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 …
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.
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.
LOCATIONS AND REGISTRATION
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9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location
New Century Fieldhouse 551 New Century Pkwy, New Century, KS 66031
Boys and Girls in grades 2 - 8
Campers should bring a basketball with their name on it
Campers should bring a water bottle and wear comfortable gym clothes and tennis shoes
Cost- $110/Jo Co resident; $121/non-Jo Co resident
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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.
LOCATIONS AND REGISTRATION
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Skill Development for Boys & Girls 3rd-8th Grade. Focus will be on speed, agility, shooting technique, ball handling, rebounding, offensive/defensive footwork, finishing moves and much more.
3rd-5th Grade Boys & Girls
Mondays and Wednesdays- 6:30pm-7:30pm
6th-8th Grade Boys & Girls
Mondays and Wednesdays- 7:30pm-8:30pm
20 - One hour sessions.
Pay in full for the entire program = $300 (cash, check, venmo, or online with a 6% processing fee added.
OR
Cost: $20/session
Pay per session as your schedule allows. Please venmo (@LTDBasketball), or LTD can invoice
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.
LOCATIONS AND REGISTRATION
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Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your basketball journey, the LTD Strength and Conditioning Program provides the tools and support to take your skills to the next level. Join us and unleash your true potential on the court.
Class Schedule
7th/8th Grade Boys & GirlsMondays & Wednesdays
August 19 - October 30
5:15pm - 6:30pm
High School Boys & Girls
Mondays & Wednesdays
August 19 - October 30
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Twenty One (21) 75-minute Sessions for as little as $30/session (a fraction of the cost of a personal trainer) (Total Cost: $630)
*Payments can be made at each session you attend or LTD will invoice participants.
Limited space available in each session.
Do you enjoy basketball but don’t get to play it competitively because of an aging body or a busy schedule? We have a solution for you! Introducing LTD Fit — a one-hour, high-intensity fitness class. It includes shooting contests, skill drills, fitness competitions, and basketball-themed HIIT stations. This class is perfect for anyone who loves the game. No matter your fitness or skill level, we are building a community of lifelong athletes who believe working out is more fun with basketball.
Attend as many classes as you want for just $25 per session, much less than the cost of a personal trainer.
*Payments can be made at each session, or LTD will send an invoice. Space is limited in each session.
LTD FIT
LOCATIONS AND REGISTRATION
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.
Why LTD?
For over 23 years, LTD has positively influenced thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators through the platform of basketball. Our organization has conducted camps and competed against professional teams in seven different countries, providing our players with international exposure and development opportunities. Many of our athletes have progressed to play at higher levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of our training programs.
In the United States and abroad, LTD has established competitive youth teams and high-profile leagues, fostering talent and promoting excellence. Our commitment extends beyond the game; we use basketball as a means to develop goodwill and lead individuals to discover God's purpose for their lives.
At LTD, we believe every individual is born with a unique dream planted by God. We aim to help people realize their potential and understand their purpose. Our mission is to ensure that our players not only excel in the sport but also grow in their faith and character. We believe that a true encounter with Jesus brings clarity and purpose, helping individuals to understand and fulfill their God-given dreams.
What our athletes and familes are saying…
“Love their message and the temperament of the coaching staff! True leaders of young men!” - BOB
“We love LTD! Our kids have been very happy! Great ministry, mission, and basketball.🏀” - STACEY
“LTD is a phenomenal organization! They are player development focused. They meet your child where they are at in their basketball journey and focus on making them the best version of themself both on and off the court!” - NATHAN
“We've had a great experience at LTD. Great coaches, great management, great approach to youth basketball for all levels.” - SHONDA
About Our Founder and CEO, Brad Mann
Brad Mann is the visionary founder of Livin' The Dream, Inc. With a rich history in basketball, Brad has played at all levels of competition. In high school, he was a four-year Varsity letter winner and a McDonald's All-American nominee, setting school records in points, rebounds, and blocks. He remains the Kansas all-time leader in career rebounds. Collegiately, Brad played NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for three years before transferring to Missouri Southern State University. There, he helped lead his team to the NCAA Division II Final Four and the best record in NCAA Division II.
After college, Brad toured internationally with Athletes In Action, competing against top-level professionals. He later signed contracts to play professional basketball for the Fargo Beez and the Salina Rattlers of the International Basketball Association (IBA).
Brad is a USA Certified Youth Basketball Coach and an ordained minister. He served on the pastoral staff at Westside Family Church for over 10 years, overseeing a satellite location of over 1,000 people and managing the WFC Prison Ministry. Brad holds a degree in Communications and oversees the day-to-day operations of Livin' The Dream. His comprehensive background in both basketball and ministry uniquely positions him to lead LTD in its mission to use the game of basketball to inspire and transform lives.