Keeping Your Player Motivated Through the Summer

When I was younger, summer hoop sessions and workouts brought me so much excitement. Playing with new people and having the chance to redefine myself was a key part of my development. Having a plan for success—and the ability to pivot when needed—is crucial for growth.

That said, summer can be a busy time, and by the midpoint, it’s often difficult for kids to stay focused on training and getting better. I have young children who play basketball, and each of them loves the game in different ways and at different levels. Below, I’ll walk through a few ways to help keep your player(s) motivated during the heart of summer.

Make It Fun

The absolute best way to keep players motivated is to help them compete and have fun. No young player wants basketball to feel like a job—so time on the court needs to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Gamifying workouts or incorporating tools like the Dr. Dish shooting machine are great ways to keep players engaged while also encouraging healthy competition. Another powerful way to make hoops fun is to get out there and play with them yourself. My seven-year-old son has the most fun when we do drills together or just play games like PIG or Around the World. Not only is it fun—it builds memories that will last a lifetime.

And don’t underestimate the power of social motivation. Invite neighborhood kids, teammates, or family members to shoot around or scrimmage. This adds a layer of energy and excitement, while also pushing your player to get better in a fun, relaxed environment.

Set (or Adjust) Your Summer Workout Plan

If it’s already mid-summer and you haven’t created a workout schedule yet, now’s the time to build one. And if you already have one, this may be a good point to revisit and adjust it based on your player's needs, energy, or schedule.

A great way to keep young players bought-in is by letting them help design the plan. When kids have input, they take ownership—and that leads to better consistency and motivation. A schedule also helps prevent burnout, which is common when players are juggling too many activities with little downtime.

Note: A great resource for providing some structure and fun in your hooper's training is our Off-Season Player Guide!

Here’s another simple example outline:

Mon/Wed/Fri – 45 minutes to 1 hour of skill work (dribbling, shooting, individual skills)
Tue/Thu – Play at the park, 2v2, or open scrimmage
Sat/Sun – Free choice (watch an NBA/WNBA game, try trick shots, rest)

Finally, make sure the plan is realistic and tailored to your player’s age, skill level, and interests.

Inspire With Role Models

My 7-year-old son loves watching players like Anthony Edwards and LeBron James. Anytime they’re on TV, it’s an opportunity for us to bond. He loves the energy of the crowd and the emotions the players show throughout the game.

He also enjoys watching highlight reels and documentaries that show how athletes trained when they were young or overcame tough challenges. As a Michael Jordan fan myself, I love reliving classic NBA moments with him—and the excitement we share in those moments definitely leaves a lasting impression.

Role models are powerful. Whether it's a pro athlete, older sibling, or local high school star, these figures can inspire your player to stay committed and dream big.

In the end, our kids may never become the next LeBron James or Caitlin Clark—but that doesn’t mean we can’t give them every opportunity to chase that dream.

When you make training fun, bring in a little social energy, and allow for flexibility, a lot of growth can happen in a short amount of time.