Recently, I read a great blog post about Off-Season Improvements for Coaches. It’s a great read for coaches at all levels. The article offers 7 Career Enhancing Thoughts Heading into Summer. I thought this article was not only great for coaches but anyone that could use some career advice. Then my focus immediately turned to current girls basketball players. School has ended in Memphis and June is less than a week away. What advice could I provide them on how to take advantage of this time frame?
BASKETBALL SKILL ENHANCING ACTIVITIES
Basketball has evolved into a year round sport where players are playing on their school teams during basketball season. Then as soon as basketball season comes to an end, AAU and travel team coaches are ready to whisk their players away on the road for tournaments. Players are involved in so many games throughout the year, when is there time to actually work on their game. June is an excellent month. Especially since there’s no more school or homework to focus on (unless you are in summer school).
Attend a Camp
I call June — Basketball Development Month. This is the month when most college basketball programs host their summer camps. Younger players can attend Fundamental Camps. While older players can kill two birds with one stone by attending Elite Camps for skill development and exposure. Even private schools and organizations offer basketball camps during this time.
Read a Basketball Book
Reading a basketball book is a great way to enhance your basketball IQ. You can even learn how professional players and former professional players where able to be successful in the game.
Check out YouTube videos or watch a Basketball DVD
YouTube is a goldmine for basketball videos. There are tons of drills and plays available to learn from. ChampionshipProductions.com is a great place to learn from top college basketball coaches.
Get Off the Couch, Computer, or Phone
Grabbing a basketball and going to the backyard, driveway, sidewalk or local gym for some jump shots, free throws, 3 pointers, ball handling is as simple as it gets. It’s not about doing anything fancy. It’s just about doing it.
BREAK FROM BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES
Like I mentioned earlier, basketball has evolved into a year round sport. A break from the game is not a bad thing. So after you have worked on enhancing your skills, TAKE A BREAK.
Pamper Yourself
Since you don’t have to worry about sweating your hair out or breaking a nail, go get your hair and/or nails done.
Read a Book on a Subject of Interest
Go to the library or bookstore and get a book about something you have an interest in or something you heard about.
Take an Art or Music Class
Local colleges offer classes for the community. Take some time to try something completely out the ordinary.
Take a Non-Basketball Related Trip or Vacation
If you are on an AAU or travel team, you have probably been on several tournament trips out of town this year. See if a relative can take you somewhere that does not involve basketball. Or see if you can go with a friend and her family out of town on a trip.