How to Help Children Improve at Playing Basketball

Submitted By: Penny Lane
If your child is into playing hoops, he might be looking for ways to improve his game. Basketball shooting and other skills associated with the game take a lot of practice. Basketball training is easy if you have the right equipment on hand. If your child takes an enjoyment in the game and decides to pursue it is his free time, you should encourage practice. It does not matter whether he wants to play just for fun, for a school or community league or in hopes of getting a sports scholarship from a college, there are plenty of great practice options that can be combined to help him improve his game. In addition to the organized game time and practice time, there are lot of things he can do on his own time to get better and more proficient at playing.
Aside from organized practice, schedule some practice time at home. This does not need to be as structured as practice time with his team. You can just head outside with him and shoot around or practice some of the simpler drills. Plan a Saturday afternoon at the park or the courts where you can play a pick-up game or some one on one. This not only gives him extra practice, it is fun to spend time together and gives you a chance to talk and bond without any pressure on anyone.
Make sure practice time is fun. It is important that the extra practice time is enjoyable. Practice time with his teammates and coach may not always be the best time in the world, so make sure at-home practice reminds him of why he wanted to play to begin with. If he has a passion for the sport, it is important to make sure this does not get lost. There is a lot of pressure on student athletes, and while this might not be the worst thing in the world, your job as a parent is to make sure it is balanced in a healthy way.
There are plenty of options when it comes to machinery and equipment for practicing. Some are major investments and might not be worth the time and money, or the space they take up. Others are more affordable. You might also decide the aids are worth it because of the trade off. If your child sees a vast improvement in his skills which translates to a scholarship, the equipment was well worth the money and time you put into it.
Finally, be sure you are encouraging your child without pushing too hard. He needs to understand why there is pressure on him and he needs to be able to manage it. Not all teenagers are capable of doing this. Support him and offer encouragement, but do not go too far. Also make sure coaches and teammates are not going too far either. Some pressure is good, but if things get too intense, your child might lose his passion for the game and nothing will be achieved if he chooses to give up on the sport.

Published At: Isnare.com