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The beaten and battered nylon basketball nets on the campus of EA will get a bit of a much-needed rest after the conclusion of the 2009 Matt Barnes Basketball Camp.

Last week more than 85 kids, ages 8-14, rained and drained basketballs inside Tim’s House (the EA gym) during a week-long instructional program organized by Barnes and his staff of 11 coaches and councilors. The second annual Barnes Camp ran daily from 8:30 to 4pm.

“From the coaches to the 80 or so kids who participated in the camp this year, it was such a fun and rewarding week for everybody involved,” said Barnes, a seven-year NBA veteran who recently signed with the Orlando Magic. “With such a great campus and all of the fun activities available for the kids, EA’s the ideal place to host a week-long event like this. We hope to continue the tradition again next year.”

Unified with their white EA SPORTS t-shirts symbolizing teamwork, campers looked to improve their basketball skills in various areas on the court, while gaining a better understanding of the game off the court as well.

Playing on an authentic, regulation-style hardwood floor found in NBA arenas around the league, campers took part in various shooting, dribbling, and passing drills throughout the week. Afternoon sessions featured 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 games, skills competitions, contests, and team practice. Coaches from the Hoops 24 basketball program also assisted in the teaching process with a Friday morning session that focused on play strategies, such as screens and picks.

The week also featured special guests who spent time instructing the campers, including Jason Kapono of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jerome Randall, point guard for the University of California.

But it wasn’t all work and no play.

Between sessions and during lunch, campers had full access to the EA Cafe and EA Arcade, a video game haven for gamers of all ages. Campers were scattered throughout the area playing ping pong, air hockey, or billiards, or having fun playing one of the latest titles from EA at one of the gaming stations. Others just relaxed by catching sports highlights on the flat-screen TVs.

The 2009 Matt Barnes Basketball Camp also coincided with the official launch of Madden NFL 10, one of the most highly anticipated games from EA SPORTS.

During the Madden NFL 10 party, and under sunny, 80 degree-plus Bay Area weather, the D.J. known as JX2 spun the latest tracks from a collection of electro house mixes of R&B, rock, house, and hip-hop tunes, while campers traded in their high-tops for football gear, even if it was for just an hour.

Campers stormed the great lawn for a shot at kicking a 20-yard field goal through goalposts or throwing balls through cutout targets from 10 yards away. The highlight of the day for most was the Blow Up Sports Challenge, an air-filled ‘jumpy-type’ challenge course featuring obstacles, tunnels, and more.

But even with all the fun distractions, basketball was the main focus for everyone involved.

“It was a really fun camp, especially when we got to play 5 on 5 against other teams,” said Tyler Lynch, age 9. “I learned a new reverse pivot move that helped me score more points. Hopefully I’ll be able to do it again next year.”

As for the tattered nets, they only have a few short hours to recover, as the gym opens back up to EA employees beginning today.

-GABE LEON