basketballcoachingmelbourne-blog

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CONSIDERING PRIVATE BASKETBALL COACHING? MELBOURNE PRO’S EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF FOCUS

Focus is a vital element of basketball; it is crucial to follow coaches and players until you can develop great intensity. Private basketball coaching can help you learn to maintain focus and work on leadership skills, so you can help your team through discipline, ...Read more

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5 Tips for Selecting the Best Basketball Camps for Your Child

Basketball is on the rebound in Australia. Australia is no stranger to basketball, with the first game in the country recorded in 1897 --only six years after the invention of the sport by Canadian James Naismith. However, the sport would not go into the forefront of the national consciousness until Luc Longley made it into the National Basketball Association, playing for Minnesota Timberwolves in 1991 and later with the Chicago Bulls where he became the first Australian to win an NBA championship as part of the 1996 Chicago Bulls.

While the sport’s popularity in Australia did somewhat ebb in the 2000s, it’s experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the current prevalence of playing styles and strategies more suited for Australian players as well as a larger worldwide trend where basketball has seen unprecedented popularity outside of North America.

Today, more Australians are in the NBA than ever before, further sparking the imagination of children all over the country and leading to the proliferation of basketball camps throughout Australia.  

However, not every basketball camp is the same. You have regular camps and others that are more of a school holiday basketball camp setup. There are camps that are available seasonally as well as those that are open year-round.

Different camps may also have their own unique approaches that may not be suited for the temperaments of different children.  Actual access to a desired camp can also be an issue. Parents of children who have immediate access to basketball camps Melbourne may also be markedly different from those available in Perth, Sydney, or Brisbane.

But supposing you do find what seems to be a suitable program that’s a short commute or drive from your location, what then?  Here we have a few pointers that will help narrow down your choices and ensure that your child gets the type of basketball education they need.

1.) Check the program’s accreditation

Try to look into any claims the program may have of licensing and other types of accreditation. This can help confirm if the program is indeed legitimate and if the instructors are truly qualified to instruct children.

2.) Look into the program’s passing and retention rates

A basketball camp with extremely high or low retention and passing rates can be a good or bad thing, depending on their claims or your child’s expectations. Higher retention rates usually mean that a camp is “easier”, more enjoyable, or not as serious as one with lower rates. Extremely low rates can mean that there might be something wrong with the methodology employed by the camp.

Of course, this all has to be taken in context. Serious basketball camps that are meant for children who enjoy a challenge should be considered differently from camps that are only meant to be an introduction to basketball.  

In any case, be sure to talk to your child to understand their expectations before you let them sign up for a specific camp.

3.) A favourable instructor-to-student ratio

Generally speaking, you want as few children per instructor as possible. Children tend to learn better when the instructors or coaches are not handling too many campers at once. Of course, adding instructors may increase the cost of a program, so you may want to try for a happy medium.

4.) Your child should be interested in the program

Basketball camps, like any other program, can represent a significant commitment, especially for your child. They may resent being sent off to a program they have no interest in or one that does not give them the type of stimulation they need.  Talking to your child about the pros and cons of each basketball camp and giving them time to make a decision can lead to a much better experience for everyone.

5.) Check out reviews by other parents

If a basketball camp has been operating for a while, chances are good that parents will have left some feedback on the program’s website, their social media pages, or a third party review site. Try to seek out critical and negative reviews first, then weigh them against the positive ones.

A few negative reviews don’t really mean much, because people with bad experiences are much more likely to express them than people with neutral or positive ones. Instead, try to look for patterns and read between the lines to see if there may be anything that may cause concern.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/6-skills-that-school-holiday-programs-will-help-build/

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CONSIDERING BASKETBALL COACHING FOR YOUR CHILD? STARTING EARLY OFFERS GREAT BENEFITS

If you want to get your child off the couch with a physical activity, basketball training and coaching may be just what you’re looking for. Playing basketball will help children to learn basic coordination and good team building skills;...Read more

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THE BENEFITS OF 1 ON 1 PRIVATE BASKETBALL TRAINING AND COACHING MELBOURNE PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

If your child has started to show an interest or aptitude for sport, you may have considered training or coaching, but often parents are unsure about how beneficial private basketball coaching can be. So, ...Read more

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3 Top Basketball Coaching Tips for Team Tryouts

Trying out for a basketball team can be a nerve-wracking time for a young player. Are their skills up to required standard and will they get to play in the season ahead? For these reasons, many parents use private basketball coaching to help their kids develop their skills to play basketball competitively. In this article, we will look at three tips to provide the very best basketball training for kids that want to play better.

