Holiday Practice – Basketball Training During The Break

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, dedicating some time to practice during the break can make a world of difference to your growth on the court.

In the last Chase Blog, we explored how best to return to the court after the break. But what should athletes do during the holidays? Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, dedicating some time to practice during the break can make a world of difference to your growth on the court. Here are some tips to keep your skills sharp during the holidays:

You need a ball

It might seem like the simplest thing, but Chase Coaches often see junior athletes who don’t have their own basketball. Even if you don’t have a hoop, a ball is an absolute must have for any aspiring baller. The quality of your ball does not matter; if it bounces, then you can practice.

Dribbling Drills

For players who have attended Chase Holiday Camps, you might remember the warmup drills where you practice ball handling. First, don’t dribble, but move the ball around your body, circling from hand to hand around your ankles, waist and head. With your fingertips, increase the speed of your circling until you can circle around your whole body without dropping the ball. Even the best players use this type of drill to improve and refine their hand, eye coordination and touch.

Once warmed-up, your progress to dribbling drills should start with left and right hand dribbling, moving into crossover, then behind the back and between the legs moves. Remember the three fundamental rules of ball handling: 1. Waist height dribbles, 2. Use your fingertips, not your palm, 3. Eyes up looking ahead and not on the ball.

Shooting Practice

If you are lucky enough to have a hoop at home or if you need to head to the local park or school, spend time focussing on form shooting.

Remember BEEF; Balance, Eyes, Elbow and Follow-through.

Balance is having your feet pointing to the hoop, shoulder width apart.

Eyes, looking at your target (the hoop!)

Elbow, pointing towards the ground with the ball on your fingertips, prepared to shoot.

Finish with a Follow-through, a flick of the wrist and hold as the ball drops through the hoop.

Form shooting is all about practicing the movement of shooting, so begin with being as close to the hoop as possible. If you don’t have access to a hoop, you can practice your form with your ball and brain! Imagine the hoop in front of you and go through your shooting motion. The practice will give you an advantage when you do get on a court.

Practice With Others

Gather your friends or family for a game of basketball at your local hoop or join a pickup game. There is no better practice than playing, so wherever or whenever you got a chance, PLAY! Always bring your ball along to the local court. The best way to get a game going is by having the ball ready to go.

Rest and Recovery

While it is essential to stay active and practice regularly throughout the holiday period, it is equally important to give your body time to rest and recuperate. The basketball year is long, so listen to your body and take some time to relax during your holiday. Prioritise sleep, stay hydrated and eat nutritious food around your practice.

Holiday Practice Only Takes 10 Minutes A Day!

Across a two week break, just 10 minutes a day of fundamental basketball practice means you will have spent over two hours in your holidays training. Every minute of practice will give you a leg up when you return to the court. 10 minutes also means you will be giving yourself ample time to rest and enjoy your holidays.

Maintaining a regular practice schedule throughout the holidays will give you the best opportunity of returning to your team ready to play. But it can be tough to do this by yourself.

Join Chase at our Holiday Camps to hone your basketball skills and stay on top of your game with other junior athletes. All skill levels are welcome to our variety of Camps that cover the fundamental skills and drills needed to become a star basketball player.

Holiday Practice – Basketball Training During The Break

You need a ball

Dribbling Drills

Shooting Practice

Practice With Others

Rest and Recovery

Holiday Practice Only Takes 10 Minutes A Day!

Maintaining a regular practice schedule throughout the holidays will give you the best opportunity of returning to your team ready to play. But it can be tough to do this by yourself.

Join Chase at our Holiday Camps to hone your basketball skills and stay on top of your game with other junior athletes. All skill levels are welcome to our variety of Camps that cover the fundamental skills and drills needed to become a star basketball player.

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