High School Basketball: What Time is Practice?

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For a high school basketball player to have a great season and career, he must pay attention to little things, so that he can focus on just basketball as much as possible. This can be a challenge because there can be a lot to figure out. For example, what time is practice.

What time is practice?

Practice times for a basketball player can vary from day to day and week to week. High school gyms are often shared by several sports and teams. Most athletic directors seem to give the practice slot immediately after school to the freshman teams for several reasons. The biggest one is that freshmen lack the ability to get to and from school easily, Freshman typically do not drive, and most parents find after school transportation challenging. So in some cases, for freshman players, the practice time is practice is going to be the same every day. Th freshman block is usually shorter than other slots. Courts will be shared with boys and girls teams, so a team may be limited to a half court.

For varsity and JV practices, there almost never are set times for an entire season. The practices times will be all over the place. Typically there are two practice blocks. At the start of the week or the start of the month or the start of the season the two varsity coaches would sit down and map out the practice slots. In some schools the slots may be 2:30 to 4:30 and 4:30 to 6:30. It will vary from school to school, but these blocks are usually 2 to 3 hours.

For the majority of varsity high school players there will be no consistency with practice times. This means players must be prepared for different routines depending on the practice time.

What you will pack?

Heading off to school can be very challenging with a full backpack of books, notebooks, calculators and a computer. When a player is practicing immediately after school, a basketball bag must also be packed and brought to school. The practice bag will include sneakers, shorts, reversible jersey, undershirt, sweatshirt winter hat – all the things necessary for practice. When practice is not after school the bag can be packed and left at home if a player decides to go home before practice.

What to eat?

It is very, very, very important for a high school basketball player to fuel his body. A player needs to plan out meals for the next day and possibly for the entire week. Many high school students may hop in a car with a friend and get some food at a local fast food restaurant. Although this may be convenient and enjoyable, in the long run, it is better for a player to eat as healthy as possible. Pack an extra sandwich. Even eat some fruit. Eat a power bar. There are many options but it will take some time to prepare food for before practice. Some players are fortunate enough to have other family members that will assist in this process. Be sure to thank this person.

Transportation

Transportation can be a bit of a challenge for many players. Some players play for the hometown, which makes it a little more convenient for transportion. However many towns are very large, so the school might be located several miles away from a players home and it might not be practical to go home before a late practice.

Players attending private school can commute up to an hour. In this case , it is probably not an option to head home before practice. Players will remain at the school until the practice time.

No matter what the situation it’s important that you always allow time to get ready for practice and allow time for any unexpected delays. At some point in a player’s career, he will have to coordinate transportation with another teammate, family member, or friend. And with changing practice times in game times this can be a bit of a chore. It is best to have a weekly schedule that you write out, so that the player can focus on being the best basketball player possible.

Jimmy V Week: ESPN 30 for 30 Survive & Advance

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ACC Tournament

  1. Quarterfinals #4 NC State 71 #5 Wake Forest 70
  2. Semifinals #4 NC State 91 (1 OT) #1 North Carolina 84
  3. Final #4 NC State 81 #2 Virginia 78

NCAA Tournament

  1. 1st Round NC State (W6) 69 Pepperdine 67 (W11) (double OT)
  2. Round of 32 NC State (W6) 71 UNLV 70 (W3)
  3. Sweet 16 NC State 75 (W6) Utah 56 (W10) 
  4. Elite 8 Regional Finals NC State 63 (W6) Virginia 62 (W1) 
  5. Final Four / Semifinals: NC State (W6) 67 Georgia 60 (E4) 
  6. Championship NC State (W6) 54 Houston 52 (ME1)

ESPN Description: SURVIVE AND ADVANCE Directed by Jonathan Hock In 1983, the late Jim Valvano led the NC State Wolfpack through a series of nine overtime and 1-point games. But one game and one play will be remembered forever. (IMBD Review 8.5/10)

What an amazing season that is captured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 Survive and Advance. This is an incredible documentary about the North Carolina State “Cardiac Pack” Wolfpack, which had one of the most amazing runs to a NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

 

The documentary also recounts the rise of the charismatic coach, Jim Valvano. Unfortunately Jimmy V’s is diagnosed with terminal cancer. His courageous battle with cancer, his Arthur Ashe Award “Don’t Give up. Don’t Ever Give Up!” speech, and the creation of the VFoundation for Cancer Research are all explained in detail.

