Over the years I have noticed how more and more how parents think their kid should make the team. ?Without understanding their child’s particular skill set.? The top four reasons parents? believe their son should be selected are (not in a specific order):
- ?My son is passionate.”
- ?He is a good teammate in other sports.?
- “My kid just needs someone to teach him.?
- ?But is a good kid.?
Middle School Basketball is Requiring More
Most kids playing youth sport display the above attributes. That doesn?t mean they are ready to play middle school basketball.? Middle school basketball or during this age is the pathway towards high school basketball. ?During this time they need to have a solid foundation of a basketball skill set.? The players selected on our team usually move on and play high school basketball.? My responsibility is to do my best to prepare them for the journey ahead.? Kids that neglect developing a basketball skill set before entering middle school usually struggle to make the team and if they make the team, require a great deal of development work to catch their peer’s skill set. ?
The above attributes are great to have in any sport for all kids, but with limited gym time and a variety of skill levels, the development curve is steep.? For example to have a kid in an AP Math class who has never taken basic Math before automatically places the child at a disadvantage in grasping the content and passing the level.? Is it impossible for a child to catch up?? Of course, not but again significant development has to occur?
Moving Foward in Middle School Basketball
Not making the middle school team is not the end of the world.? However, what can a parent do if their child is serious about the sport?? I tell the parents of players we don’t select to do the following:
- Locate a great basketball skills development trainer (one with quality basketball experience).
- Research a developmental AAU team (not a shoe team) with players of similar ability, so your child can play.
- Take your child to the gym and rebound (even if you know very little about the sport).
- Have your child invest time daily on dribbling?
In order for kids to advance in youth sports today. Investment of time and money has become mandatory.? Trainers, group workouts, strength and conditioning sessions are creating a divide in youth sports. Unless you want to see your child disappointed at the end of tryouts, development is needed and needed now.
