Training In the off-season (pt. 1)
The most underrated, yet important time of year
As the club basketball season winds down, it's time to shift our focus to the pivotal period that lies ahead:
The Off-Season
So, what exactly is an off-season?
The off-season is a distinct stretch of time dedicated to rest, recovery, or simply less frequent participation in basketball-related activities. Many players utilize this time to rejuvenate completely, perhaps by exploring a new sport, embracing the serenity of nature, or investing quality time with family.
While a good number of players persist in training — be it skills or strength development — a genuine off-season is easily recognizable as a period without any game-specific training.
While most will still continue to train, whether that be skills and/or strength training, a true off-season is a very distinguishable period of time where you do not train for games.
We strongly encourage you to set aside adequate time for rest and focused training, paying heed to both your mental and physical health.
The duration of the off-season is a subject of much debate. Nevertheless, I propose that every player should allow themselves an off-season spanning a minimum of ten weeks. A ten-week hiatus wherein you refrain from engaging in official games or tournaments.
Now, you might wonder why an off-season holds such significance.
Let's consider this:
During the regular season—whether for your club or school—the primary focus is on the collective performance of the team. Your purpose is to contribute in any way possible to ensure your team's triumph.. It provides a platform for cultivating teamwork, altruism, and leadership skills. Furthermore, it equips you to comprehend the dynamics of team play and discover the role you execute best.
However, this team-centric approach might not allow ample room for individual development. This lack of personal growth often leads to player frustration, as they might find themselves stuck in a role they're not particularly fond of due to limited skills or strength. With the team's development at the forefront, individual progress usually stagnates.
If your schedule is packed with games or tournaments, when will you find the time to take the necessary steps to transform into the player you aspire to be? Will you ever enhance your skills to evolve beyond your current role?
This is precisely where the off-season steps in. It's YOUR time! It's the one time of the year when you're free to focus entirely on personal development.
So here's a closing thought:
Are you really missing out on anything by playing fewer tournaments or games?
Take the example of Steph Curry. He didn't engage in AAU basketball until Grade 10, choosing instead to devote countless hours to honing his craft in the gym. Of course, he still participated in games, but he wasn't caught up in the relentless 10-month game schedule that most contemporary players follow.
"Every time I rise up, I have the confidence that I'm going to make it. I put in my work, I work hard in the off-season, I work hard every single day in the gym." - Stephen Curry
So, what's our next move?
Sign-Up for our off-season summer Camps & Clinics!!!
Let us help you in the off-season
In our upcoming article, we'll guide you through what YOU should aim to achieve during this off-season. We'll share age-specific recommendations to ensure you make the most of your off-season. Stay tuned!
Quotes by the greats about the off-season
"Off-season is my season. Being a champion isn't won in the ring. It's won in the gym." - LeBron James
"The off-season is where it all begins." - Larry Bird
"The off-season training makes the in-season victories." - Shaquille O'Neal
"The off-season is when the lights are off, the crowds are gone, and it's just you against yourself." - Kobe Bryant
"To me, the off-season is the real season. It's when I can set my goals, write my story, and shock everybody when the lights are the brightest." - Russell Westbrook
