Youth basketball players currently participate in more structured practice sessions and continue playing than before. Over the duration of the travel and AAU basketball seasons, it is not unusual for children to play somewhere between 40 to 60 games. Athletes in high school may be able to play much more. How can you keep your young athlete inspired and avoid relapse when they don’t feel like going to the training to improve on their performance?
You can’t force it
Understand that your youngster must have the drive to be a great athlete, not you. You expose them to the sport and give them the opportunity to participate. They might want a shove or two from you along the road, but whether or not they invest in the resources needed to be a good player will eventually be determined by their love of the sport. Don’t strive to live blissfully through your child or fight with other people based on their athletic achievements. It is not your trip, but the adventure of your young athlete. Be available to provide help and direction when needed, but don’t push it. You’ll merely detract from your child’s enjoyment of the game.
Make it fun
The game must be enjoyable for youngsters. They won’t be playing or training if it isn’t. It should be enjoyable to play and practice. Basketball is just that: a game! Make sure your young player has a good time while playing basketball. Basketball has become a big business for far too many individuals. Players and teachers are aware of the strain and transfer it to their children at an early age. Don’t succumb to peer pressure.
Coaches must make sure that their sessions include enjoyable activities and challenges. I’m all for working hard, but you can be serious and have fun in the process!
Motivate the athletes to keep stats and strive to outperform themselves, or to envision hitting the game-winning shot, complete with commentator’s call, or to imitate the actions of their favorite players. Anything that makes the practice process more enjoyable may be considered a plus.
Lastly, realize that being good is enjoyable. When your young athlete can show off their abilities on the court, all of their great labor pays off. That’s a lot of fun.
Let goals be the guide
Is your young player preparing for his or her goals? How are they going to make the middle school squad in 6th grade if that is their goal? Assist your young athlete in seeing the big picture. They will be driven to exercise and play with a mission if they acquire that mentality. When we have a clear objective in sight, we all work smart and hard. Otherwise, it’s just too simple to get carried away.
If your young athlete is upfront with himself about his ambitions, he or she will either skip the workout or do it enthusiastically. I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go in the sport, so I worked hard to get there!
Burnout is absolutely avoidable, yet it happens much too often in today’s young sports. You’ll be laying the groundwork for a great youth basketball adventure if you use these ideas to assist your young athlete in preventing burnout. If you encounter yourself with a burned-out athlete, you can be assured that if you follow any of these suggestions, your sports player will be back on the court and having fun in no time!
Read more: THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK ETHIC FOR A STUDENT-ATHLETE
