In March, the pandemic shut down sports at all levels for at least a period of time, and depending on your ability to create a bubble, a long time. To temporarily fill the void for our players we began creating options for them to train virtually.
What began as occasional Instagram workouts has become a mobile and web app with 100+ full workouts, virtual college showcases, regularly scheduled live virtual workouts, film sessions, virtual summer camps, and partnerships with major brands in the basketball space.
The pandemic is an accelerant, not an agent of change. We studied (and continue to study) education, fitness and tech trends and it is clear that the future is digital and mobile with access to incredible tools to connect people.
We quickly shifted our view of virtual training as a temporary fix — to viewing it as a long-term solution and an opportunity to impact basketball players in new ways.
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Our best research came from experience. We saw Adam using our app and showing up to practice with better ball-handling. We saw Kaeleb from Canada improve exponentially through virtual summer camp. We watched Kalen, Cam and Gabby encourage each other and compete with each other on Live Workouts. We see these players – virtually and in-person. It works.
Some stats to consider:
- Over 1000 hours of content was consumed in six months of the PSB+ app
- Nearly all of our workouts can be done in a small space at-home. We also have guided workouts for those with access to a hoop.
- 50% of our audience uses the app as a substitute for in-person workouts
- 73% say their basketball skills have improved materially from using the PSB+ app
- 80% would refer the PSB+ app to a friend
- Over 700 different virtual campers attended live events and camps
- 232 different college prospects, and 200+ college coaches attended Virtual College Showcases
We are committed to building high-quality digital products and offerings to serve our community, and to enable us to extend our impact. We do not view virtual basketball training as a substitute to in-person, face-to-face practice, not even close! But we do see it as a supplement.
Some things we love about virtual training:
Quality coaching: we bring our best trainers and coaches to people all over the world.
Reps, reps, reps:. “Repetition is the mother of learning.” No waiting in line behind teammates. Being in a confined space forces efficiency and increases reps. Master the fundamentals. Muscle memory.
Strength: we add strength, agility and recovery to almost every workout. We also teach players how to workout properly. We give them the skills they need to help themselves and tailor their workouts so they can take ownership of their progress and be the best players they can.
Convenience: no need to rent a gym, drive an hour, coordinate carpool. If you have space, a ball and the internet, you are ready to level-up.
Community: we promote competition, interactivity and connection. We have met dedicated players all around the world.
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We are improving ourselves. We have learned how to effectively run a virtual workout and make them exciting for players to be a part of. Our commitment to a hybrid model made us learn and improve how we run our workouts — it is not as easy as standing in front of a camera and coaching… ask your Peloton instructor.
There are certain tactics and techniques (secret sauce!) that we use to make our basketball workouts fun, fast, competitive and engaging. Our workouts are legit — players of all ages come away stronger and more skilled.
The future of basketball training is a hybrid model of in-person and virtual training.
