Making the Transition From Rec to Travel Basketball

By Tessa Wayne

Switching from recreation (rec) basketball to travel basketball is a big change that many young athletes choose to make. Sometimes, it is very difficult to know when is the right time to transition, and how to make this change. Every athlete matures at a different age and skill level, so how do they know if it’s the right time to make the switch, and how do they do it?

The most important aspect of starting the move to travel ball is to decide that a player is ready for such a big change and then to become educated on the differences. Rec basketball and travel basketball are two different worlds. Rec basketball is exactly that, recreational. Typically everyone plays an equal amount, no matter the skill level. Travel basketball is much less egalitarian. Playing times vary depending on how hard a player works, and their skill level. The players on the court are teammates who practice together and hopefully develop a strong chemistry. This travel team chemistry is much stronger than at the rec level.

Along with the differences in teammates, the opposition is much more difficult. Rec basketball has many athletes who are just starting their careers and don’t have as much experience on the court. In travel basketball, almost every player knows their skills and will take advantage of their strengths. Along with the difference in competition, travel basketball involves much more of a time commitment. There are many more practices, and there can also be a lot of travel for games (hence the name). As opposed to rec ball where players simply sign up and play, travel teams hold tryouts, which can be demanding. When trying out for a team, players must show that they are committed and won’t miss practices or games. Missing a practice can lead to much less playing time because it shows a coach a player is not dedicated to the team.

Many young athletes might not know if they are ready for travel basketball. Rock Rosa, who has been coaching travel teams for 25 years and currently oversees the girls teams for New Heights NYC, believes players will know if they’re ready. “When the player finds that they are no longer being challenged at the rec level they should search for a travel team that will challenge them and enhance their skills,” he says. Rosa cautions, however, that even if they think they are ready they may not be, “because the level of rec that they are playing may not be that strong.”

Therefore, how does a player find a travel team that is dedicated to helping the athlete improve his or her skills? In New York City there are many different types of travel programs that vary in terms of player commitment and degree of competitiveness. Some travel teams practice once a week and play most games in the NYC area. Other programs have practice more often and can travel to tournaments well outside of NYC to play other top teams. Some teams charge a lot of money to players and their families while others are relatively inexpensive or even free. Rosa believes the team a player chooses should be one they connect with, and is willing to help them become the best player they can be, no matter the obstacle.

After finding the right travel team, Rosa believes young players should stay in a rec league unless they become too dominant and it’s not fun anymore. “It is a good way to measure your progress,” he says.

Finally, if a player opts for a team that takes up a lot more time, they must make sure it doesn’t get in the way of their schoolwork. At some programs, coaches may check that their athletes are keeping up with their work and may even ask for their school report cards. Schoolwork should always come first.

Overall, switching from a rec league to a travel team is a very big change, but if an athlete feels that they are not challenged enough at the rec level, then it may be time for them to make the move to travel.

Article as originally written by Tessa Wayne on newyorksports connection.