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The Pelhams – PLUS -- Printed in News on Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Two Pelham, NY entrepreneurs are hoping to make a lasting mark on lacrosse training programs throughout the country with their new product for young players called the Shoot n Scoop.
Developed by Pelham residents Bob Krumme and Jamey Cappello, the Shoot n Scoop employs a custom-designed bucket topped with a small version of a lacrosse net. It allows players to shoot at the net, and, when the ball hits, it drops into the bucket, then rolls out of the bottom so players can then scoop up a ground ball and try again.
It can be used on a lacrosse field, in a backyard, in a gym, just about anywhere.
“I was looking for a way to intuitively teach lefty and righty stick-work fundamentals that was fun and could keep many kids occupied at the same time,” said Mr. Krumme who is President and co-founder of Pelham Youth Lacrosse. “The best way to introduce the game to young kids is to demonstrate the correct fundamentals and then turn it over to them to get a feel for it. This gave birth to the idea of a personally interactive training tool that started with these buckets. Correct form comes with repetition and the Shoot n Scoop gives kids a unique way to practice that is both safe and fun.”
After seeing the buckets in action, Mr. Cappello suggested adding a net on top. The pair then began developing the product within the Pelham lacrosse program and found success. Both the girls and boys loved using them and they became staples in practices and drills.
“I noticed what (Mr. Krumme) was doing and took a step back and thought that it was such a great idea to get kids’ attention and teach them the critical scooping skills that they need to learn,” said Mr. Cappello. “It’s personalized wall-ball without the wall and with the addition of a ground ball.” The two then formed Jono Enterprises, named after Mr. Cappello’s brother, whom died in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. They filed for patents and trademarks and began working to build a quality product.
“Bob was kind enough to allow me to name the company after my brother Jonathan. We grew up in Garden City Long Island and Jono loved working with kids, so it is an honor to have his name live on in this company. It’s a perfect avenue for that,” said Mr. Cappello.
The product’s final iteration is made with a custom reinforced pipe frame to ensure durability. The base bucket can also be filled with water to adjust its weight, while still being easily transportable. The net is cut from specialty goalie mesh creating a durable and energy-absorbent pocket that breaks in like a real lacrosse stick pocket.
By using the Shoot n Scoop, Mr. Cappello and Mr. Krumme said, the kids enjoy training, while the product in turn helps teach and sharpen essential skills for young lacrosse players.
They said that it allows coaches more freedom to work on different fundamentals during practice, because they can set up drills using the product for several players at a time.
“It teaches ball control for little kids, requires little explanation, and is easy to demonstrate,” said Mr. Krumme. “They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. If I showed a kid what I was looking for, and then gave them a stick, they could use the tool on their own, freeing me up to coach their movements, hand position and footwork, teaching proper form. The faster and more accurate their shots became the better the return of the ground ball so the kids could actually see themselves getting better by using a Shoot n Scoop! This was the teaching moment I was looking for as kids quickly learn to control the ball, throw it, and learn the proper fundamentals of scooping.”
While originally geared toward younger players, the Shoot n Scoop is also being used by the older kids as well. Mr. Krumme said that Pelham varsity lacrosse coach Mike Solazzo is using them during open gym as goals for box lacrosse. Other programs within Westchester have also bought the product.
The Shoot n Scoop was launched only last month, but the early feedback has been positive. Hundreds were sold in the first couple of months and the two men said they hope to spread the product across the U.S. by Spring.
“It’s the result of three years or so of brainstorming,” said Mr. Cappello. “It’s a long time in the making and we’re really excited about it.”
“We’re hoping that the Shoot n Scoop moves towards becoming the defacto trainer a boy or girl gets as they look to learn the sport and develop their skills. When you’re a parent and you want your child to try the game of lacrosse, you’re not going to spend $400-$500 on a cage or a lax wall, you would get a Shoot n Scoop,” said Mr. Krumme.
Retailing for $149.99, the Shoot n Scoop is available for purchase at www.shootnscoop.com.