ESPN celebrates the life and dream of Jim Valvano every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. His iconic speech is shown, top collegiate basketball teams compete in the Jimmy V Classic, and people are encouraged to donate to the VFoundation for Cancer Research. The goal for Jimmy V Week 2022 is 1.6 million dollars. (November 29th – December 11th)

Some of the themes in the documentary are:

One championship moment. The play will be relived each March as so many teams try to capture that “One Shining Moment” like the one celebrated by N.C. State.

Athletes linked together forever. Dereck Whittenburg and Lorenzo Charles are the bookends to that magical play. That last-second desperation shot found its way to Lorenzo’s hand to complete the magical Cinderella story of the 1983 N.C State Wolfpack team. (Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are another pair historically linked by an NCAA championship game and so much more.) 

Glory Days: The discussions around the lunch table can be found in communities all across America and the world. Any former athlete can relate to the season and stories of the former players, though few can match the success and excitement.  

Busting Chops: “Earl you got skinnier baby.” This is part of the chemistry developed on teams between teammates over years and careers. 

Being Part of a Moment: There is no way of telling when a “moment” will happen, but each night, there is a chance for that magical moment. 

Dreams: Many times throughout the documentary individuals share personal dreams. The NC State program’s collective dream of cutting down the nets is the heart of this documentary. 

High School Coaches & Fundamentals: Morgan Wooten’s (Red on Roundball) influence on Sydney Lowe and Dereck Whittenburg is significant. Most of us are influenced by coaches, teachers, and mentors in high school. 

Team Chemistry: “I coached 46 years at DeMatha high school and I don’t think I ever saw two fit together any better than Sydney and Witt.” Morgan Wooten 

High School All-Americans: Players are recognized for excellence, today more than ever. Social media shares stories of so many rising stars and very young ages, but even in the 1980s, the best players were acknowledged.  

Dilemmas & Choices. We are all faced with choices. This looks at career choices of coaches and players. Choosing the right job or school is as important today as it ever was. 

Relationships & Coach K: The transition from adversaries to special friends happens so often in life. It is nice to know that close relationships can develop at all stages and ages of life. 

Career Pressure: In coaching and so many jobs there is pressure to perform. We all must try to rise to the occasion. 

Dream Big “I Know”: Have dreams and don’t stop dreaming. “I know I am going to win a National Championship.” Jimmy V

Vision: The vision of cutting down the nets. Practice cutting down the nets. 

Time Flies: The 1st 3 years at N.C. State are not what the seniors have hoped for. This season is it. All or nothing. 

Dickie V: He is AWESOME, BABY! Dickie V is college basketball and certainly was a huge part of the 1980s and ESPN. His insights are great! 

STUDS played 4 years of College Basketball: Legends. Absolute legends. My how the times have changed with the ear of the “one and done.” It was a great time to be a college basketball fan. 

The Evolution of College Basketball: Isn’t that ACC 3-point line incredib? And the absence of a shot clock? My how the times have changed. It great to appreciated the history of college basketball. 

Injuries: Always part of a season and a career.

The ACC Tournament: There is always something exciting and amazing at an ACC tournament, no matter what the year there will be moments that will live on. 

Survive and Advance: Amazing. Phrases stick. The motto of any team, in any sport, playing in a single elimination tournament. 

Words of Inpiration: It is always a challenge to stay motivated. Words have a way of pushing us to achieve our goals. “Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “Ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. EVERYDAY!” Reverend Bob Richards

Cinderella Teams: Every year there are lower seeded teams that advance. 

Pressure Situations: With 5 seconds to go, on the line to win or lose a game. These are defining moments for players and teams.

