Off-Season Basketball Improvement Suggestions:

Set Clear Goals
- Skill-based: e.g., 'Improve ball handling with both hands', or 'Increase shooting percentage from the free-throw
- Physical: e.g., 'Get faster on defense', or 'Improve vertical jump.'
- Mental: e.g., 'Improve focus and court awareness.'

Develop a Weekly Training Schedule
Example:
- 3–4 days/week of basketball skill training
- 2–3 days/week of strength, agility, or conditioning
- 1 day/week of rest or light recovery activity

Basketball Skill Drills
Ball Handling:
- Daily dribbling (10–15 min): stationary dribbles, cone drills, two-ball dribbling
Shooting:
- Form shooting, spot shooting, free throws, game-speed shooting
Layups & Finishing:
- Practice both hands, use cones, add reverse layups and floaters
Game IQ:
- Watch games, study movement, defensive positioning, decision making

Conditioning & Athleticism
Speed & Agility:
- Ladder drills, cone drills, sprint intervals
Strength (bodyweight for younger kids):
- Push-ups, squats, lunges, core exercises
Vertical Jump:
- Box jumps, jump rope, plyometrics

Play Regularly
- Join open gyms or rec leagues
- Play 1v1, 3v3, or pickup games
- Compete against older or more skilled players when safe

Mental & Leadership Development
- Read or watch stories of basketball greats
- Journal about practices/games
- Teach positive self-talk and resilience

Fun & Motivation
- Keep sessions fun and engaging
- Add challenges or mini-games
- Celebrate progress, not just wins

Parental & Coach Support
- Provide encouragement, not pressure
- Help with consistency
- Consider a trainer or camp