10 Tips for Youth Basketball Parents

It’s that time of year again! Summer basketball tournaments are in full effect and college coaches are out and about evaluating the next generations of talent. Such an exciting time to be a prospective collegiate student-athlete!

But, with this excitement comes a high amount of stress not only for players, but for parents too. We get it. You want your son and/or daughter to be successful and it feels great (would feel great) to see them get recognized by a college or university as a potential member of their team.

But, the reality is, 98% of youth basketball players will not play college basketball. We don’t say that to be a negative nancy, but to shed light on reality and encourage parents to be positive in their approach with their kids no matter what the outcome is of their basketball career.

Below are 10 Tips for Youth Parents, courtesy of the Jr. NBA and Positive Coaching Alliance, to help navigate a child’s sports career no matter how long, or short, it is!

1. Cheer for all players (even those on the other team!). Leave the coaching to the coaches.

2. Write down your goals for your child for this season. Talk to your child about these goals, as they likely are not the same as his or hers!

3. When setting goals with your child, remember to focus on both effort and outcome related goals. For example, a great effort goal in basketball is praising a player for their consistent effort to box out.

4. There are a lot of basketball organizations out there. Take the time to evaluate options for where your child might play. Talk to other parents whose kids have played in those organizations.

5. Resist the temptation to critique your child on the way home. Ask if your child wants to talk about the game. If the answer is “no,” respect that.

6. When your child is ready to talk…listen and be engaged! Reinforce your child’s self-worth with statements, like “I know you are disappointed with the loss, but one thing I like about you is you’re the type of person who bounces back and tries hard the next time.”

7. After observing practice or a game, be ready with truthful and specific praise. This might sound like, “I really liked how you hustled after the loose ball” or “I was proud of how you helped your teammate up after the foul.”

8. If issues arise, such as your child wanting more playing time, encourage your child to address this with the coach directly. “What can I do to get better and earn more playing time?”

9. Studies of world-class athletes in basketball and other team ball sports have demonstrated that top-performing athletes often delayed single-sport specialization until age 16 or later. Thus, delaying specialization until this age range is recommended. Specialization in basketball prior to age 14 is discouraged.

10. At every possible turn, let your children know that you love them unconditionally, regardless of their athletic performance.

 

School will be out before we know it which means its time for Summer Basketball Camps! This summer, Premier Basketball Club will be offering five (5) Colorado basketball camp opportunities. Our Summer Camps are for boys and girls ages 7-14. They will be instructed by Premier’s directors and coaches and will work on skills such as shooting, ball handling, defense, and more! 

CLICK HERE TO GET REGISTERED

Please read below for our 2021 Summer Colorado Basketball Camp schedules and to register!

• YOUTH SUMMER DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP – FULL  
  • Premier Development Institute, June 8-10, Girls 9:00am – 12:00pm / Boys 1:30pm – 4:30pm – $99
• SHOOTING CAMP
  • Premier Development Institute, June 22-24, Girls 9:00am – 12:00pm / Boys 1:30pm – 4:30pm – $99
• YOUTH SUMMER DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP – BOYS FULL 
  • Premier Development Institute, July 6-8, Girls 9:00am – 12:00pm / Boys 1:30pm – 4:30pm – $99
• SHOOTING CAMP – BOYS FULL 
  • Premier Development Institute, July 20-22, Girls 9:00am – 12:00pm / Boys 1:30pm – 4:30pm – $99
• YOUTH SUMMER DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP
  • Premier Development Institute, August 3-5, Girls 9:00am – 12:00pm / Boys 1:30pm – 4:30pm – $99

 

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