A Game of Inches: “Sam Perkins, was a quarter of an inch from sending his home. That much.” 

Overtime Games: 

Rivalries and Upsets: 

Win or Go Home:

Game Plans: 

The Diagnosis:

Trash Talk and the Need to Prove it! Sydney Green “punks” Thurl Bailey. It is important to do your talking int the court. 

“Team of Destiny.” Cardiac Pack. 

This is about hope. Sports are so much more than the games: 

WORST SHOT EVER! 

Heart and Character: 

March 4, 1993 ESPY Greatest Speech Ever:

Three Things: 

The Speech: He gave us every bit of ammunition he had to put us in that mindset that it’s now or never. I’ve never talked about that speech and got through it. That’s how good it was. He took those kids from here and took him right to here. Just like that. And they didn’t go through the door, they ran through the brick wall on the court. 

Halftime: We go into halftime up 8. I guess the power 50 million people watching us. And we got 20 minutes, and we got a chance to win the national championship.

Start of 2nd half. 

We woke up Phi Slamma Jamma. Boy, they woke up. We woke up Phi Slamma Jamma. We woke ‘em up. 

Big, Big Free Throw (1:05): 

The Hot Hand: 

Adjustment at Timeout: 

Not Taking the Shot: 

Fundamentals: Benny Anders reaches with one hand and I reach with two. Thank goodness for DeMatha High School Morgan Wooten. The fundamentals of teaching needs to catch the basketball with two hands.

I didn’t even I look your way. 

Dead Silence:

It was magical. I feel to my knees. I saw the wave of fans rushing down on the floor. It was magical.

All the Above: 

What can I say? 

Meeting the President: 

All the Time: On that note, let’s give a toast to Lorenzo Charles. Who is not long with us. This is a great reunion. Guys I love you guys. I think about you all the time. 

The Legacy of the Underdog:

Bigger than life: 

The Last Time: 

I Love You:

Lessons from a Season / Team / Coach: 

Moved to Tears: Whitt: It is hard to think that he is not here.

He always had little notecards. Amnd he would write down his dreams in his notecards. And I took the coats to the dry cleaners. 

“Win the National Championship” V Bucket list 5 new items Goal

“Beat Cancer”

Ending. 

Sports Illustrated NC State Championship as the 

Greatest College Basketball moment of the 20th century. 

That is Why You Play the Game!

High School Basketball: 1st Tryout

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The first high school basketball tryout is one of the most exciting days for any basketball player or coach. It also is one of the most stressful days for players and, in some ways, coaches. Players can place an incredible amount of pressure on themselves to perform well at tryouts.

Here are a few thoughts from several decades associated with high school basketball.

  1. There are many factors that are considered when selecting a high school basketball team. The older a player is, the less important a tryout becomes. This is because coaches have been able to watch players perform for an entire high school season. Often high school coaches run clinics, watch summer leagues and fall leagues. Some coaches also watch youth leagues and have been evaluating players since elementary school. Some coaches are also employed by a school in some other capacity, so a coach has an opinion of a player.
  2. Players will be Rusty. Many high school athletes play multiple sports. The transition for high school football players can be challenging. In some state, players have only three days off between seasons. If the team is competing for a state championship, sometimes a football season continues during basketball season for a week or two. Football conditioning is not the same as basketball conditioning. It will take a while for players to get into basketball shape. A handful of players work at the game year-round. These players should not be rusty, and should be ready to go.
  3. There will be cuts and hard decisions. It is not easy selecting a basketball team. It is not easy creating a basketball rotation. So there will be individuals who are disappointed. They will be players who will be asked to play a position other than the one they prefer. This is all part of developing a good basketball team. And a player’s willingness to accept the appropriate role is critical to a successful season and successful team chemistry.
  4. Hearts will be broken. There will be players in each and every state in a majority of high schools who will cry once the teams are in announced. The tears will remain hidden until in the privacy of a car, or a home, or a bedroom,. But there will be MANY players who cry because they have been told they can not be a player for a high school basketball team. This is a tough reality for many players and wake up call for a select few. But for this season, the player who is cut cannot participate on the high school team. He is faced with the decision as to how he will handle this devastating news.
  5. Coin flip decisions will be made. There are decisions that are too close to call. And in some cases the decision will involve an actual coin flip. Click on this link if you feel you may be a coin flip player.l

Coaching 4th Grade Basketball

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Google Search “Coaching 2nd Grade Basketball”

There are some good resources to get started.

