A basketball going through a basketball hoop against a dark background.

chicago skills lab

Basketball Development

5TH–8TH GRADE ATHLETES

Hyde Park, Chicago IL

starts june 15

Register For Summer

training services

  • 90-Minute Skill Development Sessions

    Skill development, live play, and game application.

    Summer Skills Lab — $240
    8 sessions • $30/session • Train 2x per week

    Structured small-group training for 5th—8th grade athletes of all skill levels focused on fundamentals, game-speed reps, basketball IQ, and confidence that translates directly to real competition.

    Limited spots available to maintain a high quality training environment.

  • 90-Minute Sessions • 8-Minute Games • Running Clock

    Organized, competitive gameplay in a controlled environment. These sessions reinforce basketball IQ, decision-making, spacing, communication, and game habits through structured play.

    Competitive runs are included within the Lab training model and organized by age and skill level to maintain a focused, productive experience.

  • Rate: Inquire for pricing and availability

    Private training is available for athletes seeking more personalized skill development. Sessions are customized to each athlete’s goals and scheduled based on location, facility access, and availability.

Register For Summer
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📍Training Location

the sport house

1301 E 47th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Indoor basketball facility with free on-site parking.

Conveniently located for Hyde Park and surrounding communities.

Training Schedule

Summer Training begins June 15th

Mondays: Skills Training
5:30 PM —7:00 PM
(Dates: June 15, 22, 29/ July 6)

Thursdays: Skills Training
6:30 PM — 8:00 PM
(Dates: June 18, 25/ July 2, 9)

Limited enrollment: 12 athletes

Designed for middle school athletes committed to consistent development and game improvement.

What to Bring

  • 🏀 Basketball

  • 👟 Indoor basketball shoes

  • 💧 Water bottle

Arrival

  • ⏱️ Please arrive 10 minutes early

Register For Summer
A man with braided hair and a beard standing on a basketball bench, wearing a black sports jacket, with other players seated nearby and an "EXIT" sign on the wall behind him.
“The goal isn’t just to build skilled players, it’s to develop athletes who understand the game.”
— Coach Marshall

Coach

damian marshall

founder — chicago skills lab

  • Chicago Skills Lab was founded by Damian Marshall, a premier player development specialist with over a decade of proven success in the Chicago basketball landscape.

    Since 2013, Coach Marshall has served as a lead architect for athlete development, bridging the gap between raw talent and elite-level performance. His experience spans some of Chicago’s most respected basketball programs including Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, The Latin School of Chicago and University Laboratory High School, where he has helped contribute to Conference, Regional and Sectional championships.

  • Chicago Skills Lab is built on a foundation of education, athletic administration, performance science, and real-world coaching experience within Chicago’s competitive basketball landscape.

    Physical Education Educator (10+ Years)
    With over a decade of teaching physical education, Coach Marshall specializes in youth motor-skill development and movement efficiency— designing training environments where drills translate into long-term muscle memory and game-ready coordination.

    Athletic Director
    Overseeing school athletic programs provides Coach Marshall with a deep understanding of team culture, program expectations, and what athletes must demonstrate to succeed in competitive high school environments.

    NASM Certified Personal Trainer
    Combining functional strength training, injury prevention, and explosive movement with basketball skill work to ensure performance translates to real game speed.

    EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

    B.S. Recreation, Sport & Tourism Management
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    94 Feet of Game Player Development Certification
    Phil Handy — NBA Skills Coach (Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers, Raptors)

  • Coach Marshall’s philosophy isn’t built on generic drills, it’s rooted in The Science of the Game. Every movement, drill and skill progression inside the Lab is designed with intention. By teaching players the “why” behind the “how,” athletes develop elite footwork, faster decision-making, and the basketball IQ required to perform in high-pressure game situations.

  • From competing on the national stage at AAU Nationals to helping build championship programs within the CPS, IESA and IHSA landscape, Coach Marshall’s mission has remained the same: to elevate the next generation of Chicago athletes.

    Through high intensity fundamental reps, technical skill development, and a deep understanding of the game, Chicago Skills Lab develops players who don’t just compete, they separate themselves.

  • High School Programs

    •Christ the King Jesuit College Prep

    •The Latin School of Chicago

    •University Laboratory High School

    Middle School Programs

    •Polaris Charter Academy

    •St. Benedict Preparatory School

    •St. Nicholas Cathedral School

    •Next Generation Middle School

    International & AAU Experience

    •Lycée Français de Chicago

    •AAU Programs: Team Rose & Future Elite

  • Coach Marshall’s athletes have successfully transitioned from the Lab to some of Chicago’s most competitive high school programs, including:

    Christ the King Jesuit College Prep

    Whitney Young Magnet High School

    Simeon Career Academy

    Mount Carmel High School

    DePaul College Prep

    Westinghouse College Prep

    Lane Tech College Prep

    Lincoln Park High School

    TF North High School

    Crane Medical Prep

    Lyons Township High School

    St. Patrick High School

    Proviso West High School

    The Latin School of Chicago

    University Laboratory High School

Register For Summer
A basketball player with blonde hair wearing a white jersey with the number 1 is shaking hands with a man in casual clothing on the basketball court. Other people, including an official in a black and white striped shirt, are present, with spectators sitting in the bleachers in the background.
A youth basketball team huddles around their coach during a timeout on the sideline of a basketball court, with a player sitting on a chair drinking water while holding a basketball and an orange water bottle.
A gymnasium with a group of boys standing along the wall, some holding a basketball, while an instructor demonstrates a basketball move. The gym has banners on the wall displaying championships, and a scoreboard shows a score of 0-0 with 5 minutes remaining in the game. The gym floor has the word 'SPARTANS' written on it.
A basketball team in black and yellow uniforms posing with a trophy on an indoor court. Some players are making peace signs; two sit in front with a basketball. A coach stands to the left.
A man with braided hair and a beard wearing a black hoodie with sports logos, sitting on a gym floor and talking to players in basketball uniforms.
A man standing in a gymnasium holding a large trophy and wearing medals around his neck, with a sports medicine banner in the background.
A youth basketball team in white and purple uniforms posing with a trophy and certificate after winning a game, with all players and coaches smiling and pointing upward.
A youth basketball team named Gladiators in white uniforms with red and gold details, posing in a gymnasium with some players holding a championship plaque.
Young male basketball team posing with coaches in a gymnasium, all wearing white jerseys with 'LATIN' and their numbers, some holding up one finger to indicate first place.
A group of teenage boys in red basketball uniforms with 'UNIVERSITY' written on them, posing together in a gym, with one adult man in a dress shirt and tie.
A youth basketball team in red uniforms posing with their coach in an indoor gym.
A basketball team in white uniforms with yellow accents during a timeout on the sideline. The coach is kneeling and talking to a player wearing the number 15 jersey. Six players are standing behind, some with arms crossed, listening attentively. Two basketballs are under the chairs, and a water bottle is on the floor.
A youth basketball team in maroon jerseys with gold numbers and text, standing and sitting in front of a black wall with a glowing white and yellow emblem, inside a gym or sports facility.
“Training with Coach Marshall helped me slow the game down. The details we worked on actually showed up in games.”
— Varsity Player, Lane Tech High School
Basketball team wearing navy blue uniforms with orange numbers sitting in a huddle on the bench, coaches giving instructions during a game or practice.
Basketball team huddle during game, players in white uniforms with yellow stripes, coach speaking, players standing on court with team bench in background, gymnasium with mascot logo in foreground.
“After one summer in the Lab, my son went from a JV freshman to a varsity contributor as a sophomore.”
— Parent, The Latin School of Chicago