For athletes who play multiple sports, it is crucial to maintain your edge on the basketball court.

Football has kicked off at every level, with volleyball, cross country, soccer, and plenty of other sports going on besides. There are many different sports for athletes to choose from, especially at the prep level on down. Many of the best athletes distribute their talents over several of these sports, which is great but also presents new challenges.

Time spent on other sports is time spent focusing your attention on things besides basketball. But, again, this is certainly okay as there are many things in life already more critical than hooping, like family, education, etc.

Once it is time to focus on basketball again, you do not want to have fallen behind your teammates, let alone your competition.

When you are caught up with other sports, time management becomes crucial. The sport season you are engaged in likely needs to be the priority (once homework is done). Being coachable, a good teammate, and a successful athlete in whichever sport has your attention needs to remain at the forefront. However, don't forget about the most fantastic sport in the world: basketball.

“The great players show how much they want to play during the offseason - when it’s hot, when it’s tough, and when no one’s watching.”

— Tony Alfonso

Even if you mess around in the driveway dribbling, getting shots up, or playing pick-up games with friends, you stay sharper than you would otherwise. Just remember to keep learned skills, such as shooting form, in the front of your mind. The offseason is the easiest time to get lax on fundamentals and form bad habits.

One of the best things you can do is use a block of free time for focused, intense training. You probably see where this is going, but a workout session like those offered by The Basketball Movement is perfect for blocking out other things from your mind so you can just focus on basketball.

Even smack in the middle of softball season, track season, and what have you, you can still find a few hours. A few hours of concentrated basketball training, especially over a few days, can keep your skills sharp and serve as reminders of what it takes to stay at the top of your game.

Anytime you can have a basketball in your hands is helpful. To get the most out of your basketball offseason, contact The Basketball Movement. Coaches Craig, Sly, AJ, and the rest are the perfect team to ensure that you stay at the top of your game, even if you are playing other sports. Hit us up!

You probably aren’t playing in the NBA Playoffs and may not even be on Spring or Summer teams. What should you do?

We will hit on the basics, but our biggest offseason recommendation is to check out everything offered at The Basketball Movement. The Movement provides training in every aspect of the game for every level of player.

That is the obvious answer, so we will break it down more in a bit. Here are the basics for how to use your time in the offseason.

#1 - Work on your skills

You probably work plenty on situations, plays, and team drills during the season. The offseason is the best time to improve as an individual. Particularly, this is a great time to work on your shot and ball handling.

Individual ball handling can be practiced in the gym or driveway. You can work on your shot anywhere you can find a goal to achieve a quicker release or smoother stroke. Have a coach to guide you through? Even better. Where do you find such a person? I think you know.

#2 - Work on your body

For players that or old enough (consult parents, coaches, or even a doctor), the offseason is the best time to hit the weight room. You do not need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger on the court; just achieve your body's balance to be as strong as necessary.

It has been said that you cannot teach speed, but even if you have a limit, you likely have yet to hit it. Speed and agility training are too real (ask The Basketball Movement for details). Agility and conditioning are crucial, and there is always more time for a run during the offseason.

#3 - Refresh your mind

The offseason is also a great time to reflect on what you accomplished or consider the goals you could not obtain. Take note of areas where you would like to have been better, making sure you focus on those during the offseason as well as your strengths.

Also, have fun! After a long season, it is important to take a little time off to clear your mind. Get involved with a basketball program, play another sport to remain active, or even rest to nurse any nagging injuries or give your body time to relax. Then once you are ready to get back, get in touch withThe Basketball Movement, of course!

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”

— Muhhamad Ali

In case you had not noticed, a solution to a lot of these fixes has been sprinkled in a few times. At The Basketball Movement, you will find top-of-the-line equipment to help you build muscle and stay in shape. Not to mention staff dedicated to improving your agility, skills, and mind.

To become the best player you can be and make the most out of your offseason this year, make your way to the basketball mecca of the Midwest - The Basketball Movement.