Global Hoops Camp 2026 (Riga, Latvia)

Global Hoops Camp is a youth basketball camp that will take place in June 2026 in Riga, at the Rimi Olympic Centre (6b Grostonas Street). We offer a modern training process with high-level coaches from leading European and Latvian clubs and youth development systems. A safe, structured, and high-quality sports environment throughout the entire day.

📅 Camp period: June 2026

📍 Dates: June 15–19

Who is the camp for?

The camp is designed for boys and girls aged 7–18 with varying levels of basketball experience — from those who already train actively to those who have recently started discovering basketball.

To ensure that every participant feels comfortable and can develop at their own pace, children and young athletes will be grouped by age and skill level throughout the camp. This allows our coaches to deliver appropriate, high-quality, and engaging training sessions tailored to each group, helping every participant improve skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the game.

Participants will be divided into age groups, which will then be further subdivided into smaller subgroups:

Born between 2019–2016

Born between 2008–2015

Coach to participant ratio - 1 coach for every 6 participants

Benefits of Age & Skill Grouping

✔️ Age-appropriate training focused on physical, technical, and mental development

✔️ Balanced and competitive training environment that promotes confidence and growth

✔️ Individualized coaching attention within smaller, focused groups

✔️ Safer training conditions aligned with each player’s physical maturity

✔️ Faster skill development through structured, level-based drills

✔️ Maximum learning, engagement, and enjoyment for every participant

Training process and content

The camp program includes individual skills training, as well as 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 sessions in which various game situations will be taught and practiced. In addition, tactical training sessions are planned to develop game understanding, decision-making, and teamwork.

Training in age and skill appropriate groups will allow players to demonstrate their best performance. Each athlete will train at an appropriate intensity, face suitable challenges, and receive focused, individualized attention from the coaching staff. This structure will enhance concentration, confidence, decision-making, and overall performance, ensuring faster and more effective development for each participant.

The camp will include video analysis sessions to help young basketball players better understand their performance and identify areas for improvement. In addition to basketball training, guest lectures are planned on basketball, an athlete’s daily routine, and mental preparation.

Between training sessions, participants will remain at the Rimi Olympic Sports Center under the supervision of coaches and staff, ensuring a safe and well-organized environment throughout the entire camp day. The camp will conclude with a special All-Star game, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive atmosphere.

Participation options

🔹 Participation WITHOUT accommodation

The participant attends all daily camp training sessions without staying at a hotel.

Participation WITHOUT accommodation includes:

• All basketball training sessions at the Rimi Olympic Sports Centre

• Training program led by world-class and high-level Latvian coaches

• Meals on training days: lunch, afternoon snack, snacks between training sessions, drinking water during training

• Camp equipment: sports T-shirt, reversible training jersey, shorts, gifts from partners and sponsors

• The organizers provide daily washing of the camp equipment.

❗ The participant is responsible for accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and transportation to and from the camp.

* It is possible to pay the participation fee in installments!

🔹 Participation WITH Accommodation

A full camp experience with hotel stay and full care throughout the entire camp.

Participation WITH accommodation includes:

• All basketball training sessions of the camp

• Accommodation at the 4-star Hestia Hotel Jugend from June 14 to June 19, with adult supervision throughout the entire duration of the camp! Hotel - https://www.hestiahotels.com/jugend/

• It is possible to arrive one day earlier and stay overnight starting from June 14

• Accommodation in the hotel will be in rooms with two or three people per room

• Daily transportation provided from the hotel to the training sessions and back

• 4 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner

• Snacks between training sessions

• Drinking water during training

• Camp equipment: sports T-shirt, reversible training jersey, shorts, gifts from partners and sponsors

• The organizers provide daily washing of the camp equipment.

* It is possible to pay the participation fee in installments!

Health

The insurance company BALTA is the official insurance partner of Global Hoops Camp 2026. All participants are insured against accidents during the camp (June 15–19).

Elite-level coaches

The camp will feature internationally recognized coaches from leading leagues, clubs, and youth development systems, as well as experienced, top-level Latvian coaches with experience working with both young basketball players and professionals, ensuring a high-intensity, modern, and developmental training process.

GLOBAL HOOPS CAMP – COACHING STAFF

(The coaching staff will be regularly expanded with additional high-level specialists.)

Jānis Gailītis (Latvia)
Head Coach – SIG Strasbourg (France, LNB Pro A)
Head Coach – Latvia Men’s National Basketball Team

An experienced and highly decorated head coach, and long-time leader of VEF Rīga, with extensive experience at top-level European clubs and as head coach of the Latvia men’s national team.

