Grace N GrindGrace N Grind

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The academy

Built on grace. Proven in the grind.

Grace N Grind is a faith-based basketball academy in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We train skill, protect the body and grow character, so your athlete gets better at the game and better as a person.

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Coach Darrel Wilson leading two Grace N Grind athletes through a ball handling warm-up Founder Darrel Wilson, DPT

Our story

Skill and health, trained together

Grace N Grind was founded by Darrel Wilson, Doctor of Physical Therapy and player development coach. He built the academy to bridge two worlds: elite basketball skills training and physical therapy.

That means your athlete works on the things that win games, like decision-making and ballhandling, while learning to move well and stay healthy. We call it prehab and performance. The goal is a player who excels now and keeps playing for years.

Darrel holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and played college basketball at Mayville State University. He coaches as a movement specialist: how an athlete moves, lands and recovers is trained right alongside the skill work.

We serve athletes of all ages. Most of our players are in elementary through high school, and we also offer specialized training for college-level players and beyond.

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Mayville State basketball
  • Player development coach
  • Prehab + performance
  • Faith-based

Darrel Wilson, DPTFounder, Grace N Grind

The training model

Teach. Play. Compete.

Every session moves through the same three stages, so a new skill does not stay in a drill. It shows up in games.

1

Teach

We break the skill down and explain the why behind it, so athletes understand what they are working on.

2

Play

They use it right away in small-sided, game-like reps, with coaching in the moment.

3

Compete

Live 1v1 and knockout reps at game speed, where the skill has to hold up under pressure.

What we believe

Four things in every session

Every session is built on the same foundation. Here is what your athlete gets, whichever group they train in.

Four Grace N Grind athletes working a footwork drill togetherFaith-based

Grace first

We are a faith-based academy. We coach with patience, honesty and encouragement, and we hold every athlete to a high standard because we believe in who they can become.

Two athletes facing off in a one on one dribble knockoutCharacter

Better humans

We focus on creating great athletes and even better humans. Coachability, accountability and confidence are trained right alongside the jumper and the handle.

A Grace N Grind athlete finishing a layup at the hoopMovement specialist

Prehab + performance

Footwork, body control and strength guided by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Athletes learn to move well, so they can perform at their best and stay healthy for the long run.

A Grace N Grind coach working with an athlete on a midrange shotExperienced coaches

Coaches who have played

Our trainers have played at the collegiate level. They know what the next level asks for, and they teach it in a way young players can understand.

Who we train

A place for every level

Athletes train with players at their stage, so beginners build a strong foundation and older players get pushed.

1

Beginner

2nd to 6th grade. Fundamentals, footwork, coordination and confidence, in a group that is fun and safe to learn in.

2

Intermediate

The next step up. For players who have the fundamentals and are ready for a tighter handle, finishing and reads at a faster pace.

3

Elite

7th to 12th grade. Decision-making, advanced ballhandling and game-speed reps for players with the basics locked in.

4

College and beyond

Specialized training for college-level players and beyond. Reach out and we will talk through what you need.

See the programs Ask about college training
A Grace N Grind coach leading two athletes through a pocket dribble warm-up Drill Pocket dribble series

The Grace N Grind way

How we coach

You do not need to know basketball to help your athlete grow. That is our job, and we keep you in the loop.

  • High time on task: the ball stays in their hands
  • Players learn by helping each other
  • Honest outside feedback from Darrel, so you know what to work on next
  • Plans for different budgets, once or twice a week

Fuel the grind. Embrace the grace.

The Grace N Grind motto

Where we train

Find your court in Grand Forks

Two places to put in the work. Pick a session, and we confirm your court when you book.

Come see how we train

Your athlete joins a real session for free. You meet the coaches and get honest feedback on their game.

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