As the 2024-25 season approaches, NYBA is gearing up to offer basketball classes with a dynamic and engaging curriculum that promises to help young players grow both on and off the court. Whether your child is new to the game or looking to advance their skills, NYBA’s classes are designed to provide a top tier experience. Here are five things to know about what NYBA has to offer:
1. Curriculum-Based Learning
NYBA’s basketball classes are built around a designed aged and staged curriculum. The focus is on helping players build and advance their skills, develop good habits, and most importantly, enjoy the game. From limited individual skill development to learning team concepts, each class aims to improve and advance young players basketball intelligence.
Key dates to know:
- Session 1: September 9 – October 10
- Session 2: October 14 – November 14
- Session 3: November 18 – December 19
- Session 4: January 13 – February 13
- Session 5: February 17 – March 20
- Session 6: March 24 – May 1
- Session 7: May 5 – June 5
Additionally, class times are scheduled to fit different age groups, making it flexible to find the right spot for your child:
- K-1st/2nd Grade: Mondays, 6:15pm-7:15pm
- 7th/8th Grade: Mondays, 7:15pm-8:15pm
- 2nd/3rd Grade: Wednesdays, 6:15pm-7:15pm
- 5th/6th Grade: Wednesdays, 7:15pm-8:15pm
- 3rd/4th Grade: Thursdays, 6:15pm-7:15pm
- 4th/5th Grade: Thursdays, 7:15pm-8:15pm
2. Flexible Attendance
NYBA understands that families have busy schedules, so they offer flexible attendance options. Players can join sessions at any point during the year, making it easy to fit basketball into your routine. To get the most out of the classes, it’s best to attend as many sessions as possible, but there’s no pressure—NYBA’s program is designed to be adaptable.
3. Bring Your Own Basketball
To keep the momentum going outside of class, NYBA asks that players bring their own basketballs to each session. This ensures that everyone has the right-sized ball for their age, which is key to improving ball control and overall skills. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ages-4-6: Size 4 (25.5” circumference)
- Ages 7-8: Size 5 (27.5” circumference)
- Ages 9-12: Size 6 (28.5” circumference)
- Ages 13-14 (boys only): Size 7 (29.5” circumference)
4. Life Skills Beyond the Court
NYBA’s basketball classes go beyond just teaching the game; they focus on developing life skills that are essential both on and off the court. Through team play and the challenges of learning basketball, players develop critical thinking, mental resilience, and social health.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Discipline: Just as players need to follow the rules on the court, discipline helps them stay focused and make the right decisions in all areas of life.
- Patience: Learning new skills and technique takes time, and patience is key to mastering basketball fundamentals. It also helps players stay calm under pressure.
- Consistency: Progress comes from consistent effort. By showing up to practice and working hard, players see improvements in their game.
- Accountability: Being accountable means taking responsibility for one’s actions—whether it’s making a shot or missing one. This teaches players to own their mistakes and learn from them.
5. Film Study-A Game-Changer
Coming Soon, NYBA will provide parents and players with access to our Hudl account, allowing them to review practice footage. Watching film is a valuable tool for young players to see their strengths and areas for improvement.
Benefits of watching film:
- Improves understanding of game strategies
- Improves decision-making skills
- Provides visual learning opportunities for skill refinement
- Encourages self-assessment