Matīss Rožlapa (Latvia)

Head Coach – Saarlouis Royals (Germany)

Head Coach of the Latvian Women’s National Team, with extensive experience in youth national teams and professional basketball development.

Julien Zoa (France)

Assistant Coach – SIG Strasbourg (France, LNB Pro A)

Individual player development specialist with experience in the NBA Summer League and working with top-level European and NBA players.

Radovan Marković (Serbia)

Assistant Coach – CSM Oradea (Romania)

Former professional player with long-standing European experience, specializing in perimeter play and basketball IQ development.

Dimitris Tsesmetzis (Greece)

Assistant Coach – UCAM Murcia (Spain, ACB)

Experienced in player development, scouting, and video analysis in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.

Lucas Pérez (Spain)

Assistant Coach – UCAM Murcia (Spain, ACB)

Long-time UCAM Murcia system coach, specializing in individual skills, tactics, and integrating young players into professional basketball.

Rauno Pehka (Estonia)

Youth Individual Development Coach

Former Estonian national team player with professional experience across European leagues, specializing in fundamentals, basketball IQ, and youth development.

By clicking on a trainer’s profile, you can learn more about the trainer.

Global Hoops Camp schedule

(Participants can arrive at the camp every day starting from 8:30 in the morning, and minor changes to the schedule are still possible before the start of the camp.)

MONDAY – “Standards and Mentality”

Mini Hoopers / Rising Stars (2019.-2016.)

09:00 – Check-in / Registration
09:30 – 11:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
11:30 – 12:00 – Cool Down
12:20 – Lunch / Free Time
13:20 – Meeting with the Head Coach of the Camp (Installation and discussion of standards, goals, and camp assignments)
14:00 – 15:00 – Individual Shooting Competitions
15:00 – 16:30 – Team Practice – Concepts and Skill Application
16:30 – 17:00 – Snacks / End of the Day

Juniors / Elite (2008.–2015)

10:30 – Check-in / Registration
11:00 – 11:30 – Activation and Warm-up
11:30 – 13:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
13:40 – Lunch / Free Time
14:50 – Meeting with the Head Coach of the Camp (Installation and discussion of standards, goals, and camp assignments)
15:30 – 16:30 – Individual Shooting Competitions / Snacks
16:30 – 18:00 – Team Practice – Concepts and Skill Application
18:00 – End of the Day

TUESDAY – “Skills and Decision Making”

Mini Hoopers / Rising Stars (2019.-2016.)

09:30 – 11:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
11:30 – 12:00 – Cool Down
12:20 – Lunch / Free Time / Fun Time
13:30 – Video Practice – Special Topic with PRO Coach
14:00 – 15:00 – Skills Challenge Individual Competitions
15:00 – 16:30 – Team Practice – Controlled Scrimmages / Using Advantages
16:30 – 17:00 – Snacks / End of the Day

Juniors / Elite (2008.–2015)

11:00 – 11:30 – Activation and Warm-up
11:30 – 13:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
13:40 – Lunch / Free Time
14:40 – Video Practice – Special Topic with PRO Coach
15:30 – 16:30 – Skills Challenge Individual Competition / Snacks
16:30 – 18:00 – Team Practice – Controlled Scrimmages / Using Advantages
18:00 – End of the Day

WEDNESDAY – “Smart Takes from the Strong”

Mini Hoopers / Rising Stars (2019.-2016.)

09:30 – 11:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
11:30 – 12:00 – Cool Down
12:20 – Lunch / Free Time
13:20 – Guest of the Day (TBA)
14:00 – 15:30 – 3 vs 3 Competition Coached by PRO (Learning to adapt and use skills, decision making, analysis and feedback)
15:30 – 16:30 – Team Shooting Competitions
16:30 – 17:00 – Snacks / End of the Day

Juniors / Elite (2008.–2015)

11:00 – 11:30 – Activation and Warm-up
11:30 – 13:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
13:40 – Lunch / Free Time
14:20 – Guest of the Day (TBA)
15:30 – 17:00 – 3 vs 3 Competition Coached by PRO (Learning to adapt and use skills, decision making, analysis and feedback)
17:00 – 18:00 – Snacks / Team Shooting Competitions
18:00 – End of the Day

THURSDAY – “Winning is a Habit – Competition Day”

Mini Hoopers / Rising Stars (2019.-2016.)