1. Get in Shape and Stay Healthy

Basketball a physically intensive contact sport that requires, power, speed, and a high level of mental discipline. So, if the player wants to get better at basketball, the first thing that they need to do is get in great shape and stay healthy. When it’s time to try out for your school basketball team, it’s crucial that the player demonstrates that they have excellent energy levels and great physical conditioning. After all, the coach isn’t likely to give a player a spot on their team if they move slowly or they become exhausted after a couple of plays. This also applies to the player's mental state; it’s important to be bright and alert and demonstrate the ability to follow instructions and read the game.

2. Preparation and Practice

There is an old adage “practice makes perfect” that is very applicable to basketball. If the players want to get on the school basketball and play well, this will require some dedication outside school. It will be necessary to put in a lot of work, training, and practice sessions will be required at multiple times throughout an average week. This type of preparation will help the player to hone key skills, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. However, there are other benefits that should not be overlooked as they are equally important for success. When a player practices regularly, they will build more confidence and get better at reading the game. The player will become more alert and focused, and this will be evident when they hit the court for a competitive game. Finally, it’s important to understand that regular training will help to develop muscle memory, and this will make many fundamental moves an automatic response to a given situation. In a fast moving game like basketball, there isn’t a lot of time to think and moving naturally and intuitively is vital for better play.

3. Pay Attention and Understand the Selection Process

Every player has something unique that they can bring to the team, and this includes the basketball coach. Every coach will have their own system that they have developed over the years, and understanding this system will help the player during the selection process. If the player understands how the coach likes to play, they can get an edge that will help them to stand out from the other players. The player should study previous games and gain an understanding of how the coach likes to play.

If you’re looking for high quality private basketball coaching for your kids, get in touch with us here at Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball today.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/6-skills-that-school-holiday-programs-will-help-build/

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Group vs. 1 on 1 Basketball Coaching in Melbourne

If you’ve ever considered 1 on 1 basketball coaching in Melbourne for your child, you may believe that it’s the only way to teach the game effectively. It is true the private basketball coaching on an individual level is a great way to get a grasp of the fundamentals and develop key skills. However, it should be emphasised that basketball is a team sport, and using those skills as part of a team is essential for success. Let’s take a brief look at group vs. 1 to 1 basketball coaching.

 1 to 1 Coaching

 During a 1 to 1 coaching session, the player will receive a great deal of feedback from their coach, and this can develop key skills in a very short period of time. The coach can provide valuable pointers on many aspects of the game and explain why it’s better to use a particular technique. However, as valuable as 1 to 1 coaching can be for a new player, it can also act like a crutch, and it could even be detrimental. When a player becomes used to 1 to 1 coaching, they can become overly reliant on the consistent feedback. The player may struggle to think for themselves and find it challenging to apply their new found skills into their own playing style. This is why group coaching should be an essential part of every player's development.

 Group Coaching

 Group basketball coaching has a number of advantages over 1 to 1 coaching. The aforementioned over reliance on the coach is minimised, and the player will quickly learn how their skills work as part of a team effort. This is a fantastic way to build confidences, as a skill can be tried alongside other team members. This is particularly important when the player is trying to improve their passing skills. After all, coaching in a 1 to 1 environment will be harder without multiple options on where to pass the ball. Basketball is a fast moving sport, and making quick decisions is a key part of the game. Valuable feedback will also be available from the player's peers, some players will be ahead, and behind the player, so the entire team can help each other to improve.

