Just like a standard basketball training course, a kids’ basketball training program should start with the basics. As kids, they join these training courses first and foremost to experience the fun of it, and they still have no serious aspirations of being the best in the sport.
If you’re a parent who wants your young to be trained in the sport, but is worried about safety, you would want to entrust them to a qualified instructor who will not only supervise the training, but will also adjust the program to make sure your kid gets to train safely. In this article, we share with you how you can ensure your future athlete is enrolled in a program that ensures a safe and fun training environment.
What to Look for in a Basketball Training Program for Kids
Safety should be observed everywhere—not just in the workplace. When looking for a basketball training program to enroll your kid in, it’s best to have a list of things you want it to have.
Look for a training program that:
- Is led by a coach that sets a good example.
If children see their coach taking care of their fitness and health, they will be more likely to want to do the same. Children won’t probably remember everything their coach says, but they learn more from what they see them do.
- Is fun and exciting.
Children learn more when they’re having fun. Find a training program that incorporates games and activities that your kids will enjoy, making it more engaging and enjoyable for them.
- Emphasizes the importance of proper form and technique.
Look for a course that teaches children on a step-by-step process, putting emphasis on the fundamentals and progressing from basic skills to the more advanced ones.
- Uses appropriate equipment.
Look for a program that incorporates training equipment suitable for the child’s age and fitness level. This could include agility cones and jump ropes, among others.
- Increases in intensity at a safe pace.
A good basketball training program for kids starts with easy drills and progresses over time as the child becomes stronger and more confident. Still, supervision is paramount in making sure they don’t get injured during training.
What to Look for in a Kids’ Basketball Training Coach
Behind a great training program is a great coach. A number of facilities that offer basketball training courses out there offer mostly similar programs and training, but the X factor that makes a program unique is the coach that supervises the lessons and drills.
When looking for a training program for your young one, find one with a coach who:
- Is hands-on with the trainees.
Find a qualified trainer or instructor who supervises the training sessions to ensure the children perform exercises safely and correctly.
- Listens and adapts to the kids’ needs.
Children’s physical and emotional needs change quickly even as they train, so it’s important that the coach listens to them and adjusts the program as necessary to meet their needs.
- Communicates with the kids’ parents.
A good coach keeps the parents informed about their child’s progress or any issues that may arise during training. At the same time, parents should be honest with the trainer about their child’s underlying health issues, as it is important for their safety and wellbeing.
- Knows how to deal with unwanted incidents.
Certified trainers should know what to do when someone gets injured during training—they should also be knowledgeable in preventing injuries from even happening.
Know How Much Training Your Kid Can Handle
The amount of activity a child needs can vary based on their age, physical fitness level, and overall health. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children and adolescents ages 6-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. This can include a combination of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening exercises.
Aerobic activities like running, swimming, and cycling can improve their cardiovascular health. Muscle-strengthening activities, such as weightlifting, calisthenics, and resistance bands, can help build strong bones and muscles. Bone-strengthening activities, such as jumping and running, can help promote healthy bone growth and development. In addition, children also need flexibility and balance exercises in their routines to improve their overall physical fitness and readiness to play basketball.
The bottom line is, it’s still best to consult a pediatrician or a qualified trainer to determine the appropriate amount of exercise for your child.
Train With Us
A kids’ basketball training program should focus on proper form and technique, and the exercises should gradually increase in intensity and difficulty over time. It should include various activities and make use of age-appropriate equipment to improve a kid’s overall fitness and suitability for the sport.
Training should also be fun and engaging for kids, as that is the first thing they will be looking forward to when joining a program. Most importantly, the course should provide a safe training environment, supervised by a qualified instructor who can ensure the child’s safety, and will communicate their progress to their parents.
Contact us if you’re looking for a safe basketball training program for kids. We will assess your child’s basketball training needs, and give them the appropriate training that matches and improves their skill level.
