basketball training aid

As coaches, parents and athletic directors look to the future of their sport, they see the growing popularity globally and increasing competition changing the face of basketball practice. Eighteen high school athletic directors and coaches what they thought we might see in the year 2020.

The responses were broad, but there were several themes that did emerge from these conversations. While no one knew where we'll end up, we do have an idea of where we're headed.

The demise of the multi-sport athletes?

The days of the multi-sport athlete are numbered. No longer are letter jackets adorned with patches and pins from multiple sports common place. The athlete that competes in three separate sports in a year of high school are almost completely gone.

"The three sport athlete is dying out a bit as kids are focusing on their best sport year round," Northwest wrestling coach Ron Wilhelm said.

Ours is a culture of sports and, unfortunately, excess. Kids are often directed into a single sport at young ages to maximize their talents and abilities. However, most high school coaches like athletes who participate in multiple sports. It allows for a richer high school experience, the athletes use a different skill set and different muscles. It sharpens their competitive edge without the risk of burnout. And nothing kills an athlete's interest and drive faster than burnout.

"I'm seeing more and more of it," Christian Brothers College soccer coach Terry Michler said. "They don't get that excited when they should get excited. They don't get to down when they should be down. It's like it doesn't matter that much to them."

Generations of Americans grew up playing pickup games in the park, the backyard or the driveway. Those days are disappearing as kids are participating in organized sports at a earlier age.

"My biggest concern and trend over the last 10 years is kids have stopped playing pickup games," Wilhelm said. "The days of playing basketball games in the park for eight hours are just about over."

Michler said that while the athletes who have been in organized sports for extended period of time are technically superior, they lack the ability to adapt to situations that arise in games. Because team basketball practice is so structured, they have never had to change with the wrinkles that come your way when you're playing pickup games with the neighbors.

"That's where you learn, because it unfolds right in front of your face," Michler said. "When the kids are making up the rules and they adapt."

The increasing amounts of money that families spend on their children's athletics, be it basketball equipment, travel or club team expenses, there is often the expectation that these expenses are investments and they will be repaid in the form of a college scholarship. "They think there is a pot of gold for them," Michler said.

The new basketball training aid, "Pass, Catch Shot", is changing the look of basketball practice. Much like a blocking dummy for basketball, the "Pass Catch Shoot", gives practice at home, the park, or on the court a game like feel and workout. The release of "Pass Catch Shoot", is expected in late January. To place yourself on the Priority Notification List and be the first to hear all of the details when we officially launch head over to: http://www.BasketballTrainingAid.com