As you gear up to return to the court, channel your inner coach. Reflect on the valuable skills and drills your coaches have taught during training sessions and put them into practice. Head out to a court with a ball, focus on shooting, dribbling, and passing. No hoop? A flat, concreted area is a great spot to work on dribbling skills. No ball? Get one!
If you have the opportunity, engage in game scenarios – 1 on 1, 2 on 2. Back at school, organize small games at recess and lunch to further refine your skills with friends. Even when having fun, remember to be your own coach when the official one isn’t around!
After a holiday period that might have involved more screen time than ball time, it’s time to get back to basics. Even without a hoop, dedicate 20 minutes a day to bouncing the ball. Create a playlist of your favourite tracks or put on an album and bounce away. Focus on using your fingertips, bounce to hip height, and keep your eyes up. Gradually add complexity with crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back moves.
Practicing the fundamental skills and drills you’ve learned takes patience and repetition. You can work on shooting form and BEEF. Defensive slides. Layups. Free throws. Feeling rusty is to be expected. It’s perseverance with the fundamental skills of basketball that will reward you when you are back on court competing.
Ease back into your routine. Begin with lighter drills and gradually increase the intensity. A measured approach helps prevent injuries while readjusting you to the demands of a competitive game.
Maintaining peak playing fitness during a holiday break can be challenging. It is also important to have a quality rest from sport to allow your body to fully recover from a taxing season. When returning to the court, start by incorporating cardio exercises into your routine to rebuild stamina. Running, cycling, and interval training can be effective in restoring your playing fitness. Consistency is key. Soon you’ll find yourself regaining that on-court endurance.
Before returning to sport, balance relaxation with productivity. Instead of scrolling on TikTok or YouTube, explore content from elite coaches and players online. Find personal drills you can do in your backyard. This way, you can unwind while still staying connected to the game, making the transition back to sports smoother and more enjoyable.
The best way to train is with a coach. Now that you are a few weeks back from school holidays, get back to basics and join Chase Basketball UP Skills.
If you are looking for elite, specialised basketball coaching during the school term, join Chase for our UP Skills sessions, held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
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.
