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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ways to help athletes be ready to play in tournaments and competition after a holiday break.
Learn about Coach Ellen’s (Chase’s Director of Operations) time in New Hampshire USA as a Camp Counsellor at Harbor Camps, a program that supports transgender and non-binary youth and their families.
Managing Director Nigel Purchase gives a brief history of Chase Basketball. From humble beginnings to one of Melbourne’s longest standing basketball skill development providers, learn about Chase, from then to now.
What are the skills in basketball you should work on to continue getting better?
Melbourne’s Basketball Coaching Specialists.
