Jim in the Gym Archives

March 2024

Travel Teams

At Basics we do not believe in travel teams at all, at any level in any sport.  We understand this is counter to the way youth sports is conducted, where travel teams are often thought to be the most competitive.

There is nothing further from the truth.

Briefly, players improve by working on their SKILL, their CONDITION and their MENTAL TOUGHNESS.  Games are merely a benchmark of skill.  Games do NOT create skill, they reveal skill.  Travel teams are a waste of time, energy, effort and money.  Avoid them. 

RELATED:  Condi Rice Commission on NCAA Mens Basketball.

RELATED:  Basics video on Travel Teams

February 2024  

I have always wanted to communicate brief, cogent thoughts on Youth Sports.  I have been working on a book on that topic.  It may morph into a Parent Handbook, a guide to navigating the many facets of youth sports.

Parents are ALWAYS welcome to call with any questions. I believe that your youth sports choices are among the most important you will make for your kids. 

Today’s topic is pre-existing!  Go to our Candid Shots library of video logs that address many important topics.  Travel Sports, Try outs, Basketball’s MOST IMPORTANT SKILL DRILL, Youth tournaments, Normal Improvement and many other topics of interest.