Summertime Training with Intention
Summer is where separation happens. But putting in hours at the gym or in the driveway isn’t enough if those hours lack purpose. To truly elevate your game, you need intention behind every rep.
Dick DeVenzio said it best in his book, Stuff Good Players Should Know:
“Habit of play is a crucial phrase. The world is full of players who can properly perform some task when they are told to concentrate on just that or when they are asked to do it in a drill. But do they do it in games? Do they do it consistently?”
Developing those permanent game-time habits requires structured, intentional practice. Here is how players, coaches, and parents can bring that intention to summer training.
The Power of the Daily Drill
Becoming a knockdown shooter doesn’t happen by mindlessly firing up 500 random shots. The secret lies in consistent, daily repetition of foundational mechanics. The best shooters commit to doing one core shooting drill every single day.
Whether it’s form shooting close to the basket or a specific 100-make routine, doing the same drill daily builds muscle memory that holds up under pressure. It’s not about how hard you push for one day; it’s about having the discipline to never skip the small stuff. Pick your daily drill, track your makes, and let the compounding effect of intentional reps transform your jumper.
Train the “Big Six”
If you want to build shooting versatility and game-speed conditioning, move away from static line-shooting. Implement the Big Six Shooting Drill to teach players how to adapt to multiple game scenarios in one continuous sequence.
The featured approach challenges players to string together several different types of game-realistic movements and shots while fatigued, perfectly simulating the physical and mental demands they will face in live competition. It is designed to evaluate not just if a player can make a shot, but if they can make the right shot when their legs are heavy and the game is moving fast.
Encourage Your Child to use 1v1 Constraints
Summertime driveway hoops are a staple, but they can easily devolve into bad habits. If you’re rebounding for your athlete or playing them 1-on-1, avoid letting them hold the ball for long periods or pound the rock nine times before shooting.
Instead, introduce constraints that force rapid, game-like processing. Implement these three rules
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About PGC
PGC Basketball provides intense, no-nonsense basketball training for players and coaches. Our basketball camps are designed to teach players of all positions to play smart basketball, be coaches on the court, and be leaders in practices, games and in everyday life.
We combine our unique PGC culture with a variety of teaching methods and learning environments to maximize the learning potential of those that attend our sessions. In addition to spending 6-7 hours on the court each day, lessons will be reinforced through classroom sessions and video analysis.
Our goal at PGC is to empower you with the tools to fulfill your basketball dreams, while also assisting you in experiencing the joy of the journey.
To learn more about PGC Basketball, including additional basketball training tips and videos, visit our YouTube Channel or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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