Does My Kid Need Private Training or Group Training? How to Decide

Does My Kid Need Private Training or Group Training? How to Decide

One of the biggest questions parents ask when choosing basketball training is: Should my child do private training or group training?

Both have benefits, and both can help players improve—but the right choice depends on your child’s specific needs.

Private training offers personalized attention, while group training introduces game-like situations. But the real answer? The best setup is often a mix of both—or even better, small group training.

For parents in Oakville and beyond, understanding the differences between private and group training can make all the difference in your child’s development.

The Case for Private Training

Private training is one-on-one—just the player and the trainer. This setup allows for completely individualized attention.

✔ Full focus on your child – The trainer can zero in on exactly what the player needs, rather than running a one-size-fits-all session.

✔ Immediate corrections – Players get instant feedback and can make quick adjustments.

✔ Technical work – Players can fine-tune their footwork, shooting mechanics, and other individual skills.

✔ Confidence-building – Shy or less experienced players may feel more comfortable in a private setting.

🚨 The Downsides:

•No defensive pressure – Players aren’t making real-time decisions against defenders.

•Lack of game-like scenarios – It’s great for refining skills, but real basketball happens in dynamic, unpredictable situations.

•Limited competitive reps – Basketball is a sport of reactions, and private training can’t fully prepare players for the chaos of live play.

The Case for Group Training

Group training involves multiple players training together, usually in a structured format with coaches leading drills.

✔ Players train with defense – Basketball is not an individual sport. Training with other athletes helps develop in-game decision-making.

✔ Competitive environment – Players push each other, creating a more intense and realistic training session.

✔ Game-like application – Workouts include live reads, defensive pressure, and adaptability, which private training lacks.

✔ More cost-effective – Group training is often cheaper per session, making it more accessible for long-term development.

🚨 The Downsides:

•Less individual attention – Trainers have to divide their time, meaning not every player gets immediate corrections.

•Can become generic – Some programs run the same drills for everyone, regardless of skill level.

•Risk of bad habits – In large groups, if a player is struggling, they may not get the necessary adjustments.

Why Small Group Training is the Best Option

While both private and group training have benefits, the best option for most players is small group training (5-10 players per session).

This setup offers the best of both worlds:

✔ Individual attention – Trainers still have time to correct and personalize feedback for each player.

✔ Game-like situations – Players train with live defense, learning to react, adjust, and compete.

✔ More affordable than private training – But still gives athletes enough attention to refine their skills.

✔ Competitive intensity – Players push each other, improving decision-making, finishing through contact, and playing at game speed.

What’s Best for Your Child?

The right training depends on where your child is in their basketball journey.

•Beginners – A mix of private training (to build foundational skills) and small group training (to learn how to apply them in real situations).

•Intermediate players – Small group training is ideal, with occasional private sessions to refine weaknesses.

•Advanced players – Mostly group training, with extra private work for fine-tuning advanced skills.

Why This Matters for Players in Oakville

For players in Oakville, choosing the right training setup can make all the difference. Some programs offer only large group training, while others focus only on private lessons. But to truly develop, players need both personalized coaching and live competition reps.

At By Any Means Basketball, we prioritize small group training, allowing players to get individual attention while still training in game-like situations.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Before signing up for any training program, ask yourself:

✔ Does my child need technical refinement (private training) or game application (group training)?

✔ Is there a balance of individual coaching and live competition?

✔ Does the trainer focus on how skills translate to real games?

If your child is only doing one type of training, they might be missing key development opportunities. The best path is a structured mix of private and group work, with an emphasis on small group training.