Preschool Basketball

Micah has been doing preschool basketball this summer. Since we are out in the country, we have to drive 30 minutes for him to participate in any sort of programming, but it's totally worth it since he's just so cute out there and he's learned a TON.

While we were sitting and watching him, I overheard one mother saying that they were gone for 12 hours the other day, from 9-9...ENTIRELY doing kids activities. Basketball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, t-ball, swimming, swimming, soccer, softball....it was RIDICULOUS. Her four year old did not want to play basketball that day and went up to her 4 times throughout the hour asking if he could be done, and she said "No! Stop whining! You signed up for this stuff and you need to do it." The poor kids was just exhausted. I totally get wanting your kids to have opportunities, but parents- Let your kids be kids! They need unstructured down time to just play and be silly. Micah has taken swimming, gymnastics, soccer and now basketball...but we spread it out so he gets the experiences but isn't overprogrammed.

Anyways, off my soap box. :-) In case you want to run some drills with your kids at home...here's what they learned. Just a warning- all you athletic people will read this and think "Duh! Is she kidding me?!?!" Nope, not kidding. I truly did not know any of this stuff before watching Micah's teacher. But if you're not sporty like us, you'll be thankful to know how to teach your kid "proper" technique.

Preschool Basketball Pointers

•Practice dribbling on the side on both sides. If you dribble in front like most kids start off doing, it can land on their feet and bounce off.

•They're supposed to use their fingertips to dribble the ball, not slap at it.

•When they go to shoot, they should spread their feet, bend their knees and "put their hand in the cookie jar" when they extend.

•They practiced shooting with little foam balls and volleyballs first before using basketballs since they're lighter (but they only used basketballs for dribbling).

•For passing, they can learn how to do chest passes or overhead passes. And you take a step forward when you throw it. (seriously...did not know this stuff beforehand)

•They also practiced shooting and passing against the gym wall so it went back to them. I can see that occupying the kids for a long time at home.

Thank goodness for coaches to teach our kids the things we don't have a clue how to do. We're happy to reinforce their lessons at home! Today was his last day, so we brought it some basketball cupcakes to share with his teammates in celebration.

Now we need to find a portable basketball hoop that goes as low as 6 feet, but up to standard height, so he can use it now and grow into it. If any of you have any suggestions of one or ideas of how to make our own, please let me know!!!