The Structure: Unlike the sport season specific format that exists in every Rec center, I am building this program to most likely continue to run year-round. I am creating sets of twelve-week blocks so that I can have a structure in place and gauge the development and overall continuous interest of our little ones. During the first block or two, I will focus on fundamentals, language, spacing, etc. With the goal of creating a team structure that has everyone comfortable with the game by running drills and scrimmaging with each other in practice. The next step, and what will be really fun for them as they get more comfortable with playing with each other, is to sign them up for local leagues around our area where they can put their skills in action and continue to develop their camaraderie.

fe The Season: 

GROUP 1: Intermediate/Older Players: This monthly subscription format includes 8-9 Sessions per month of two hours each on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings. Group 1 focuses on players who have some more intermediate to advanced skills and mostly made up of the older players in the program. Drills are more complex in nature, advanced strategies and techniques are the main focus.

GROUP 2: Beginner/Younger Players: This monthly subscription format includes 4-5 Sessions per month of two hours each, currently on Wednesday evenings. I’ve landed on two hours for this group as well because it allows me to slowly interact and engage with the players each day, warm-up, stretch, talk, get to know each other, and play related games in the beginning of each session; get to our “stations” where we will go through drills; and finally play a Basketball scrimmage games after that.

The Objective: The regular YMCA and/or Rec. Center leagues are a great place to get introduced to the game, run around and have fun with it. The goal of the Young Basketball Family Sessions is to take it a step further and develop fundamental skills of the game with a more structured and targeted approach. I have created drills and related activities that are age appropriate, and work to meet the players where they are by understanding their current level and figuring out what needs to be done to help each of them develop.

Outcome: Fun! That is why we play sports after all. Fun can come in many variants. It’s fun to see your new and soon to be old friends every week. It’s fun to learn a new skill. It’s fun to feel your body adjusting to a sport and see how quick you start to get better at it when you practice. It’s fun to interact with other parents who enjoy sports. It’s a lot of fun. Overall, it’s just fun to create yet another circle of friends outside of just your neighborhood, school, or town.

The Players (Young Ballers): We have a diverse group of incredible kiddos and most of the quorum have been with us from the very beginning. We have kids from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages and specially different needs and requiring distinct types of support. We are very inclusive, and do not discriminate on any basis. 

Furthermore: I also envision other team related activities such as going to a Denver Nuggets and/or CU game together, watching the Harlem Globetrotters, or just getting pizza together and having a laugh. Suggestions are welcome.