Expert: Michael Muro - 11/22/2006

Question
My daughter is a junior in high school and she received one on one training this summer. However, we stopped going to training because she didn't want to practice at home. Last night was her first game and she sat on the bench majority of the game and freshman players played well during the game. However, I was hurting for my daughter but I had been expressing my concerns about her not practicing all summer. Today she started practicing again but what can I do as a parent and also what are some techniques she can work on at home that can assist her with endurance and also improving her ball handling skills especially with her left hand.

Answer
Hello Marquetta,

I think as parents we have all been in your position as we want to help our children and take away any pain or bad feelings. In this case I believe your daughter has a learned a valuable lesson and is trying to correct her mistake of not preparing herself. You said she is practicing again which is good as she realized she needs to work hard to be a better basketball player. This is a good basketball lesson but even a better lesson for life.

As a parent I would stay positive and keep encouraging her to work hard and have a positive attitude. She might not get the results this year but keep encouraging her and tell her to see the big picture. She might not experience the results until next year as a senior. When she gets discouraged and she will, remind her of the position she is in now and why. Hard work does pay off but it takes time.  

Here is a great basketball site that is free and covers everything about basketball. Check it out and let me know what you think. Just copy and paste the link below.

Good luck!

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/BallHandling.html