Summer Programs to Improve High School Basketball Skills

High school basketball players must constantly work to get better. A sophomore player who had a great season has to continue to go forward. If he rests on his laurels and last season's 20-point-per-game average, he'll be forgotten as a junior. Playing in summer leagues and going to basketball camps are the best ways to move ahead.

Most good basketball players will find a way to play basketball in the summer, but playing at the local court is not enough. Players must get and stay in the best shape possible. Running, jumping and weightlifting are needed to get in top shape. Start each session with a series of baseline runs. Start off at one baseline and run to the near free-throw line and back, then to the midcourt and back, then to the three-quarters court and back, and then to the far baseline and back. Do two or three of these to get fully warmed up. Do quick jumps, which will train the muscles to gain explosive power, by going into a crouch and springing up as high as you can. Do about 20 of these jumps in a row. Finally, get in the gym and do upper- and lower-body work to build strength. Circuit training is quite effective for basketball.

Good players need to play against other good players to get better, so try to play in at least two leagues during the summer. Find a local league that includes some of the better high school basketball players in your area, and go to a basketball camp that brings in top players in a geographical region. Your high school coach should be able to help you find both of these types of leagues.

Work with a teammate to improve your rebounding skills. While jumping high is an important ingredient in successful rebounding, instinct and experience can mean more. Position yourself under the boards and have a teammate fire a series of 10 shots in succession. Spring up when the ball hits off the rim and make sure you can get the ball while you are on the upswing. Do this at least 10 times to build rebounding instincts.

It's important for shooters of any skill level to improve. Mark off five spots 15 feet from the basket. Take 10 shots from the baseline, the right elbow of the free throw line, the free throw line, the left elbow of the free throw line, and then the baseline again. Do this whole routine at least five times for each shooting practice session.

Tape your sessions and study your form. Make sure your elbow is perpendicular to the floor when shooting, and make sure your release and follow-through are consistent. If you are making mistakes, the tape will show you.