Neighbor News
What Should Be Expected in Youth Basketball Games
Keeping in line with higher level basketball organizations, Walker Athletics makes changes to benefit the game.
LISLE, IL: With emphasis on reducing repetitive trauma injuries, avoiding burn-out to younger athletes, and the importance of participating in more than one sport, Walker Athletics will roll out its new 2 games per day maximum. This is a monumental and necessary change in the travel basketball world and we are proud to be the first tournament organization to make this change.
We’re also going quarters! Another first in Northern Illinois travel basketball. Our research determined junior high associations, high school associations, AAU, NBA, FIBA and the Olympics all use quarters in a game. The NCAA changed the women’s format to quarters for 2015 and naturally, the men will be next. If the next level is playing in this format, why would anyone play halves?
It is important for travel basketball to be consistent with school associations, IHSA and NCAA limit the number of games a player can participate in, to protect the athlete and the sport. USA Basketball supports a long term athlete development model based on scientifically proven learning capabilities; placing greater emphasis and time on individual, fundamental skills for those in grade school and a 50/50 approach on training versus games for junior high level teams.
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The object of the travel season is to allow young players to develop skills at practice and then test their skills during competition in order to continue to improve. Walker Athletics’ travel season events allow registration for one day or both, but no more than 2 games per day maximum. There are also opportunities to participate in a Classic Tournament format, scheduled over two days that include an actual championship game to compete for the title of champion. Our formats give coaches and players the greatest opportunities to learn and compete without over-use at an affordable price. After all, these are kids and the game should be fun!
Walker Athletics also offers winter break 3v3 tournaments to allow players to compete against both kids from their own team as well as other teams in a positive and fun environment. To learn more, visit our website at www.walkerathletic.com.