09:30 – Team Practice with Guest Coach (TBA)
11:30 – 12:00 – Cool Down
12:20 – Lunch / Free Time
13:30 – Basketball Quiz Game
14:30 – 16:00 – Scrimmage 5 vs 5 Led by PRO Coaches (Players will play 5 vs 5, learning the game and the way to compete)
16:00 – Snacks
16:15 – 17:00 – 1 vs 1 Basketball Tournament
17:00 – End of the Day

Juniors / Elite (2008.–2015)

11:00 – 11:30 – Activation and Warm-up
11:30 – 13:30 – Team Practice with Guest Coach (TBA)
13:30 – Lunch / Free Time
15:00 – Basketball Quiz Game
16:00 – 17:15 – Scrimmage 5 vs 5 Led by PRO Coaches (Players will play 5 vs 5, learning the game and the way to compete)
17:15 – Snacks
17:15 – 18:00 – 1 vs 1 Basketball Tournament
18:00 – End of the Day

FRIDAY – “Building Routine and Habits”

Mini Hoopers / Rising Stars (2019.-2016.)

09:30 – 11:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
11:30 – 12:00 – Cool Down
12:20 – Lunch / Free Time / Fun Time
14:00 – 15:45 – THE GAME Together / Against Coaches and Volunteers
15:45 – 16:15 – Snack / Award Ceremony – Camp Closure

Juniors / Elite (2008.–2015)

11:00 – 11:30 – Activation and Warm-up
11:30 – 13:30 – Skills Stations with PRO Coaches (3 stations × 40 min each)
13:40 – Lunch / Free Time
15:00 – Video Meeting with the Head Coach (We learn the game through watching basketball – details, deeper analysis, suggestions)
15:45 – 17:15 – THE GAME Together / Against Coaches and Volunteers
17:15 – 17:30 – Snack / Award Ceremony – Camp Closure

Rimi Olympic Center – the Ideal Venue for the Global Hoops Camp

The Global Hoops Camp will take place at the Rimi Olympic Center in Riga — one of the most modern and best-equipped sports complexes in the Baltic States. This environment provides all the prerequisites to deliver a high-level, professionally organized basketball camp.

Top-Class Basketball Infrastructure

The center features a large main basketball hall with six baskets, allowing multiple training stations to be organized simultaneously. The court can be divided into two full-size courts, making it ideal for individual skill development, small-group work, and full-court games — all within one controlled space.

In addition, a second basketball hall with six baskets is available, ensuring a smooth and continuous training process throughout the day. This layout allows age groups to train separately, rotate efficiently, and maintain high training intensity without overload.

Development Beyond the Court

The Rimi Olympic Center also offers a conference hall, which will be used for:

• daily meetings

• coach-led educational sessions

• guest speaker presentations

• video analysis and tactical discussions

This allows participants to develop not only their on-court skills but also their basketball understanding, mindset, and professional approach to the game.

Central Location and Professional Environment

The Rimi Olympic Center is located in the heart of Riga, providing easy access, professional infrastructure, and a true high-performance sports atmosphere. The venue is regularly used by professional clubs, national teams, and international sporting events — making it an ideal setting for an international-level basketball camp.

At the Global Hoops Camp, the environment plays a decisive role. The Rimi Olympic Center makes it possible to deliver a structured, high-quality training process, professional organization, and an unforgettable basketball experience.

Kļūsti Labāks

Kļūsti Labāks is a youth and children’s individual training program founded by Haralds Kārlis and Lauris Blaus. Within the framework of the program, they have been developing young players all across Latvia for more than 7 years, with extensive experience in organizing and planning youth training programs.

Haralds Kārlis – former professional basketball player. He spent two seasons at the Gran Canaria Basketball Academy in Spain. From 2011 to 2015, he represented Seton Hall University, where alongside his academic studies he competed in the NCAA tournament. He gained organizational experience as one of the organizers and leaders of the street basketball project Ghetto Games, as well as serving as the manager of the professional basketball club BK Latvijas Universitāte.

Lauris Blaus – former basketball player with 14 years of professional basketball experience and a former Latvian national team player. He played professionally outside Latvia in Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Ukraine. He represented Latvian youth national teams and won a bronze medal with the U-18 national team in 2007. After ending his playing career, he worked as a manager and coach of the professional basketball club BK Latvijas Universitāte.

Website: www.klustilabaks.com

Jānis Gailītis

Head Coach, SIG Strasbourg (France, LNB Pro A)

2010–2024 – VEF Rīga

As the head coach of VEF Rīga, J. Gailītis is one of the most successful coaches in Latvian club basketball history. He is a seven-time Latvian Basketball League champion.

He has coaching experience in Germany and France and was a member of the Latvian men’s national basketball team coaching staff from 2021 to 2025.

Jānis Gailītis is known for a modern coaching philosophy with a strong focus on youth development.

In 2016, together with the Latvian U16 national team, he achieved 2nd place at the European Championship.

Winner of the German Cup in 2025.

During the planned camp, he will be actively involved as an on-court coach.

https://www.globalhoopscamp.com/