K-2 Winter Program
A fun, low-pressure introduction to basketball fundamentals starting in early December for Kindergartners through 2nd grade. For 2nd Graders, a bridge to league play with sessions beginning in late November and teams formed via an online draft.
"I like basketball because you get to pass to your friends, wear cool shoes, and try to make the net swoosh!"
- from a Kindergartner
Kindergarten - 1st grade
How will the K/1 winter training sessions be structured?
The K/1 program is led by professional trainers rather than parent coaches and consists of one-hour sessions held on either Saturday or Sunday. Instead of traditional league teams, participants are grouped by gender, grade, and school to keep friends together, with a maximum of 20 children per session. The curriculum is designed to introduce a new fundamental skill each week while reinforcing previous lessons through fun competitions and games.
What equipment does my child need?
To accommodate our youngest athletes, all sessions utilize lowered hoops. Parents are responsible for providing:
- A 27.5" size basketball
- Appropriate court shoes
- Plenty of water
What are the primary goals of the program?
The program focuses on providing a fun, low-pressure environment where children can learn the basics of the game [User Text]. The overarching goal is to build confidence and foster a genuine love for basketball through skill-building and positive reinforcement.
What is the schedule for the winter season?
The training sessions generally run from December through mid-February [User Text]. Families can expect to receive notification of their child’s specific session placement in November.
How do I register my child?
Registration for the K/1 winter sessions typically opens on August 16th alongside the House and Select leagues. Please note there is high interest in this program so register early.
2nd Grade
How is each 90-minute Grade 2 session structured?
How is the Grade 2 winter house league structured?
The Grade 2 sessions are designed to transition players from basic clinics to a team-based environment. Each session is broken down into three 30-minute segments:
- First 30 Minutes: Led by a professional trainer, this segment focuses on a specific new skill each week while reinforcing previously taught fundamentals.
- Middle 30 Minutes: Teams move into break-out sessions led by their volunteer coaches to practice team-specific drills.
- Final 30 Minutes: The trainer returns to lead fun team competitions, allowing players to test their skills in a competitive but supportive setting.
To ensure competitive parity across the division, teams are drafted by volunteer coaches prior to the start of the season.
When do players start playing "real" games?
While the majority of the season focuses on the trainer-led structure described above, the final few weeks of the season transition into full-court, 90-minute games. These games include referees and a game clock to provide players with an authentic game-day experience against other 2nd-grade teams.
What are the primary goals of the Grade 2 program?
The program aims to help participants develop sound fundamentals and build confidence within a team environment. By lowering the hoops to accommodate younger players, the league ensures the game remains accessible and fun, fostering a long-term love for basketball.
What equipment and gear are required?
The league provides each player with a jersey.
Parents are responsible for providing:
- A 27.5" size basketball.
- Appropriate court shoes
- Plenty of water
Click here for 2nd Grade League Rules