  1. Youth Basketball: USA Basketball Guidelines for 4th Grade
  2. Pre-Season Email
  3. 4th Grade Travel Team Basketball Tryout
  4. 4th Grade Travel Team Shot Chart
  5. 4th Grade Basketball: 4 Basic Rebounding Skills & Drills
  6. Coaching 4th Grade Basketball: Transition Offense
  7. 4th Grade Basketball: The #1 Lay-up Drill is the Mini-Mikan
  8. 4th Grade Basketball: Youth Basketball Substitution Rotations
  9. Youth Basketball: 4th Grade Playing Time Rotation
  10. 4th Grade Basketball: 4th Grade Basketball Fundamentals

Coaching 3rd Grade Basketball

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Google Search “Coaching 3rd Grade Basketball”

There are some good resources to get started.

  1. Youth Basketball: USA Basketball Guidelines for 3rd Grade
  2. Youth Basketball: 3rd Grade Playing Time Rotation
  3. How to Teach Shooting a Basketball
  4. Pre-Season Email
  5. Youth Basketball: 1st 2nd Grade Practice
  6. Youth Basketball: 2nd Grade Basketball Week #2
  7. Youth Basketball: 2nd Grade Basketball Week #3

College Basketball: Walk-On Warrior

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Bio: John Willkom is a former Division 1 basketball player at Marquette University, who later earned his MBA from Loyola University Chicago. The co-founder of Playmakers Basketball, John implemented collegiate-level workouts into a basketball camp circuit and AAU program aimed to provide better opportunities to kids in the Midwest. Prior to his current role as an ecommerce executive, John worked with high school and collegiate athletic programs on the importance of proper nutrition and the development of fueling stations to enhance athletic performance. Widely recognized for his basketball passion, you can still find John coaching youth teams and playing pick-up games at a local gym. John, his wife, Allison, and their daughters, Avery and Whitney, currently reside in Minneapolis, MN. You can reach John on Twitter at @JohnWillkom.

When I was a kid, like many of you, I dreamed about playing college basketball. But not just any college basketball, I wanted to play for Marquette. My dad had been a student there during their one and only national championship in 1977, and needless to say, if Marquette was playing on tv, my family was tuned in. I grew up watching guys like Anthony Pieper and Chris Crawford, and while I admired what they could do on the basketball court, I really wanted to know what they did to get to that level. What did their workouts look like; what were they doing that I wasn’t?

I worked hard as a teenager, extremely hard: for years, I went to school at 6am to work out before class. I spent my summers on my driveway or at a local grade school gym doing ball-handling drills, finishing drills, shooting drills, and everything else I had been taught. The drills eventually paid off: I was a three- time all-conference player in high school and signed a scholarship to play division two basketball in Minnesota.

While I played a lot during my freshman season in Minnesota, I continued to think about what it would be like to play for Marquette. Following the school year, I decided to transfer and spent the summer preparing for walk-on tryouts in the fall of 2004. During that summer, I spent most of my days mowing lawns for a local business but would then head to the gym for a brutal training regimen. I ran hills until I couldn’t run anymore, pushed myself to the max on the basketball floor, and worked hard in the weight room.

That fall, I did make the Marquette men’s basketball team, and while I was in the best shape of my life, I would experience a level of training that was far beyond what I had ever seen before. I spent the season guarding future NBA point guard, Travis Diener, meeting NBA and media personalities, and learning the game from one of the best in the business, Coach Tom Crean. Every day in the weight room, I’d get re-introduced to what “maximum effort” truly looked like, and I started to develop a mentality that competing in everything didn’t have to just apply on the basketball court.

