and back for free throws or layups. It improves footwork, agility, and reaction time while building stamina.

Remember, building endurance takes time and dedication. Be patient, consistent with your training, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness improves.

D-ONE Ducks Basketball Can Help!

Our coaches can design personalized workout plans that target basketball-specific endurance. We offer conditioning drills, agility exercises, and plyometric training to help you reach your peak performance level.

What are your favorite drills for building basketball stamina? Share them in the comments below!

Coach Brian Clifton

D-ONE Ducks Basketball


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Brian Clifton

Coach Brian Clifton: Shaping Tomorrow's Stars In the world of youth sports development, few names resonate as profoundly as Coach Brian Clifton. As the visionary behind D-One Sports, Coach Clifton has dedicated his life to mentoring young athletes, guiding them not only toward excellence in basketball but also in life's many arenas. His approach, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, has transformed the lives of countless individuals, including guiding talents like John Wall to the pinnacle of basketball achievement. With a career spanning over two decades, Coach Clifton's expertise and passion for the game are matched only by his commitment to nurturing the holistic development of his players. Recognized as one of the top 50 most influential people in college basketball, his accolades speak to his profound impact on the sport and its future stars. At the heart of Coach Clifton's philosophy is the belief that sports serve as a powerful vehicle for personal growth. His approach goes beyond drills and plays; it's about instilling values that champion character, academic excellence, and community engagement. Through D-One Sports, he has created an environment where young athletes flourish, driven by a shared vision of reaching their highest potential. Coach Clifton's blog on the D-ONE Ducks Playbook website is more than just a collection of insights and advice. It's a reflection of his journey in shaping tomorrow's stars, offering an intimate look into the strategies, stories, and philosophies that define his legendary coaching career. Whether discussing the nuances of game strategy, the importance of mental toughness, or the balance between athletics and academics, Coach Clifton's words inspire and educate, making his blog a must-read for anyone connected to youth sports. Join Coach Clifton as he continues to build legacies, one player at a time, always with an eye toward the future and a commitment to excellence that transcends the basketball court.

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