Simple overview: We teach basketball to kids of all ages so they gain the confidence for team play and feel ready to join local leagues. We are building a simple, parent‑friendly program that uses basketball to grow life skills. Kids get a fun, positive, drop‑off experience—see you in a couple hours—while they develop confidence, focus, and teamwork.
🏀 What we teach
We teach fundamentals first—ball‑handling (handles), footwork, passing, shooting form—then reinforce with passing games, small‑sided play, and classroom moments like “reading a defense.”
Sample weekly concept: shot mechanics fundamentals (grip, guide hand, release), off‑hand finishing, and guard play concepts.
📋 How kids learn
Fun & engaging: learn history, chart a player’s game, understand how rosters are built, and learn the why behind decisions. We study how top programs teach the point guard role—decision‑making, pace, leadership—and bring that value to our sessions.
🦘 Athletic work
Age‑appropriate fitness plus mini‑games, contests, and walk‑throughs to build coordination and confidence. Includes light jump training, stretching, and cool‑downs to protect growing bodies.
WHO: Veteran‑owned, fully insured, and parents to Oak Park kids. Pursuing USA Basketball Striving for Excellence as a Coach and SafeSport certifications for the basketball year = 2025.
WHAT: We help kids learn basketball and grow into confident floor generals—leaders who communicate, make decisions, and lift teammates.
WHERE: We’re working with local community partners to secure gym space in Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest.
WHEN: We’re finalizing session times now. Join the interest list for updates. Typical slots include after‑school, weeknights, and weekend mornings/afternoons.
WHY: Get kids moving, stacking reps, and off screens. Basketball builds communication, teamwork, and confidence—and we simply love the game.
HOW MUCH: A 5‑week, 90‑minute/wk curriculum typically ranges $125–$150. Full‑week camps are usually around $300. We’re also exploring after‑school enrichment partnerships.
🧭 Practice Curriculum & Skills Focus
What parents can expect: we focus on building great handles (knee pounds, scissors, fast‑dribble bursts, crossovers, behind‑the‑back, tight pivots). We lock it in with passing games (emphasis on bounce pass), age‑appropriate jump training, small‑sided games like 2v2 and 21, and classroom “reading a defense” to build IQ. Learning how to dribble the basketball is the #1 skill to boost their confidence and be successful quickly.
Athletic shoes and a labeled water bottle. If you have a basketball, bring it (we’ll have extras if not).
Do you take water breaks?
Yes—plenty. Sessions are designed with frequent water breaks.
Are you insured? What about safety?
Yes—fully insured, and a CPR‑certified coach is on site at sessions.
How do you measure progress?
We run short weekly tests for ball handling (30s reps), shooting %, speed (lower is better), and vertical. Parents get a simple progress snapshot every 4 weeks.