 Competitive Pressure

 In a 1 to 1 coaching environment, it can be difficult to introduce or simulate the competition and pressure that you would experience in a real basketball game. When a player enters a game with only a 1 to 1 coaching background, any confidence that they have gained in their skills will quickly evaporate. The focus should be the process of the game, and the development of skills, winning a game at this stage would be a bonus. Progress in a group coaching situation is easier to track; one can look at successfully completed passes, points scored, and many other metrics.

 If you’re looking for 1 to 1 basketball coaching in Melbourne, get in touch with Tomorrow's Stars Basketball today.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/considering-private-basketball-coaching-melbourne-pros-explain-the-importance-of-focus/

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Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard During Basketball School Holiday Programs?

When you’re packing your children off to school holiday programs, you’re likely to have a comprehensive list of what they will need, but did you consider whether they will need a mouthguard? A mouthguard acts like a cushion, as this dental appliance is made of high grade material to protect the mouth, teeth, and jaw. So, here we’ll explore the benefits of children using a mouthguard during sports, so you can make an informed decision.

The Mouthguard Basics

Protective mouthguards should be tear resistant, resilient, durable, easy to clean and most importantly, comfortable. A good mouthguard should fit properly and not restrict breathing or speech. Since communication is so important in basketball, your child will not appreciate a mouthguard that prevents them from effectively communicating when they need to pass the ball, yell they are open, thank a teammate or assist another player. So, a mouthguard should not be a hindrance to communication and good team play.

Is a Mouthguard Necessary for Basketball?

When considering basketball camps, Melbourne parents are likely to be keenly aware of safety, and a mouthguard can be a helpful precaution for a young athlete. A mouthguard is designed to protect the jawbone and teeth, which can be beneficial against accidental injuries. With less flexibility inside the mouth, a blow can damage the teeth and gums or even fracture the jawbone. A mouthguard will act like a crash helmet to protect the jawbone from an unexpected impact.

While basketball is a non contact sport, research has shown that it yields the most dental injuries amongst all types of sport. The data indicates for every 100 athletes, the injury rate for basketball is 10.6% compared to football with just 2%. This adds up to 7 dental injuries for every 16 basketball players, compared to 21 dental injuries in 109 football players. The player close contact and speed of basketball is likely the source of the increased rate of dental injuries. So, for this reason, more and more basketball players are choosing to wear a mouthguard during training and games.

Avoid Costly Dental Repairs

Mouthguards can also protect basketball players against broken or chipped teeth, tooth loss, root or bone damage. Depending on the intricacy of the dental procedure, treatment costs can quickly add up. A mouthguard can help to preserve teeth and help parents to minimise the risk of dental repairs.

A mouthguard can also protect the soft tissues and fine nerves of the buccal cavity. These delicate nerve endings can rupture easily when exposed to a traumatic blow. The mouthguard will act as a barrier to protect the buccal cavity and the cheeks, which is particularly important if your child wears braces. It will keep the soft mouth tissues safe from bruises and cuts, and help you to avoid having to pay to repair metal braces.

A mouthguard is easy to maintain, and they are available in different colors and designs to help children avoid feeling self conscious. So if you are considering school holiday programs for your children, it is worth considering sending them with mouthguards.

If you are interested in basketball camps in Melbourne, Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball is here to help. We offer a variety of training options and school holiday programs to suit all skill levels.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/attending-holiday-basketball-camps-choosing-a-summer-program/

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PRO BASKETBALL COACHING TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR VERTICAL JUMP

Being able to jump high is a desirable skill in many sports, but particularly in basketball, when you want to make a spectacular shot. If you’re struggling to get some serious height, we have some pro basketball coaching tips to help you.

To know more about the article click here

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PRO BASKETBALL COACHING TIPS TO GET YOU NOTICED ON THE COURT

Whether you’re trying out for your school team or simply want to command a little respect on your casual weekend game, there are some pro basketball coaching tips to help get you noticed during team picks.

