News

Ashley Watson

This October, basketball training will mean even more. My aunt was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In her honor, I will be donating 100% of all revenue from October to the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer awareness, research, and patient care. Here’s how you can be part of this cause while helping your athlete grow on the court: �� Group Training Beginner Group: Saturdays, 9–10 AM Intermediate Group: Saturdays, 10–11 AM Cost: $180 per month �� October Clinics Dates: October 12th, 19th, and 26th Time: 3–4...

Ashley Watson

One of the most common things I hear from parents when they bring their child to Watson Basketball Academy is: “My child just doesn’t have much confidence.” Low confidence can make kids hesitant to try new things, shy away from challenges, and doubt their own abilities — even when they have plenty of potential. It’s something I take seriously because confidence isn’t just about sports; it impacts how kids approach school, friendships, and life. Let’s break down where confidence comes from, how I build it through training, and how you...

Ashley Watson

At Watson Basketball Academy, beginner group training is designed to build a strong foundation for young athletes. Every drill, every session, is focused on helping kids develop confidence, coordination, and essential basketball skills they’ll use for years to come. I draw from a variety of trusted resources, including USA Basketball and Breakthrough Basketball, to create fun, effective drills that meet athletes where they are. These organizations offer proven methods for teaching youth players at all skill levels — and I combine their best ideas with my own coaching experience to...

Ashley Watson

Why Every Athlete Starts with an Evaluation at Watson Basketball Academy At Watson Basketball Academy, every athlete starts their journey with a 1-hour in-person evaluation — and for good reason. Parents often ask: “Why do we need an evaluation before group training?” The answer is simple: to build a strong foundation for long-term success. But the evaluation isn’t just about physical skills. It’s about understanding the whole athlete — and the whole family — to create the best training experience possible. �� What I’m Evaluating When your athlete steps onto...

Ashley Watson

This month, we're focusing on the essential aspect of self-care! ��♂️�� �� Topic: Self-Care �� Tip: Stretch Every Day Taking care of your body is just as important as honing your basketball skills. Incorporating daily stretching into your routine can improve your flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance your overall performance on the court. �� Try to set aside at least 10-15 minutes each day for a good stretch. Your muscles will thank you! Here are a few simple stretches to get you started: Hamstring Stretch: Sit with one leg extended...

Ashley Watson

For July, our focus is on improving your dribbling skills to enhance ball control. In today's game of positionless basketball, strong ball handling is essential for all players, regardless of their position. Consistent practice is key to mastering ball handling, and here are five drills to incorporate into your routine: Low Dribble Drills: Practice dribbling the ball low to the ground with both hands. Keep your head up and use your fingertips to control the ball. This will improve your hand speed and control. Crossover Drills: Perform crossovers in quick...

Ashley Watson

As we march into March, I'm excited to share some updates and insights with you all! These last few months have been particularly meaningful for me as I had the opportunity to be an assistant coach for my first NJB (National Junior Basketball) team. Having grown up playing NJB myself, it felt like a full circle moment, and I'm grateful for the chance to pass on my knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation. Reflecting on the NJB season, I've identified areas for improvement that resonate with...

Ashley Watson

Watson Basketball Academy is thrilled to welcome Coach David Huey to the team as the Strength and Conditioning Coach! With a background in football that extends through college, Coach David brings a wealth of experience and passion for fitness to our program. A dedicated athlete himself, Coach David enjoys pushing his limits at the CrossFit gym and constantly seeks ways to enhance his physical performance. His commitment to living a healthier life serves as an inspiration to all of us! Coach David's journey in football doesn't stop there! He's also...

Ashley Watson

Many sports require a unique combination of skills, agility, and endurance. While honing sport specific abilities is crucial, it is equally important for athletes to prioritize their conditioning and stamina. In this blog, we will explore the significance of conditioning. Enhances Endurance and Stamina One of the most critical aspects of many high intensity sports is the ability to maintain high levels of energy throughout the entire game. At Watson Basketball Academy, we include conditioning exercises such as running, interval training, and high-intensity workouts to help improve cardiovascular endurance. By...

Ashley Watson

As a basketball player, your ability to perform at your best on the court is heavily reliant on your conditioning and fitness levels. Conditioning goes beyond just physical strength; it encompasses endurance, agility, and mental focus. A well-conditioned player can outlast opponents, make better decisions, and maintain peak performance throughout the entire game. In this blog, we'll explore why conditioning is paramount for basketball players and how Watson Basketball Academy can help your athlete improve in this area. Why Conditioning Matters: Basketball is a fast-paced sport that demands explosive movements,...