Grand Rapids, Michigan-As the 2025-26 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:
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 7 – October 5
- Session 2: October 12 – November 9
- Session 3: November 16 – December 14
- Session 4: January 25 – February 22
- Session 5: March 17 – April 21
- Session 6: April 28-May 26
*Classes run from 6:00pm–7:15pm and are open to boys and girls ages 7–10 and 11–14.
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)
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.