To know more about the article click here

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BENEFITS OF PRIVATE BASKETBALL COACHING, MELBOURNE ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD KNOW

Whether you’re a keen player or want to make it onto your local team, you may have considered private basketball coaching. Melbourne enthusiasts may be interested to know the amazing benefits offered with a personal basketball trainer.

To know more about the article click here

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Pro Basketball Coaching Tips to Avoid Common Injuries

Basketball can be a great workout, whether you’re on a school team, a professional player or shooting some hoops for fun. Unfortunately, as with any physical activity, you can sustain an injury. Basketball injuries can usually be classified as cumulative or acute injuries. So, here we have some pro basketball coaching tips to help you avoid some of the most common injuries.

 Cumulative Injuries

As the name suggests, cumulative injuries result from overuse. Over time, stress on the joints, soft tissues and muscles can accumulate without the proper healing time. These injuries often begin as a small nagging pain or ache, but they can develop into a significant, debilitating injury without early treatment.

Basketball injuries in this category include tendonitis, which is the general term for an inflamed tendon. Common basketball tendonitis injuries include:

●     Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: This is the part of your shoulder joint responsible for rotating the arm and moving it up and down. These are obviously essential movements for shooting hoops.

●     Achilles tendonitis: Attaching the ankle to the calf muscle is the Achilles tendon. This gets a good workout during basketball as it is needed for short sprints. The chief symptom is a pain at the back of your ankle, above the heel, which is often worse in the mornings.

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries occur as a result of a trauma when a sudden impact or force is applied to the area. While basketball is technically a non contact sport, anyone who has spent time on the court will know there are lots of opportunities for bumps and falls. All the short sprints, twists, and jumps can also cause traumatic injuries.

The most common acute injuries in basketball include:

●     Wrist Sprains: If you fall with your hand outstretched, the impact can sprain or even break your wrist.

●     Finger Fractures: Falls, contact or even a bad pass can cause a fractured finger.

●     Ankle Sprains: A sudden change of direction when running can cause a sprained ankle

●     Meniscus Injuries: The meniscus is the pad that cushions the inside of your knee, and it can be torn if you forcefully rotate the knee while keeping your foot firmly planted.

●     ACL/PCL Injuries: Anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments provide knee stability, and injuries can occur during a change of direction or sudden twisting motion.

Preventing Injuries

A good basketball coaching professional can help you to prevent injuries, but there are some simple tips that can minimise your risk. Both of these types of injuries can occur from a lack of proper rest, poor conditioning, overuse or a lack of proper warm up. So, to help prevent basketball injuries, it is essential to take the following precautions.

●     Warm up: You need to thoroughly warm up before playing. Jumping and sprinting with cold muscles increases the risk of injury.

●     Wear Supportive Shoes: Good quality basketball shoes have skid resistant soles and can support your foot and ankle.

●     Use Good Technique: Play by the rules, and you’re less likely to get checked

●     Clean off the Court: Before play, give the court a clean to remove any debris or slippery spots

●     Stay Hydrated: Hydration provides lubrication for the joints, tendons, and muscles. Drink before play and at regular intervals.

●     Plan Your Recovery: Finally, allow adequate recovery time between games and coaching sessions.

 If you’re considering basketball coaching in Melbourne, Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball is here to help. We offer basketball coaching for all ages and would be delighted to help.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/benefits-of-private-basketball-coaching-melbourne-enthusiasts-should-know/

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GREAT WAYS HOLIDAY BASKETBALL CAMPS CAN TEACH YOUR KIDS TO BE A TOP BASKETBALL PLAYER

Holiday basketball camps are not only a fantastic way to keep your kids active during the school break, but they can actually offer benefits when school resumes. When it comes to choosing school holiday programs, Melbourne parents may not be aware that some programs can actually offer kids some new skills that will teach them how to be a top player when they return to school. Here are just some of the ways a school holiday basketball camp could benefit your child.

To know more about the article click here

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Considering Private Basketball Coaching: Melbourne Pro Tips to Improve Ball Handling

Ball handling is just one of the areas where you can benefit from private basketball coaching. Melbourne players can find that a personal basketball trainer will work on ball handling and any other weaker areas. However, there are some basic tips that can help you to make improvements.

