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.

Foundation of Great Hoops

Footwork Finesse: Mastering the Foundation of Great Basketball

March 28, 20242 min read

Hey D-ONE Ducks! Coach Brian back with you, and this week we're focusing on the often-overlooked, but crucially important aspect of the game: footwork! Footwork is the foundation of strong basketball skills, impacting everything from your agility and speed to your shooting accuracy and defensive prowess.

Fancy Footwork for Fantastic Plays:

  • Balance is Key: Proper footwork starts with good balance. Maintain a low center of gravity with your knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart. This allows for quick changes of direction and powerful movements.

  • Master the Basic Footwork: Develop a strong foundation in basic footwork drills like shuffles, lunges, and slides. These movements are essential for staying in front of your defender, creating space for drives, and recovering on defense.

  • Agility Makes a Difference: Sharp and quick footwork allows you to change direction effectively, react quickly to plays, and get to open shots before your opponent. Practice agility drills that incorporate lateral movements, jumping, and quick stops and starts.

  • Footwork for Shooting: Footwork plays a crucial role in a successful jump shot. Learn proper foot placement for different shooting situations, like jump shots off the dribble or fadeaway shots.

Drills to Sharpen Your Footwork:

  • Mirror Drill: Practice basic footwork drills like shuffles, lunges, and slides in front of a mirror. Focus on maintaining proper form and smooth transitions between movements.

  • Ladder Drills: Agility ladders are a fantastic tool for improving footwork speed and coordination. Practice various footwork patterns on the ladder, focusing on quick foot placement and sharp changes of direction.

  • Cone Drills: Set up cones in various patterns and practice dribbling drills that incorporate changes of direction, around the cones or weaving in and out. This improves footwork coordination while incorporating ball handling.

  • Defensive Slide Drill: Practice defensive slides side-to-side, staying low and keeping your feet under your body. This is essential for staying in front of your opponent and contesting shots.

Remember, mastering footwork takes dedication and consistent practice. Incorporate footwork drills into your regular training routine and gradually increase the complexity as your skills improve.

D-ONE Ducks Basketball: Building a Strong Foundation

Our coaches understand the importance of footwork and can design drills to target your specific needs. We offer agility training, footwork fundamentals classes, and individual instruction to help you develop the fancy footwork needed to dominate on the court.

Share your favorite footwork drills or tips 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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