Basketball Training Resources
Most high schools and middle schools offer basketball 
leagues and teams for players who qualify and make the team. However many young players are looking for additional court time and basketball training beyond school teams. Especially if they did not make the school team.
Basketball is a great way for children and young people to stay in shape and get plenty of exercise. It is also a game that can be played year-round. So there tends to be a range of basketball opportunities that aren’t necessarily connected with a school. Here are some places where interested athletes can look for more basketball training, ways to improve their game, and perhaps make some new friends in the process.
After School Programs
If you want to participate in more basketball than what your local school offers, after school programs may provide some opportunities. Many after school programs are run by the city, a non-profit organization, or the school itself. Some programs will even provide some level of basketball training and coaching. If you’re not sure what’s available, check with your school district or city recreation center to be pointed in the right direction.
City Leagues
A lot of cities and towns offer recreation programs throughout the year that anyone can sign up for. Usually, enrolling for a city recreation league costs between $10 and $40, depending upon the league, and participants are expected to show up to weekly practices and participate in games in exchange for a jersey.
City basketball leagues are a great way for kids to get basketball training beyond school teams and are usually open to anyone who’s interested. They can also be a fun way to meet new people and practice your basketball skills. Some leagues can be pretty competitive but some can be more low key with players just looking for a chance to have fun and get some good exercise at the same time.
AAU Teams
Another option for dedicated players in many areas is to connect with a local AAU team. According to Wikipedia, “The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.”
AAU teams generally travel to play other regional teams and can even go to local, regional and state-wide tournaments. These teams can be pretty competitive and provide some real opportunities for players to take their basketball training and their game to a new level.
Basketball Camps
If you’re a dedicated players who really wants to learn more and enhance your basketball skill set, you will want to enroll in a basketball camp either during holiday breaks or over the summer. A basketball camp like those available from Triple Threat Academy will put you in an environment with others players who, like yourself, love basketball and want to develop their core skills and learn new ways to improve their game.
You should choose the right basketball camp depending upon your skill level and interests. There are many options that vary in degrees of intensity and areas of focus. Many organizations that offer basketball camps such as Triple Threat also offer group training and private basketball lessons. These smaller group and individual trainings provide a chance to identify and work on the areas most important to you.
Church Leagues
In many areas churches will sponsor teams or be part of a church basketball league. These teams will generally be open to anyone who wants to participate. CYO leagues for younger kids are an excellent example of this. Usually, the churches will host games themselves, or partner with other churches in the area and have a full season and even playoffs.
While it may depend upon the specific church, many will allow community members to join in, regardless of religious affiliation. If you’re looking for a basketball league in your area, check with local churches to see if there might be something available in your age range.
Pick-Up Games
Pick-up games refer to calling up a group of friends or heading to your local indoor or outdoor courts for games of basketball with whoever else might be available at the courts. The availability and the level of competition can vary as you might expect. However this less-structured environment can also give a player the opportunity to work on new moves or practice skills that need improvement while under some form of game competition.
Keep Up Your Basketball Training Outside of School
Playing regularly in different type of environments will help you improve your game. In addition to playing basketball regularly to build your skills, make sure that you are also taking care of your body and your physical development. Be sure you’re getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, and doing additional training exercises, such as weight or strength training. There’s more to being a good player than just the time you spend on the court.
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