Practice Dribbling

 Basketball is faced paced, and without great dribbling skills, you’ll find yourself exposed. However, dribbling is vital when you need to control the ball. Ball handling is essential what you do or how you use dribbling. So, by practicing and improving your dribbling skills, you’re likely to improve your ball handling skills as an added benefit.

 Fingertip Dribbling

 Great ball control involves dribbling using the palm of your hand or your finger pad. The position is similar to how you hold the ball when you’re about to shoot. Fingertip dribbling will help you get open to shoot, drive the ball to the basket and open lanes for improved passing.

 Pounding Harder

 Pounding the basketball harder will not only help it faster return to your hands, but also provide you to have more control. It will also help you to practice dribbling without needing to look down, which is more like a game situation. You’re not likely to be able to clearly see the court and pass to teammates if your eyes are on the floor. It is vital to keep your head up during play as much as possible, which is a challenge for most players.

 Lower Position

 Lower positions during dribbling the ball will actually enable players to keep hold of the ball longer and allow the opposition shorter time with the basketball, creating less opportunity to steal it.

 Practice Repetition

 Practice does make perfect, particularly when it comes to ball handling skills. When you do hundreds of left pounds, right pounds, crossovers until you’ve mastered these techniques, you’ll find they come more naturally to you during play, particularly when you’re faced with a tough defender.

 Watch Videos

 Yes, you’ve finally got an excuse to spend time on YouTube! Watching videos will help you to not only learn the techniques, but pick up tips and tricks to make improvements to your ball handling skills. You’ll need to avoid flashy moves, as these don’t tend to work well in real world situations. However, there are lots of tutorials on various techniques that allow you to benefit from the expertise of experienced players, coaches, and trainers.

 While all of these tips may seem basic, they are vital to build your ball handling skills. If you want to be the very best, you need to have a strong foundation of fundamental skills and techniques. Of course, if you’re serious about making improvements to your skills, it is worth considering coaching or a personal basketball trainer.

 If you would like to learn more about the benefits of private basketball coaching in Melbourne, Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball is here to help. Our team of experienced coaches can offer a variety of training options to suit your skill level, age, and experience.

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/developing-skills-at-basketball-camps-more-skills-means-more-time/

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Pro Basketball Coaching Tips to Improve Your Off Season Approach

The basketball off season is a period of downtime for players. Many players use this time to put their feet up and relax, while others need the time for injury recovery. However, we have some pro basketball coaching tips to help you make the most of your off season approach to boost your fundamentals and skills. The off season is a great way to get ahead, so you’re prepared for the upcoming season. 

Ask for a Season Evaluation

Before you know your weaknesses, you need an impartial opinion of how well you played during the season. To understand how you played and where you need to make improvements, you need to ask your trainer or coach. Be open to suggestions and feedback without taking it personally. Trainers and coaches make a commitment to help players make improvements every season, helping players to understand the importance of a well trained mind and body when playing. Additionally, your coach or trainer will know the range of your skills, with an understanding of how you can make improvements, as they have watched up in practice and games.

Practice Your Game Specific Moves

Practice does make perfect and the daily practice of your game specific techniques and moves will help you make tremendous improvements. You need to practice not only your best moves, but the moves you struggle with to make improvements. Practice focus, agility, flexibility, speed, and power tailored to the position you typically play. Your practice should cater to game specific moves including offensive moves, shooting, and ball handling. You’re bound to have your own level of knowledge and experience, so basketball coaching with an experienced training will help you work on your individual needs.

Get a Training Partner

When considering basketball training, Melbourne players may also find it beneficial to work with a partner. This can allow you to gain insight from your partner, practice strategies helpful on the court, improve your passing and rebounding, train on offensive and defensive techniques and boost your teamwork skills. While training alone can help to improve your abilities, a training partner will help to analyze your game, and theirs, to take your skills to a new level. It can also encourage competitiveness that will help you develop techniques that you can bring to the court.

