Connecting with your kids is more important than ever. I find myself in constant battle against screens – phone, PC, TV, whatever it is, I’d rather see my kiddo balance his time between in social situations, practicing sports, exercising, and exploring new ideas through reading. 
 
We tend to connect on the basketball court playing old-school games like H-O-R-S-E where one person takes a shot and the other has to make the same shot or gets assigned the next letter. The first person to H-O-R-S-E loses. And, there are so many other ways to practice the sport together. Here are a few others you might enjoy.

One on One – playing him in one-on-one these days is tough as he’s now way stronger than I am – so I get boxed out on the regular. But, playing half court one-on-one is fun and helps us both stay in basketball shape. 

Dribbling – racing up and down the court through an obstacle course is super fun. It reminds both of us to keep our heads up while weaving through cones. We will race down in one direction with our right hand and then switch over to the left hand. If we lose control of the ball, we have to start from the beginning. 

Passing – working on passing overhead, bounce pass, and chest pass, helps him with his ball handling skills to control the ball in the intense moments of the game. We also practice handing the ball from our left to right hand, keeping the ball on the fingertips, rather than the palm. 

Practice with the correct ball size and hoop height – check here for details. Keep the energy positive, laugh a lot and have fun so that your kiddo is ready and willing to practice with you again and again. This is where strong bonds and memories take root. 

Find other great ideas here:
 
ASA Basketball
https://www.ussportscamps.com/tips/basketball/11-basketball-drills-at-home

Breakthrough Basketball
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/drills/kids-youth.html

Basketball Drills Video by You Got Mojo
https://youtu.be/IkK3MGvYygY?si=IVYCaG4mLW6QIePn