A Passion for the Game

We just finished up week 4 of training camp.  All week the kids were independent workers.  They were given pre-designed, written 1 hour workouts which included various shooting, ball handling, and rebounding drills.    In some of the sessions we allowed them to choose any workout partners or work alone.  In other sessions we broke them up into designated groups and asked them to work together.  In all of the sessions they were allowed to work at their own speed and intensity. Emphasis was place on the kids practicing what they have learned to date at skills camps and doing it at game speed.  We then observed their practice habits and techniques.

Overall the kids bought into the experience and enjoyed the opportunity. Some kids were relentless workers that pushed themselves. Some kids really showed good technique in what they were doing.  They seem to like the idea of having a list of things to do and be allowed some flexibility and space to do them on their own.  In the end it was emphasized that they use this same work ethic and focus doing their home workouts. 

The main theme this week was to continiue to facilitate an enjoyment for what they were doing.  Further, they were encouraged that the more they do this type of workout outside of scheduled practices the more improvement they will experience.  The carrots of course are they can be the best possible player they can be by working so hard and they can help their team win.

Each week it is important to find a good balance of what is fun and what will make them better.  Sometimes those two intersect and sometimes not.  Some of the most difficult drills we do are difficult to have fun with so we overwhelm them with positive reinforcement. It is important to have both to really keep them involved long term. 

Studies have shown two main reasons kids quit sports is because it stopped being fun for them and they no longer experienced improvement.  When does it stop being fun?  Maybe when they feel too much pressure to get better too fast or are critiqued too critically with every movement they make.  Maybe its no longer fun when playing games feels too much like a job and the only time they feel releived is when they won the last game and they were an integral part of the win.  When do they stop experiencing improvement?  Maybe when they are no longer motivated to work hard or they are not being led properly with the proper training techniques. 

It is important for us as parents and coaches to recognize that long term improvement and involvement is not compatable with a win this week or else attitude or with too many "why didnt you do this?"  comments. Our kids must be given some flexibility and space to learn and enjoy.  That includes the belief that they are still safe when they mess up. 

Final week of training camp this week.  Cannot wait to see the smiling faces in the gym.