I wanted to be a great student, a great public speaker, and a great ambassador for Marquette University because that’s what competitors do. Every week, I’d come home late at night and write about my experiences. I told myself, I want to remember this stuff so I can share it with my kids someday.

Following my playing days, I spent a summer working for former coach and ESPN commentator, Rick Majerus. When I wasn’t with Rick, I was assisting a sports agent with one of his top clients, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Donald Driver. I coached at various levels in different cities across the United States, and I continued to meet prominent basketball figures, eventually landing a job with the Milwaukee Bucks.

So, what does all of this mean to you? Several years ago, I wanted to take everything I had written and create something meaningful. What if I could tell kids what it was like to play at Marquette? Who was Rick Majerus, and what made him one of the most unique college basketball coaches in the history of the game? Most importantly, what did it really take to play at that level?

My book, Walk-On Warrior, was published in 2018 and became one of the best-selling college basketball books in the country. I can’t tell you why, but I can tell you that this book wasn’t written to rattle off a list of facts. The goal was to provide a raw and authentic look at what it took to play division 1 hoops. I wanted people to feel what I felt, to meet coaches like Lute Olson and Dan Hurley (UCONN), and to get into the workouts that made “Marquette Toughness” a staple that opponents came to expect night in and night out. I hope everyone reading this benefits from my story: maybe you learn a new drill, maybe you gain some motivation, or maybe it simply renews the confidence you need to have in yourself to perform at your best.

This book is for people that love the game of basketball. As I write this, I’m 38 years old, and while my playing days are long gone, basketball has opened doors for me that I never thought were possible. Every day, you’re either getting better or getting worse; you never stay the same. That extra minute of ball handling, extra sprint, or extra rep in the weight room won’t just make you a better basketball player, they will put you in a position to win the rest of your life.

Walk-On Warrior is available on Amazon. Click here to view on amazon: https://amzn.to/3YlExX9

Youth Basketball: Take a Family Dribble Walk

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Kindergarten is a very young age to play basketball and to be a basketball buddy. So the goal at this age is simply to be a buddy. Read to your child. Build legos with your child. Draw with your child. Play board games with your child. Ride a bike Do what your child enjoys doing.

Since this is a basketball blog and we do offer resources for kindergarten basketball, we can share some ideas on how to have some fun with your child.

The first and most important basketball skill for young basketball players, is dribbling a basketball. One trick is to actually over inflate the basketball, unlike Tom Brady‘s deflate gate, inflating a basketball for a young player makes it much easier to dribble. A player is less likely to lose control of the ball because they do not have to pound the ball when dribbling.

What is a Family Basketball Walk?

A dribble walk is exactly what it sounds like. It is a family walk around the neighborhood, while dribbling a basketball. There is no limit to the number of people who go on the walk. It can be you with your buddy alone. You can bring along four-legged friend as well. Parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and neighbors are all welcome. You could even turn it into a basketball parade, although I must admit, I have never done this. A basketball is optional for you, however the buddy should bring a basketball.

A young basketball who has the ability to dribble a basketball well, will be more advanced than most other players his / her age. This skill will be very helpful when your child begins to play organized basketball. Some communities have organized basketball for kindergarten players, however USAA Basketball has no guidelines for this age group. As a player progresses in age, the dribble walk can be a little more complicated.

For example the player can try to do the dribble march for part of the walk. This is the first drill that teaches a player how to dribble the ball between the legs. Imagine your basketball buddy being able to dribble the ball between their legs. You might have to sign them up for a late night TV show like the one Tiger Woods participated in.

Another advanced drill is the dribble walk drill. The family dribble walk is the starting point, the dribble work is a drill that all basketball players at some point should be able to master, so why not start as young as possible.

