Basketball Articles

By Coach Todd Harmon The world of college basketball recruiting has changed dramatically in just a few years. As a coach with Colorado Lightning, I want to make sure our families understand what’s happening, what it means for your athlete, and how we can best prepare for the road ahead. The New Recruiting Landscape Getting […]

High school ballers get ready! Coach Todd here, ready to pump you up about pumping iron—specifically, your upper body. Now, before we dive into the bicep-building, chest-chiseling goodness, let’s get the obligatory (but important) disclaimer out of the way: Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed athletic trainer, just a basketball coach with a passion for helping

Today we’re diving into a topic that might not be as flashy as dunking or as exciting as hitting a game-winning three, but trust me, it’s just as important. We’re talking about stretching! Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Coach, stretching is boring!” or “I don’t have time for that!” But hear me out. This

Coach Todd here, ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the most crucial workout in your basketball training arsenal: Leg Day. Now, before we jump in, let me slap a quick disclaimer on this bad boy: I’m not a licensed athletic trainer. This workout is based on my decade of coaching experience and what’s working

Hey there, future basketball stars and dedicated parents! I’m Coach Todd from the Colorado Lightning High School basketball program, and I have a game-changer for you today. After a decade of coaching and more years than I care to admit pumping iron myself, I’ve seen firsthand how weight lifting can transform a good player into

Introduction Patellar tendonitis, commonly known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition often results from repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, particularly in activities involving jumping and running. It can cause pain, tenderness, and reduced function in the affected knee, impacting

Planning for successful basketball tryouts begins with preparing months in advance through skill development and strength training. But, it’s essential to know that five specific tips can help ALL players regardless of their level or talent! These secret weapons might just be what you need when facing off against other talented prospects this season. With

COLORADO LIGHTNING’S GUIDE TO REST AND RECOVERY FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS Playing basketball, especially at a competitive level, places immense physical and mental demands on young athletes. As youth players strive to enhance their skills through rigorous training, the crucial role of rest and recovery is often overlooked. However, sufficient rest and recovery are vital

COACH TODD’S GUIDE TO FUELING YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR SUCCESS As the head coach of the Colorado Lightning basketball program, I’m dedicated to helping our student athletes reach their full potential on and off the court. And I’ve learned that success in basketball requires more than just basketball skills training – nutrition plays a huge

COLORADO LIGHTNING’S GUIDE TO ELITE YOUTH BASKETBALL TRAINING As Coach Todd’s son Jarod dribbled the ball up the court, everything seemed to move in slow motion. He saw an opening in the defense and exploded forward, blowing past his defender with a quick crossover. As he elevated toward the rim, the excitement in the gym

MASTERING BASKETBALL FUNDAMENTALS: A GUIDE FOR YOUTH PLAYERS As the head coach of the Colorado Lightning youth basketball program, I’m constantly looking for ways to help our young players improve their skills on the court. After 15 years of coaching aspiring young basketball stars, I’ve learned that building a strong foundation is crucial – you

BUILDING UP BASKETBALL IQ IN YOUTH PLAYERS As both a longtime coach and father of two aspiring young hoopers, I’m constantly searching for ways to develop the full potential of the kids I work with on and off the court. While so much emphasis gets placed on size, speed and athletic ability, one element that

GOD FIRST IN ALL WE DO At Colorado Lightning youth basketball, we firmly believe that our purpose extends far beyond the hardwood. As Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s handwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We aim to fulfill this calling by