9 TIPS TO HELP YOUR HOOPER PREPARE FOR PRACTICE!

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Whether you’re a parent of a young kid trying out basketball for the first time or a seasoned vet in keeping up with your ’lil athlete’s weekly practices – this article is for you.

As the parent of a young hooper, I know firsthand just how fluctuating a kid’s emotions and mindset can be before practice. I promise you - you’re not alone! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times with getting your young athlete ready for practice, maybe due to your work schedule or family issues that could affect it all. But I’ve learned that the more you stay involved with your hooper’s journey in every way, including practice, the more you will build up your own confidence as a parent.

HERE ARE 9 TIPS TO HELP YOUR HOOPER PREPARE FOR PRACTICE:

1. Make sure they’re well-rested. Not only does a good night’s sleep help a child focus in school, it will also help with staying on task during basketball practice after school. A short nap in between the two, if possible, is the next best thing! An equal amount of mental and physical energy is needed for basketball practice, so your child’s overall success will benefit by being well-rested.

2. Have them get in a good stretch. It’s not just athletic pros who need to stretch their muscles before practice, young hoopers need to stay agile too! From quick sprints to aggressive defense moves, the body will be non-stop for at least an hour during practice (with a few water breaks here and there, of course). So making sure that they take 5-10 minutes to stretch before practice is beneficial in every way.

3. Make sure they’ve eaten something substantial at least one hour before practice. They need energy while also not feeling too full. Sandwiches, salads, soup, smoothies…the healthier the better! Skipping out on a meal or snack won’t do the body good on the court, because your hooper will be running on empty. Help your child focus on the task at hand, not counting down the minutes until it’s time to eat.

4. Check in with their mental state. Ask how they’re feeling about practice – check in with your youngster. What are they looking forward to? Do they have any goals they’d like to hit? Is there anything bothering them? Making sure their mindset is in a healthy spot is important before practice (just as it is before a game). You want them to feel their best so they can perform their best! In doing so, remind them that their feelings are valid as you help them navigate through it all. This way, you’re helping them to feel positive about themselves and what’s ahead.

5. Make sure their water bottles are full and their gym bag has what it needs. And for the kids who know the drill, have them pack their own gym bag. It gives them a sense of ownership! In doing so, remind them that their stuff is THEIR responsibility. Losing a water bottle every week is never fun!

6. Provide an incentive for a focused practice. In the process of helping them recognize their wonderful qualities as a hooper, I see nothing wrong with offering them an incentive if they stay focused during practice (A place to eat afterwards? That new video game they’ve been wanting?). It’s easy to want to goof around with teammates, but a great practice means great listening and focusing skills. And for kids, an incentive (not a bribe!) can help out BIG time.

7. Watch some highlights of their favorite NBA or college player! Most young hoopers have at least one NBA, WNBA, college, or even high school player they admire. Whether it’s the way that athlete shoots, defends, rebounds, or steals – he or she has made an impression on your youngster. So, sometimes take a few minutes before practice to watch YouTube basketball highlights. It can help children learn what’s possible in their journey if they focus and have fun challenging themselves. Inspiration and motivation go a long way!

8. Recite some affirmations together. If you don’t already have a few empowering affirmations that you and your hooper can recite together, now may be the time to come up with some. It could be as simple as “I can do anything I put my mind to.” Saying it with them or having them say it to themselves in the mirror will only add to their power on the court.

9. Say “I love you!” There’s nothing like a big ‘ol hug from mom or dad with an “I love you” before practice. It’s that comforting reassurance that no matter what – you’ll be there for them. The older the hooper is, the tougher practices are, so be sure to play that important role in keeping your hooper’s spirits up. If you aren’t able to make it to their practices, remember: a text or a phone call matters!

Of course, each and every tip is essential when it comes to preparing for a game as well. So please bookmark this page and share as you wish. Our goal at The Hoop Lord Hoop Clinic in Los Angeles -- be it virtually or in-person – is to help your child feel confident both on and off the court, and learn how to connect with their greatness!

If you have any questions about our youth basketball training clinic and/or Coach Q, please feel free to contact us. We are based in Los Angeles, and run our program at Pan Pacific Park’s outside courts every Sunday. 

- Elana :)