Other dribbles that can be executed during a dribble walk include:

  • crossover dribble
  • between the legs
  • behind the back
  • spin dribble
Two-Ball Dribble Walk

For the more courageous players, a two-ball dribble walk can be incorporated. As crazy as this may sound, players as young as five-year-olds can dribble two balls at the same time with very little practice. It is quite possible and, in reality, fairly simple for a child to be able to do this. If you also a dribbling a basketball during the walk, give your ball to your buddy for a little bit of your walk to try it out.

How Often should You Go On a Dribble Walk?

Nine out of 10 pediatricians recommend a dribble walk to be part of a daily part of exercise routine. Three out of ten doctors said a dribble walk should be completed twice a day. These medical facts may be disputed by some and you would certainly be within your right to hire a fact checker to see if those statistics are actually accurate.

But the reality is, a dribble walk should happen as often as you in your buddy enjoy it. Once a week is great! Once a month also is fantastic. A couple times a week works too. Any time a young child can dribble a basketball for 10 to 20 minutes is amazing for developing hand-eye coordination.

Any time you go walks somewhere with a child, bring a basketball to dribble. When you go to the supermarket, dribble a basketball. When you walk to get an ice cream, dribble a basketball. When you walk to the playground or basketball courts, dribble a basketball. bring a basketball.

What is the Ideal Age for a Dribble Walk?

It seems that great ages for a family dribble walk from kindergarten to sixth grade. Once they hit middle school, the buddy might be a little too cool for you.

It Is All About Building a Relationship with Your Child and Basketball.

The family dribble walk is an amazing way for you to bond with your buddy. Hopefully you and your family find some enjoyment with this activity for many years. And if you aspire to be the next Lavar ball it also is a great way for your child to get a little bit better than most of the basketball players in your town, because very few people will incorporate a family basketball walk into their lives. Jobs other activities and cell phones have a tendency to get in the way. If you do choose to participate in a family walk please share your experiences with on Twitter – @basketballK123!

Top 3 Massachusetts High School Basketball Twitter Lists

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  1. Massachusetts Athletic Directors on Twitter: Athletic directors are the 1st resource we use for high school scores and updates. We find this list great on game nights. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts Athletic directors. (236 members / 6 following)
  2. Top Massachusetts Girls High School Basketball Twitter Accounts: Basketball accounts and coaches for girls basketball is a little more specific. We did our best to identify official accounts. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts girls basketball accounts. (333 members / 19 following)
  3. Top Massachusetts Boys High School Basketball Twitter Accounts: Basketball accounts and coaches for girls basketball is a little more specific. We did our best to identify official accounts. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts girls basketball accounts. (386 members / 8 following)

Coaching Youth Basketball: USA Basketball is a GREAT Resource

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

This post is a work in progress, so be patient, we hope to explain why we feel the USA Basketball website is critical for creating a positive experience for your child and team.

  1. USA Youth Basketball Guidelines. It is highly recommended that a parent and youth coach read through the absolute best resource for coaching youth basketball. It is a great starting point. The guidelines have been created by a team of experts that has the best interest if USA basketball in their hearts. There are so many resources available that it can be overwhelming. This is a comprehensive a site for youth basketball designed for youth parents and coaches. PLEASE start here.
  2. Playing Segment: USA divides players into different age groups. Much like baseball has different rules for youth from T-Ball to Legion. USA basketball has identified three different segments. Ages 7-8, Ages 9-11, Ages 12-14, Grades 9-12
  3. Equipment And Court Specifications Ball sizes, Height of Baskets, Size of Court, Distance of 3-point arc,
  4. Game Structure
  5. Game Tactics
  6. Highlighted Game Play Rules

Kindergarten Basketball: USA Basketball Guidelines

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

The ages we are using for kindergarten basketball is 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds.

USA Basketball is the #1 resource for youth basketball coaches. There are so many great resources for players and coaches. Start by clicking on the tab “Youth Development.” If you plan on coaching for a few year, consider getting a USA Basketball Coaching License. The Youth Guidebook will provide many ideas and answers for rookie and veteran coaches.