Train with Purpose: A Simple Basketball Plan Before Tryouts

Summer’s Ending: Let’s Get to Work

As the days get shorter and school tryouts get closer, now’s the time to train smart. If you're in middle or high school and want to make the team or move up the bench, then practice with focus, not just sweat.

At Hoops World Elite (WE), we believe in simple, strong habits. Train with purpose. Build confidence. Learn the game. Get better every day.

Why Off-season Training Matters

During the school year, practice is short and crowded. Coaches teach plays, not skills. That’s why summer and fall (July to October) are perfect for real improvement.

Use this time to:

• Build strong fundamentals

• Get faster and tougher

• Learn how to make smart plays

• Become a better teammate

• Be ready when tryouts come

Pick Your Level and Follow the Plan

🔰 Beginner (New or First-Time Players)

Goal: Build basics, stay consistent

Train: 3 days per week

Day 1 – Control the Ball & Finish at the Rim

• Dribble standing still and on the move (15 mins)

• Layups with both hands (15 mins)

• Shooting form practice (10 mins)

• Footwork and balance drills (10 mins)

• Free throws (10 mins)

Day 2 – Pass & Shoot

• Moving passes (with wall or partner) (10 mins)

• Form and midrange shooting (20 mins)

• Closeout defense (10 mins)

• Cone sprints for speed (10 mins)

• Free throws (10 mins)

Day 3 – Play the Game

• 1-on-1 drills (with a partner or shadow) (15 mins)

• Decision-making drills (15 mins)

• Fast break layups (15 mins)

• Journal or watch game clips (15 mins)

🏀 Intermediate (Played Before, Wants to Level Up)

Goal: Sharpen your game and make quicker decisions

Train: 4–5 days per week

Day 1 – Handles & Game Reads

• Advanced dribbling (2-ball, pressure) (15 mins)

• Game reads (drive/kick, pick & roll) (20 mins)

• Footwork defense (10 mins)

• Tough finishes (15 mins)

Day 2 – Shoot & Run

• Catch-and-shoot drills (15 mins)

• Shooting off screens or cuts (20 mins)

• Visualization (see the play in your head) (10 mins)

• Sprint and shoot while tired (15 mins)

Day 3 – Rest & Review

• Light shooting + stretch

• Watch game film or talk strategy

• Optional partner workout

Day 4 – Compete

• 1-on-1 scoring with 3-dribble rule (20 mins)

• Fast passing and shooting (15 mins)

• Hustle drills (10 mins)

• Pressure free throws (10 mins)

Day 5 – Mix & Track

• Combine drills you like best

• Keep track of your shots and progress

🔥 Advanced (Varsity or Elite Club Players)

Goal: Play fast, strong, and smart

Train: 5–6 days per week

Day 1 – Explode Early

• Warm-up and stretch (10 mins)

• Ball screen reads (15 mins)

• Floaters, euros, and tough finishes (20 mins)

• Defensive footwork (15 mins)

Day 2 – Shoot Like the Pros

• Dribble and shoot (15 mins)

• Shooting on the move (20 mins)

• Goal-based free throws (10 mins)

• Strength training (20 mins)

Day 3 – Recovery + Film

• Easy shooting and stretch

• Watch film to learn

Day 4 – Game Situations

• 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 with rules (30 mins)

• Transition scoring (15 mins)

• Cool down and focus (15 mins)

Day 5 – Compete & Condition

• Full-court dribble into scoring (15 mins)

• Reaction drills (10 mins)

• Beat-the-clock shooting games (15 mins)

• Closeouts and rebounding (10 mins)

Train Smart, Not Just Hard

Anyone can shoot around. Great players train with a plan. At Hoops World Elite, we teach kids to work with:

• Purpose

• Smarts

• Toughness

• Confidence

Our Teams teach players how to turn practice into performance.

Parents & Coaches: Here’s How You Can Help

• Encourage effort and routine

• Make space for workouts (30–45 mins is plenty!)

• Watch film or talk hoops together

• Sign up for of our teams to boost training

🏁 Ready to Level Up?

Tryouts will be here before you know it. Start training with purpose now. Hoops World Elite is here to help you take the next step.

Let’s build skills. Let’s build confidence. Let’s go.