I have often spoken to parents, trainers and even players that have stated that playing middle school basketball weakens their skill set. A well- known trainer in Memphis has personally told me that he sends players to middle-school coaches with their skills sharpened before the season, but during the season the player’s skill set often erodes. This is mainly due to the fact that the middle school team focuses on team oriented goals and not skill development. Don’t get me wrong, coaches are doing their best, but there is only so much one can do during a practice. Remember kids do have homework and other things going on in their lives. Normally, you see this in kids that have played at a high level during the summer AAU season. It’s a known fact that good players do not always look their best when surrounded by lesser talent, believe me I have witnessed this personally myself.
What can one do about this?
1.Continue to let the more advanced player train maybe once or twice a week with a trainer during the middle school season to keep his/her skills sharpened.
2.If possible, try to find a pick-up game (s) for the more advanced player so they can continue to play at a high level ( maybe once weekly). Be careful not to risk injury.
3.After the end of the season, take a brief break and get back in the gym.
Remember this, in my opinion all players should play for their middle-school. As parents, we sometimes look too much into it, this game is supposed to be fun. Even-though the players skill set might take a brief hit, he or she is still part of a team. If your son/daughter is “head and shoulders” in talent level above the other kids that’s 100% okay. Tell your child to be a leader and lead by example (make teammates better). I think the worst thing a parent can do is not play for your middle-school. In the end, the player will have friends and memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.
