Strength and Conditioning in 2013

2 Gruelling Weeks of Strength and Conditioning

Almost 100 players filled the gym on two different nights working themselves in balls of sweat.  The new players walked in nervous and wide eyed.  Many of them not knowing what to expect would soon realize this was no ordinary work out.  Exclusive to Uptempo Hoops, Precision Athletics offers an intense work out in order to condition the players for the busy and demanding AAU season. 

8th graders doing the plank

This is the practice before practice and many players feel it the next day.  However, as intense as it is, it's not meant to punish the young players, rather give them an edge when they hit the court.  The girls were not treated any lighter than they male counterparts.  All players ended the session drenched in sweat, but enjoyed the experience. 

The young coaches had the players working out every part of the body.  You can hear the grunts and some groans while watching from the stands.  Parents watched their children, not only workout, but dedicate themselves to learning.  Returning players worked side by side with new players, helping and assisting and socializing.  These workouts are not just to whip the players into shape.  It's the first introduction to the new teams.  UH has grown to 11 teams.  I remember when we started with just barely 3 teams.  UH has diversified with a wide range of talent.  This is the first year which we've introduced female athletes and we are excited to see them in action. 

Returners who played in separate leagues during the off season were excited to reunite with their teammates.  Many of them bringing friends to be part of the UH Family.  The new ones were warned how intense the strength and conditioning was, but they were grateful to have this opportunity. 

Joel and EJ teaming up

With Reno just around the corner, we are lucky to have Precision come in and get the boys and girls ready.  I hope they all feel great after this.  Those players whom I see after, I will ask "how was strength and conditioning?".  Many just smile.  That tells me "it hurts....but I liked it". 

Next step??  Onto practices.  Players lace up your shoes, grab your favorite ball and don't forget your water bottles because if you thought strength and conditioning was an experience, wait til practices.  These practices will get you more than anxious to play in your first tournament.  Your teammates will be family for the next few months.  There will be lots of fun and UH is sure to be busy...busier than ever. 

Tryouts Conclude

But The Season Has Just Begun

The gym was full of nervous young eyes from first timers to seasoned basketball players.  From ages of 8 or 9 to 14...the feeling is always the same.  The players never know who will make the team.  They never know who they will be with.  And this year, with the growing family and the many talented athletes, there are a lot of unknowns.  One thing for sure, this is going to be an exciting new year for all the UH members. 

The Board has been meeting for months before the tryouts.  Coaches, new and returning waited anxiously to see the prospects show off their stuff.  We had 2 parent information nights since some parents were not able to make the first one and there was continued interest.   A week after the 2nd meeting, the tryouts begun with our newly formed girls teams.  We were able to create 2 competitive teams of young female athletes.  We are very excited to see these ladies in action bringing the UH name to the women's courts.  Following the girls tryouts, we launched right into the boys tryouts starting with the youngest members.  This group of over 40 boys were here to tryout for the 4th and 5th grade teams.  Initially we thought we were going to have only 2 teams of 4th and 5th combos.  We ended up with 4 well staffed teams. 

Later, the 6th graders had their chance.  Just as large as those trying out for the younger grades, the gym was full of potential 6th grade ballers.  This group, though more experienced is still at a great age of molding true basketball players based on the love of the game.  They are exciting to watch, but you still want to hug each one like little teddy bears.  This group included more than 50% newbies and the remaining were returners.  Most of our returners are returning for their 3rd season with UH.  That is a huge deal considering we are only 3 years old.  It was great to see the boys return a year older and taller. 

The following day, Monday was the tryouts for the 7th grade team.  We had a modest turnout, but a great core of players were there.  This team could be considrered our junior elite squad.  They are just one year behind our 8th graders, but with a gamut of talent.  They are dedicated and we know they will work this upcoming season.  The 8th grader tryouts, also encompassed a large group.  We ended up with 2 8th grade teams.  This was our quietest group.  Maybe nerves or maybe seriousness.  These boys composed of very elite players.  This decision would not be an easy one.  The final tryout ending at 10pm on a Wednesday evening. 

6 days of tryouts including 2 full Sundays and the rosters have been created.  We are very excited to extend our invitations to these talented players.  They are full of potential and natural born talent.  They will work hard and continue to grow.  In the end we ended up with 11 full teams.  This is about double the amount of teams we had last year.  It's very exciting to see these players get together and play.  Next step is the unique to Uptempo Hoops, strength and conditioning program.  Also, we look forward to our first dining out fundraiser which launches our season and brings the families together for fun, eats, socializing and more eats.