Maintain Your Consistency

Consistency is often difficult to achieve, but it can be easier if you train during the off season. You can create a practical training schedule to ensure consistency and enhance your play. A customised game plan can also be beneficial; you can tailor your plan to your specific goals and areas of improvement. Just remember to include sufficient rest time, so your body is recovered for the new season. If you are considering basketball coaching, Melbourne based Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball is here to help. We offer extensive basketball training and coaching for all ages and skill levels. You’ll also find our team ready to answer any queries to help you improve your game and achieve your goals. 

Recommended Reading:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/considering-private-basketball-coaching-melbourne-pros-explain-the-importance-of-focus/

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Practical Skills in Basketball Classes for Kids for Greater Game Confidence

Most professional athletes agree that finishing a game with confidence requires the right fitness level, skills, and strategy execution. However, one thing all professional coaches and players agree is that players need to exude confidence. In a basketball game, players need to know they will win the game, almost willing the ball into the basket regardless of what’s happening on the court. One of the crucial aspects of basketball training for kids is building their confidence, and here we’ll explore some of the practical skills your child can learn in basketball classes for kids to enjoy greater game confidence.

 Being Mentally Focused

 Being 100 percent dialed in, and mentally focused is vital for being ready to catch the ball. By the time the end of the game approaches, a slip is more likely to happen as fatigue can set in. Additionally, players can make slips because they either lack confidence or are feeling over confident. For this reason, basketball classes for kids concentrate on developing the mental focus needed to finish a game with just the right amount of confidence.

 Strength and Precision

 To ensure that passes are easy for other players to catch, your child needs to throw with strength and precision. This will not only provide your child with confidence, but their teammates will feel greater confidence in their passing decisions. Dangerous passes are an easy way to lose confidence that can cost a game.

 Control of Nerves

 Even professional players have admitted to getting a little jittery before a game, so feeling a little nervous is natural. However, without control of those nerves, players have a tendency to shoot or pass too hard. As the pressure and tempo of the game increases, players need to have control of those nerves to remain calm and mentally disciplined. This will help to stay mentally alert and focus on the outcome of the game.

 Focus on a Great Shot

 As the excitement of the game swells, there is a temptation to try for any shot, but this can have a massive impact on confidence. Sure your child will feel great if they make that risky shot, but they will also feel terrible if they took a chance on a suspect shot. Basketball training will help your child focus on only taking a great shot, to make those short shots near the basket really count.

 Secure the Ball

 Finally, getting the ball and securing it is essential for game confidence. Your child will learn to love, want and protect the ball. If they’re on defense, training will teach them to interrupt their opponent and not make anything easy. This will mentally tire the opposition and allow your child to enjoy personal and team confidence as they take care of that ball.

If you’re considering basketball classes for kids, you should speak to us. We offer a wide range of basketball training for kids of all ages and skill levels. You’ll also find the Tomorrows Stars Basketball team happy to answer any queries or questions you may have.

RECOMMENDED READING:

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/3-fun-games-for-basketball-classes-for-kids/

 https://tsbasketball.com/blog/three-key-elements-in-basketball-training-for-kids/

https://tsbasketball.com/blog/basketball-training-for-kids-the-basics-of-passing/

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Simple and Portable Snacks for Basketball Training

When considering basketball coaching, you may think all about the coach, the venue and the timetable, but give little thought to what you will bring as a snack. Eating too much before basketball training is asking to feel sick, but you need to top up your energy stores. A proper pre-game snack will provide easy to digest carbs, maybe even some protein and fat that can stay good in your backpack. So, here are some excellent simple and portable snacks.

A Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich

This is a simple twist on a family favourite that is sure to stay fresh all day. The combination of protein and healthy fats, particularly when teamed with whole grain bread providing fibre offers an optimal balance of nutrients to keep you fuelled.

