Upward Basketball Weekly Practices Description - January 5 to February 28, 2025

• Duration: January 5, 2025, to February 27, 2025.
  
  
• Days: Practices occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  
  
• Time Slots: 1-hour sessions scheduled between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, assigned based on team placement.
  
  
• Participants: Registered players, grouped into teams by age and skill level from preseason evaluations.
  
  
• Location: Mount Juliet Church of the Nazarene, 3290 North Mount Juliet Rd, Mount Juliet, Tennessee.
  
  

• Warm-Up (10 minutes): Dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare players physically.
  
  
• Skill Drills (25 minutes):
  
  
  • Dribbling: Exercises to improve ball-handling, control, and agility.
    
    
  • Shooting: Focus on technique, accuracy, and shooting in game-like scenarios.
    
    
  • Passing: Drills to enhance chest, bounce, and outlet passes.
    
    
  • Defense: Training on footwork, positioning, and defensive tactics.
    
    
• Team Drills & Scrimmages (20 minutes): Game-like scenarios to practice plays, teamwork, and communication.
  
  
• Devotional (5 minutes): Short, age-appropriate lessons on values like integrity, effort, and faith.
  
  
• Wrap-Up (5 minutes): Cool-down stretches and coach feedback to reinforce progress.
  
  

• Strengthen fundamental basketball skills tailored to each team’s age and ability.
  
  
• Build team chemistry and communication for effective gameplay.
  
  
• Promote sportsmanship and character through faith-based principles.
  
  
• Prepare players for weekly games with strategic and skill-focused practice.
  
  

• Practices are assigned to one of the following time slots: 5:00–6:00 PM, 6:00–7:00 PM, 7:00–8:00 PM, or 8:00–9:00 PM.
  
  
• Each team receives a consistent practice day and time, communicated by coaches in late December 2024.
  
  

• Players: Arrive on time with athletic attire, water, and a positive attitude. Focus on effort and coachability.
  
  
• Coaches: Provide constructive feedback, foster an encouraging environment, and ensure safety.
  
  
• Parents: Ensure punctual attendance and engage with coaches for updates on player development.
  
  

• Practice schedules will be finalized and shared by the Mount Juliet Upward Sports coordinators by late December 2024.
  
  
• All practices adhere to Upward Sports’ safety protocols, including proper supervision and equipment maintenance.
  
  
• For team-specific schedules or further details, contact the Upward Sports program at Mount Juliet Church of the Nazarene or visit the Upward Sports website.