by Jefferson Mason, on May 30, 2025 8:27:47 AM
As a basketball parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person.
You’ve taken the first step toward helping your young player make the most of their time away from games and practices. Trust me—this is where great players are truly made.
Why the Off-Season Is the Secret Weapon
Many parents don’t realize this, but the off-season is the most important time for skill development. It's the ideal window for:
- Building new skills like shooting, dribbling, and defensive footwork
- Developing strength and athleticism
- Deepening basketball IQ
- Getting ahead of the competition before tryouts even begin
Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is waiting too long to start training. Too often, the urgency doesn’t kick in until a few weeks—or even days—before tryouts. By then, it’s usually too late to make meaningful improvements, and many players end up starting the season behind the curve.
How Parents Can Jumpstart Off-Season Training (The Right Way)
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a former player or full-time trainer to help your child succeed. It starts with a simple plan.
1. Identify Key Growth Areas
Before diving into training, pinpoint your athlete’s biggest areas for improvement. These could include:
- Ball-handling under pressure
- Shooting consistency
- Core and leg strength
- Court awareness and decision-making
Not sure where your child needs help? Connect with their most recent coach or schedule a quick evaluation with a local trainer.
2. Create a Balanced Training Plan
Once you’ve got a list of focus areas, develop a plan that fits your family’s schedule. Incorporate a mix of:
- Structured workouts using tools like Dr. Dish Shooting Machines
- Bodyweight strength exercises
- Basketball-specific IQ drills
- Unstructured play time to keep things fun
Use free resources like our Off-Season Player Guide to help shape the plan and keep it consistent throughout the summer.
3. Start Small, Then Build
Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on two to three key skills early in the off-season. As your child builds confidence and routine, gradually add more drills and variety.
Consistency is what drives real results—not marathon workouts once a month. Modern tools like shooting machines and shot trainers are essential. They allow players to:
- Get more reps in less time
- Practice independently
- Develop muscle memory for high-pressure game moments
At Dr. Dish, we’ve seen firsthand how these tools can transform players. Even with a busy schedule, athletes can get in high-quality training sessions that make a lasting impact.
Looking for MORE?
If you found this information helpful, subscribe to our Exclusive 5-part email series, where we’ll dive into topics parents frequently ask about, including:
- How to create a schedule that prevents burnout
- What elite players really do in the off-season (and how to adapt it for your child)
- Mixing structured training with fun and play
- Balancing shooting, dribbling, and basketball IQ development
Stay tuned—because your support as a parent can make all the difference this off-season.
Download our FREE Off-Season Player Guide and learn how to set up a custom training plan that fits your athlete’s goals and your family’s routine.
➡️ Click here to download your guide