Trail Mix

While pre-packaged trail mix can be heavy on the sugar, you can create a homemade variety that is perfect for basketball training. Mix peanut, cashews, and almonds with dried fruit to get protein, simple carbs, and healthy fats. The great thing about trail mix is that you can mix and match your favourite items. Just be sure to include plenty of nuts and seeds for good fats and protein, but you can liven up your trail mix with cocoa nibs, granola or even light popcorn.

Coconut Water and Protein Powder

Although not necessarily suitable for younger children, older kids can enjoy a combination of coconut water and protein powder. You can carry a scoop of protein powder in a ziplock bag that can be added to a bottle of coconut water. This not only increases hydration but is easily digested. Coconut water also has a high potassium content, which can help prevent muscle spasms.

Pretzels

This is easy to pack a snack that is high in sodium and carbohydrates that can help replenish your levels after sweating during a basketball training session. Low sodium levels increase the risk of cramps. 

Fruit

Fruit is portable and can be eaten alone or combined with other foods. If the basketball training follows class, a high carb snack with little fat is ideal to top off physical energy levels and improve mental focus. Some great choices include bananas that are high in potassium to prevent cramping, apples that are high enough in sugar to make you feel satiated without heaviness, grapes that are packed with simple sugars or melon slices that have a high water content to improve hydration.

Sports Nutrition Bars

If all else fails and you’re still struggling with a snack your basketball coaching team would approve of, try sports nutrition bars. These portable, non-spoiling snacks can be expensive but are designed to fuel sports performance. There are lots of flavours and brands to choose from so you can find favourites that can sit in a gym bag.

If you are considering basketball clinics, Melbourne based Total Basketball Stars is here to help. We offer basketball training and basketball coaching to suit all skill levels and all ages. You’ll also find our team ready to answer any questions you may have.

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Signing Up for School Holiday Programs? Melbourne Parents Need to Avoid Over Complications

A school holiday basketball camp should be an excellent place for kids to nurture their love of the game. Unfortunately, some coaches are prone to overcomplicating things, and while it is easy to blame the player, kids usually need to keep things simple. So, before signing up for any school holiday programs in Melbourne, parents should keep an eye out for the signs of a great coach.

A Good Coach Doesn’t Worry About Things That Won’t Happen

While being prepared is great, being over prepared can actually be detrimental. Some school holiday programs get so stuck into different jump ball plays, various offenses, and two defenses, they forget about the basic 80/20 rule; 80 percent of the practices should focus on 20 percent of the things in a typical game. In fact, if the coach is pushing for the players to be terrific, it may even be 90/10. A good coach knows what each player needs and how to tailor a session to each player can make the most out of it.

Not Out to Impress

While coaches want to impress the parents, players and even other coaches, this attitude can make it complicated, especially for younger players. While the aim may be to look good with several intricate and complicated offenses, this can actually knock the player’s confidence.

A good coach doesn’t overcomplicate practice sessions and will instead help the players to improve and execute. If you’re concerned that your child’s coach is out to impress, remember that Vince Lombardi’s Packers only ran five plays.

Always Considering Basketball IQ

Some coaches fail to consider their own basketball IQ and ability to process detailed concepts is greater than the kids in their class. A good coach understands that his knowledge is not as important as what the players know and are able to execute and will be able to communicate the concepts of the game easily to the kids.

The Coach is Passionate

Whether the coach is young or old, you can usually spot when they are passionate about what they do! Tired coaches look for other ways to challenge their practice, so study other systems and coaches. Unfortunately, when they try to excitedly put this into practice, they end up causing the kid’s heads to spin and frustrate themselves. A good coach loves the game and enjoys teaching without making practice overly complicated with the latest system.

Not Afraid to Clear the Clutter

Most of us are guilty of hanging on to clutter, but as a coach, this can overcomplicate practice. Good coaches throw away old offenses, defenses, and drills, or at least keep them in storage. They appreciate that the team doesn’t need to have dozens of offenses, quick hitters or out of bound plays, as it’s likely that the team won’t remember or use them.

If you’re considering school holiday programs Melbourne parents should speak to us. We offer school holiday basketball camp placements and other coaching to help your child nurture their love of the game and build their confidence and skills.