Today we talked about something important in shooting: Staying relaxed when you shoot the basketball. A lot of young players are told to force their elbow tucked, but when players force positions it can actually make the shot feel tight and uncomfortable. Great shooters focus on staying relaxed and smooth so the shot feels natural. For our younger athletes, we want them to focus on: • Relaxed shoulders • Smooth shooting motion • Repeating good habits At this stage, the goal is building comfort and confidence with the basketball. Small details like this help players build a shot they can trust as they grow.

Parents quick question: What’s ONE thing your young player struggled with or improved during winter basketball? 🏀 Confidence? Ball-handling? Listening/focus? Footwork? Coordination? Drop it in the comments. I love hearing your kids’ growth stories! 🙌

This clip is focused on footwork and balance. You’ll notice the ball is being carried — that’s intentional. We isolate skills so young athletes can learn one thing well before layering in the next step. No bad habits were harmed 😄 Just confident reps and learning in a positive environment.

Less Than Two weeks out! Our February Kids Program (K–3) starts soon, and we’re excited to get this next group going. If you still need the registration link or want help choosing the right session for your child, 👇 comment LINK and I’ll send it your way.

February Registration Is Now Open If you have a young athlete in kindergarten–3rd grade, our February Kids Program is now open. This program is designed to help young players build a strong foundation through: • coordination • balance • confidence • footwork • ball-handling • and a genuine love for the game All taught in a fun, positive, age-appropriate environment where kids feel supported and successful. ⭐ Program Details 📅 Start Date: February 15 🏀 Grades: K–3rd ⏱️ Sessions: Multiple time options available 📍 Location: Birkholz Family Gym (Mankato) 👉 Register here: https://www.hestedtraining.com/hested-kids-feb Foundations matter most at this age. If you’re planning to continue your child’s development this winter, I’d recommend securing a spot sooner rather than later. Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly. If you’re unsure which session is the best fit for your child, message me and I’ll help you choose.