Session 5 of the National Youth Basketball Academy was all about one thing—freedom.
After opening the session with a focus on offensive and defensive concepts, NYBA coaches took a step back in Week 3 and let the players take full control. From picking their own teams to creating strategies on the fly, it was the players who led the way.
This shift toward free play allowed players to sharpen their instincts, develop their natural feel for the game, and express their creativity—while still applying the structured principles learned earlier in the session.
All grade levels ran with the player-led format, giving each player the chance to guide the game and build confidence on their terms.
With the school basketball season coming to a close, familiar faces from the fall and early winter returned to the court—joined by three new additions to the NYBA family.
“We had a blast in Session 5,” said the NYBA Coaching Staff. “The players were excited to come in and just play. We got a real sense that they wanted to be free—and we believe in that. Teams are better when they are player-led, and players grow when they lead themselves.”
Looking ahead, Session 6 begins next week with a renewed focus on teaching strategy through structured offensive and defensive concepts.
Registration for Session 6 is now open until March 27.
