At this point of the calendar year, organized basketball slows down. A few of you may still be playing AAU. However, for most, it's a break from leagues.

That's probably a good thing. Many players need a break. Summer is a great time to take one.

The break from leagues and organized teams also gives you a chance to work on individual skills you want to improve. We've covered how playing too much 5v5 can actually slow your development.

However, if you're still looking for a game, here's an idea: go play with adults!

When I was in high school, our local Rec Center had men's open gyms on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

I went religiously. Why? Because I learned things that I didn't get playing against players my own age.

7 Benefits Of Playing With Adults

• Increased Physicality - when you play with adults, you better be ready to play through contact. They might not be that quick anymore, but they make up for it with physicality.

  You will quickly learn how to handle contact and use physicality to your advantage.

• Better Communication - adults talk on defense. If you go and play with adults, they will expect you to do the same. Your communication will improve.

  If you take that back to your team, you'll be a better defender and a better leader!

• Your movement and IQ will improve - when adults play, the ball moves. Most adults are past the point of trying to make it a 1 on 1 contest.

  You'll learn how to move without the ball. You'll get experience reading screens. Those are skills too many players your age don't have. If you acquire them, you'll set yourself apart.

• Learning new roles - you might have a certain role on the teams you play on. When you go play with adults, you might have to assume a whole new role.

  That's a good thing. The more versatile you become, the more ways you can help your team.

• Increased accountability - if you mess up, adults will let you know. And that's okay. While adults will give you accountability, they'll also give you support. Most adults you'll play with will be impressed by your gumption.

  They'll want to help you. Sometimes that help comes in the form of tough love. Learn to accept and embrace that feedback. You'll be better for it!

• You'll flex your courage muscle - you'll probably be nervous the first couple times you go to play with adults. You may not know anyone. They play the game differently.

  Push through those feelings. They are just telling you that you are being brave. The ability to do hard things will serve you well far beyond the court.

• You'll make new connections - speaking of benefits beyond the court... who knows who you will meet when you play with adults. Maybe you'll develop some relationships that can help you down the line.

  More relationships than I could count have started through sports. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know some new people! It may pay off down the road.

How To Find Where Adults Play

The best way is to ask around. In the summer, people might play outdoors. In the winter, there are likely rec centers, schools, or churches where people play.

It doesn't matter if you're a guy or girl. Once you hit middle school, you should seek out this type of competition.

If you do, you'll become a tougher and smarter player. And those are the types that coaches want on the floor during the season!

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

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