By Robert J. Hunter, Founder & Program Director, No Excuse Produce
As the days grow longer and the sun stays out later, we are gifted with extra hours of daylight—precious time that can be used to help our young athletes grow, train, and enjoy the game they love. For basketball moms, this season presents a golden opportunity to balance structured training with outdoor fun, ensuring that our kids stay active, engaged, and improving their skills while still enjoying their spring.
The Gift of Longer Days
When the sun is out until 6:45 PM, the possibilities for development and enjoyment expand significantly. Unlike the winter months, when we’re rushing from school to practice before the sun disappears, the extended daylight allows for more flexibility in scheduling training sessions, free play, and even family time.
This extra time can be a game-changer for young athletes who are working on refining their skills, conditioning their bodies, and staying sharp for the upcoming season. Whether your child is preparing for AAU tournaments, school tryouts, or just playing for the love of the game, the longer days provide a chance to put in the extra work that makes all the difference.
Training and Skill Development Opportunities
1. Outdoor Basketball Drills
Take advantage of outdoor courts and driveways to keep kids engaged in skill development. Some great drills to incorporate include:
Shooting Challenges: Set goals for the number of makes from different spots on the court before the sun sets.
Dribbling Workouts: Encourage ball-handling drills while moving around the driveway or using cones for agility.
One-on-One Matches: Let them compete with siblings or friends to build their confidence and game instincts.
2. Strength & Conditioning in the Sun
Instead of being confined to the gym, longer daylight hours allow for outdoor strength and conditioning work:
Agility Ladder Drills – Perfect for footwork and quickness.
Hill Sprints – Build endurance and explosive speed.
Bodyweight Exercises – Push-ups, lunges, and planks can be done outside to increase strength.
3. Cross-Training and Fun Activities
Not all training has to be basketball-specific. Spring is a great time for athletes to enjoy other activities that build athleticism while giving their bodies a break from the hardwood:
Hiking – Great for endurance and lower-body strength.
Bike Rides – Builds leg strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Pick-up Games at the Park – Encourages creativity and real-game decision-making.
Making Training a Family Affair
Basketball doesn’t have to be all about structured workouts—it can be an opportunity for family bonding. Longer daylight hours allow for:
Evening Walks with a Basketball – Dribbling while walking as a family keeps skills sharp.
Family Shooting Contests – A great way to have fun and develop a competitive spirit.
Outdoor Game Nights – Encourage kids to organize 3v3 games with friends to keep them engaged socially and physically.
Nutrition and Hydration for Spring Training
With more time spent outdoors, it’s essential to ensure young athletes are properly fueled and hydrated:
Hydration: Have them drink water consistently throughout the day, especially if they’re training in the sun.
Healthy Snacks: Encourage snacks rich in protein and complex carbs like fruit, nuts, and yogurt to maintain energy levels.
Electrolyte Replenishment: If they’re sweating heavily, consider natural electrolyte sources like coconut water or a homemade sports drink.
Setting Spring Goals
One of the best ways to keep young players motivated is to set clear goals for the spring. Here are some ways to do this:
Skill Goals: “Make 500 shots per week” or “Improve ball-handling with daily 15-minute workouts.”
Physical Goals: “Increase vertical jump by 2 inches” or “Run a mile in under 7 minutes.”
Mental Goals: “Watch one basketball game a week and analyze player movements.”
Balancing Fun and Hard Work
While we encourage training and skill-building, spring should also be a time for kids to enjoy being kids. The best basketball players develop a love for the game by having fun. Make sure your child has time to:
Enjoy nature and fresh air.
Go on weekend adventures with family.
Spend time with friends without pressure.
Final Thoughts
Longer daylight hours give us the chance to slow down and enjoy the process. Basketball development doesn’t have to feel like a chore—when done right, it becomes an enjoyable part of everyday life. As basketball moms, your role in fostering this balance is invaluable. Encourage, support, and provide opportunities, but also remember to let them find joy in the journey.
With a structured but flexible approach, this spring can be the season where your young athlete takes their game to the next level—while still creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make the most of it!
NO EXCUSE PRODUCE! GET 1% BETTER!
Robert J. Hunter
Comments