Now this may sound like a half hearted attempt at personal advertisement, because I am by profession a basketball trainer, but the truth of the matter is that I believe all kids NEED some type of personal instruction whether from a trainer, coach, or otherwise. The only alternative to learn the correct way to play the game is through trial and error, and that could take a player many years to learn skills that would have only taken them minutes to learn under the proper instructor.

The problem is that there just aren't enough good available programs out there for people who want the fundamental skills needed to excel in this game. I have talked to numerous parents who said, “I did not know that these personal training programs even existed”. These same parents are reduced to sending their children to over-priced basketball camps that, for the most part, are simply glorified babysitters. The kids play pickup games and participate in contests that are fun, but lacking in teaching the skills desired by the parent or player. On top of that, the average camp environment is so overcrowded that even if the camp is fundamentally sound the child won't receive enough personal attention to make sure that they understood the concepts being taught. It’s a big mess.

Then, much to the parent's dismay, they seem to have one last resort, the child's coach. The responsibility of teaching fundamental skill has fallen on the one whose real job is to teach team concept. The coach's job is to develop a winning team. He/she has to take the players that are already at their disposal and get them to work as a cohesive unit. If his/her time is taken developing individual skill, then the team concept is lost or underdeveloped. The plays run by the team will be disorganized and the defensive schemes in shambles. That is why teams with better players usually succeed, because the coach can spend more time teaching plays, and defensive responsibilities that will be executed by more skillful players.

At this point players can get frustrated, and parents may be at a loss for what to do. They are left scrambling through the phone book or internet searches to find the best options that they can to help their child succeed. But with very few listings, the journey ends there for most and along with it the dreams of a successful basketball future for their child. If only they could find the secrets to unlocking the potential player inside their child.

I am convinced that there are three keys to long term success at anything in life, basketball included, (1) Hard Work Ethic, (2) Informed Decision Making, and (3) Winning Character. The right personal trainer will attempt to instill all of these qualities in the players that they work with. However most only try to develop the first two, not understanding that with one simple slip of character, all the hard work, and skill sharpening has been in vain (ask Kobe).

All of these qualities are needed to be the best player that you can be. You can work hard, hours on end at the wrong thing and be great at ineffective techniques simply because you are uninformed. You could be the best underhanded three point shooter in the world, but what good is that? I know that's an exaggerated example but you get the point.

In all the players that our company trains we try to drill into them the understanding that information alone is not enough either. One or two hours per week with us are just not enough. We will give them the knowledge to make informed decisions on the court, but those decisions have to be made in a split second and executed to perfection, otherwise they'll be saying, “that's not what I meant to do”. The only way to ensure perfect play is through perfect practice. And the only way you can practice perfectly with the proper instruction. Players must take the skills taught by their trainer, or coach, or even a DVD and practice them daily.

One thing I took from the large camps I attended as a player, namely Georgetown basketball school, was that I had to do something every day to improve my game. I had to do something every day to get better, because on the days I wasn't getting better, someone else was. Even if that meant timely rest for my body.

Time spent properly training is an investment no different from a savings account. The more you store or invest in your skills, the more you'll have to spend when you step on the floor during game situations. Your skill set will be rich and your gains will be plentiful. But if you lack the right technique, your investment of hard work is in depreciating stock. In other words, you're pouring all your effort into a bucket filled with holes. A GOOD personal trainer and or workout DVD is probably just what you need to “patch up” those holes in you or your child's game. 
          

Keep Working Hard,

Coach Justin (Hoop Life Basketball Training)

Justin Hampton is a South Florida coach and basketball instructor for
Hoop Life Basketball Training.
www.myhooplife.com