I’m a high school basketball and volleyball player. I go to training camps each summer. I always wonder if I’m making any improvements. Is there any way to show changes I’m making from my many hours of practice?

Videotaping is an ideal tool to use as proof of “before” and “after” so-to-speak. During the school year or before heading off to camp, have a friend or family member videotape your form and skills as you play against an opposing team.

Watch the video and choose one or two areas you’d like to work on during training. When you come back from camp, revideo yourself and compare the two. Use the slow motion feature available on most video cameras to study angles, joint motion, hand and foot position, or any other feature.

You may even want to videotape the experts at the camps you attend (with their permission). This would give you a chance to review the movements throughout your training season. Try to set up two TV screens. You can watch yourself perform an action such as a jump, serve, or basket while viewing the teaching video at the same time.