Group Instruction

Interested in our Group Development Program?  
Please click here ->>   GroupDevelopment@PlayVABA.org  

GROUP vs. TEAM INSTRUCTION

There are two basic options one has when considering instruction in a group setting: GROUP or TEAM Instruction

GROUP Instruction is simply working in a small or large group with other similarly-skilled athletes. Groups can be formed on your own, and then set up, through Virginia Basketball Academy staff, based on specifically requested day and time availability. Groups can also be formed by Virginia Basketball Academy staff by connecting individual athletes who have expressed a desire to work on their game in the off-season.

TEAM Instruction is designed to involve players who compete on the same team and, oftentimes, includes the coach(es) of the particular team. Coaches may organize their players to take part in these session; these can serve to be especially productive for coaches hoping to not only expose their players to additional high-quaility instruction, but also desiring to learn more about the game and effective teaching methods used to teach it successfully.

WHY GROUP DEVELOPMENT?

Group Development is a vitally important step to developing the complete player. In addition, it adds an essential element to developing a TEAM mindset when learning the game. This, of course, can be an important life skill as well. Despite being in a group setting, our instructors will initially focus on assessing and then developing INDIVIDUAL SKILLS. In addition, working with your peers can be especially effective in motivating through the use of modeling, peer mentoring and positive reinforcement. However, Group Development takes one’s development to another level because it gives the student-athlete the opportunity to learn TEAM SKILLS - in other words, how the individual skills are connected and applied in the team setting. This also allows the instructor to teach the MOST important basketball skill there is: “SEEING THE GAME.” When players “see” the game, they are able to recognize and anticipate, thus giving them the ability to execute their individual skills most efficiently.

WHY TEAM DEVELOPMENT?

Team Development, like Group Development (please refer to the benefits described above - “Why Group Development?”), is extremely effective in developing the complete player, his individual skills, his knowledge of how those skills are used in the context of his teammates, and, ultimately, his ability to “see” the game.

However, Team Development Sessions serve another important purpose when done as a team. Because the coach is present and our instructor will be working with teammates preparing for competition, more can be done to customize the sessions for the particular team’s needs. Maybe a team is working on a particular zone offense or needs to develop a press attack? Maybe a coach is interested in learning a new defensive philosophy? Our instructors will help teach coaches and train teams to learn whatever TEAM SKILL(S) they might need to maximize their team’s full potential.

Furthermore, our instructors are committed to helping your team BUILD “TEAM” - listening to their coach, losing oneself in the team concept, and imparting the importance of working together for a common goal. This approach is designed to not only help your team perform well on the floor, but also to teach important life skills each of your players need to understand to succeed off the court as well!

INSTRUCTION / DEVELOPING HABITS

Our motto is “coaching is teaching,” and we have developed an extremely thorough, diversified basketball teaching curriculum for GROUP / TEAM development. After the initial evaluation and skill assessment has taken place, our customized plan includes comprehensive drill sets specific to meeting the needs identified for both facets of our developmental plan: INDIVIDUAL and TEAM skills.

WHO IS GROUP / TEAM INSTRUCTION FOR?

Our Group / Team Development program is for any age group (boys or girls) who has a desire to learn more about the game and improve their skills. This program is also for committed coaches (youth, AAU or HS) who understand the big picture when it comes to coaching young people. Whether you are a beginner player or coach (or coach a team made up of beginners), or you have aspirations to play at the college level (an older AAU or HS team), or you are somewhere in between, these sessions can prove extremely effective in helping you/your team reach your goals and prepare for the season ahead and beyond.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

For those interested in acquiring more information on our unique Group Development sessions, please e-mail us at GroupDevelopment@PlayVABA.org or call 434-242-7729.