basketball
TRAINING
Realizing your dream just doesn’t happen.
Our coaches understand the frustration of feeling like you’re not good enough. We’ve all been there. But our years of experience and hundreds of player success stories tell us that you don’t have to be stuck, wondering if you’ll be the last kid picked on the playground.
Our process is simple.
We begin with an evaluation of your current skills and understanding of the game. Then we place you on an age and skill-level appropriate team. For kids and teens, we help you develop your skills through our Skills Academy, private and groups lessons, and various camps and clinics. If you’re an adult, we connect you with mentors who can help you develop your skills and passions.
Our coaches will get to know you, and they’ll be there to walk with you along the journey. They’ll encourage you with each step of growth, not just on the court, but off the court as well. In the end, you’ll be a confident player who contributes to the team’s success and you’ll have the mental toughness and emotional strength to find success in whatever you do in life.
IT’S A JOURNEY.
AND WE HAVE A PLAN TO GET YOU THERe.
BASKETBALL TRAINING SKILLS ACADEMY
The LTD Skills Academy is a fun way to learn basketball through our intensive training program. Athletes build self-confidence by practicing the basic skills of the game. The Skills Academy is for boys and girls in grades 3-12, with different levels of experience and skill. Athletes can join the Skills Academy for preseason or offseason preparation or as extra practice alongside the LTD Youth Team. Sessions are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall at different locations around Kansas City.
PRIVATE & GROUP BASKETBALL LESSONS
Livin' The Dream offers private and small group basketball training to help players improve their skills. Each athlete gets instruction and training techniques from professional coaches. This helps them gain an edge over their competition. Our main goal is to help each athlete build self-confidence and use new skills in their school or team sports.
Training is available at different times throughout the week for boys and girls ages 8-18. Each lesson is one hour long. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
LTD Strength & Conditioning is designed to improve every athlete's performance on the court. The program starts with two weekly workouts led by our Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists. Each session lasts 75 minutes. The program includes strength training, plyometrics, and stretching to promote athletic excellence and overall wellness.
Available to boys and girls in grades 7-12.
BASKETBALL CAMPS & CLINICS
LTD Basketball Camps are 4 days worth of skill instruction focused on the learning and development of basic fundamentals. The LTD Clinic is a one-day fun-filled introduction to the fundamentals of the game. Each opportunity is filled with professional coaching, skill development, games, and fun competitions. LTD Camp & Clinic Sessions are offered in 5 different locations: Olathe, Lenexa, Gardner, Shawnee, & Blue Valley.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BASKETBALL TRAINING
Basketball training is crucial for players of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring NBA stars. Effective training includes a variety of drills and practices that focus on improving key skills such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. By regularly incorporating these elements into your practice routine, you can enhance your overall performance on the court.
Dribbling and Shooting Drills
Dribbling is the foundation of a good basketball offense. Practicing dribbling drills helps players develop better ball control and agility, making it easier to navigate through defenses. Shooting drills, on the other hand, are essential for improving accuracy and consistency. By practicing shots from various positions on the court, players can become more reliable scorers.
Free Throws and Passing
Free throws are a critical aspect of the game that can often determine the outcome of a match. Consistent practice of free throws helps players build confidence and improve their scoring from the line. Passing drills are equally important, as they enhance teamwork and ensure that the ball moves efficiently among players.
The Role of Trainers
Experienced trainers play a vital role in basketball training. They provide personalized guidance and strategies to help players hone their skills. Trainers can identify areas for improvement and design specific drills that address individual weaknesses, ensuring that players continuously progress.
From Practice to the Pros
Consistent practice and dedication to improving your basketball skills can open doors to higher levels of competition, including playing professionally. By focusing on essential drills and working with skilled trainers, players can significantly boost their chances of achieving their basketball dreams.
Whether you are working on your dribbling, shooting drills, free throws, or passing, remember that effective training is the key to success in basketball. Invest in quality practice and seek guidance from knowledgeable trainers to elevate your game to the next level.
WHY WE USE EVALUATIONS INSTEAD OF TRYOUTS
At Livin' the Dream, we believe in helping each athlete reach their full potential. That’s why we use regular evaluations instead of traditional tryouts. Tryouts often focus only on competing for a spot on a specific team, which can be stressful. Our evaluations are different. They give a full assessment of each athlete’s strengths and areas for improvement.
These evaluations help us understand an athlete's skills better. This allows us to place them on a team or in a program where they can thrive. Our personalized approach ensures every player has the chance to grow and excel in a supportive environment. By focusing on individual development, we help athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Join us at Livin' the Dream and see how evaluations can make a difference in your athletic journey. We are dedicated to fostering a love for the game and promoting growth for all our players.
THE LTD DIFFERENCE
Thousands of youth and adult players, coaches, officials, and fans have been impacted by Livin the Dream programs, camps, and international experiences. From competing against professional teams in seven countries to building top youth leagues here at home, LTD has consistently delivered excellence in basketball development.
But what truly sets us apart is what happens after our players leave the court. Many LTD athletes have gone on to play at the next level—this year alone, five of our players earned opportunities to play college basketball. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with college coaches who know our reputation: LTD produces players who bring more than skills. They bring mental toughness, character, and integrity—qualities coaches are looking for at the next level.
Our alumni are proof that this works. Many return after their college or professional careers to coach with LTD, pouring back into the next generation. That cycle of mentorship shows the strength of the foundation we’ve built.
We don’t do flashy showcases where players get lost in the hype. Instead, we provide personal connections, honest guidance, and a pathway for real growth. Our quarter-century of experience and our foundation in faith make LTD different from programs that only focus on wins or exposure. We believe every athlete has a God-given dream, and through basketball, we help them discover their potential—both in the game and in life.
