Youth Basketball
From building stronger skills to gaining self-confidence, our youth basketball program is about more than just the game. It is about building the whole child from the inside out. Our coaches focus on the youth basketball players’ development of building core skills such as ball handling, defense, offense, rebounding, shooting, conditioning and more. We’re creating team players and future leaders through team sports. Your kids will learn good sportsmanship and teamwork, develop positive friendships and you’ll build a network of like-minded parents.
Basketball Benefits
Basketball is a sport that requires great endurance, where kids can experience a full-body workout that is important for them to learn to push toward an end goal without giving up. They will also develop a good sense of balance, hand-eye coordination, agility, strategy and social skills at a young age that will play a part towards their success into adulthood.
Training Tips
Find a balance for your child between having fun and improving their skills as a player by exercising through drill work and conditioning to help them develop both a love for the game and solid fundamentals. Making sure to prioritize effort over results will nurture their interest to improve their skillset and mindset as a future leader.
Coaching Tips
Teach good sportsmanship by your example in maintaining a positive attitude at all times. Teach them to play hard with respect to their youth basketball team opponents and to the officials. Wins and losses are not important at this age, it is about developing teamwork, emphasizing sportsmanship and learning their responsibilities to the team that will instill good discipline and dedication to a sport that they enjoy to play.
Youth Basketball: Building Skills On and Off the Court
Basketball for Ages 3–17
YMCA Youth Basketball is a fun and supportive way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and learn the game. Each team has one 60-minute practice and one game per week—making it easy to fit into your family’s routine.
For our youngest players, ages 3–5, the Tiny Tots program introduces basketball basics through one combined practice/game session each week in a playful, age-appropriate setting.
What Parents Can Expect
More than just learning to dribble or shoot, our basketball program helps kids grow as teammates and individuals. They’ll develop coordination, communication skills, and confidence while being part of a positive team environment.
We encourage family involvement and love seeing parents support and cheer from the sidelines.
Seasonal & Location-Based Offerings
Basketball is offered seasonally and availability may vary by location. If it’s not currently offered at your Y, check back later or explore nearby branches.
YOUTH SPORTS SEASON DATES:
| SEASON | SUMMER | FALL 1 | FALL 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| REGISTRATION DATES | April 14-May 26 | June 23-August 10 | September 8-October 20 |
| PRACTICE STARTS | Week of June 2 | Week of August 18 | Week of October 27 |
| GAMES START | June 14 | August 30 | November 8 |
| LAST GAME* | July 26 | October 4 | December 20 |
* Subject to change based on weather.
Uniforms
YMCA Youth Sports uniforms are ordered directly from the YMCA vendor by each participant. The purchase of a game jersey (basketball or multi-sport depending on the sport) is required for each participant and there are also optional shorts available for purchase.
A basketball jersey is required for basketball.
PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING SPORTS SEASON AT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS!
The YMCA of Greater Houston and DICK’s Sporting Goods have partnered to help remove barriers to youth playing sports. As the Official Sporting Goods, Retail Sponsor of our league DICK’s Sporting Goods will be offering discounts on items in the store.
If they don’t have an item you’re looking for you can place an order (in-store with a team member) and receive 20% off team sports items. Free shipping and receive your item in 3-6 business days.
View the flyer with more information. Thank you to DICK’s Sporting Goods for their support of YMCA Youth Sports!
Volunteer Coaching Opportunities
We’re seeking volunteers interested in coaching youth sports. Our coaches make YMCA youth sports possible and create a lifelong impact on children by encouraging participation and emphasizing sportsmanship and strong character while they are learning basic sport skills. When you become a volunteer, the Y will introduce you to coaching and provide specific resources to the sport you coach. If your child is a player, getting involved at their practices can help them feel comfortable to practice with you outside of official practice time.
“My son is very shy and reserved. He normally doesn’t make friends easily, but through playing basketball at the Y it has helped him become more confident and has improved his ability to talk to new people. When he first started, he was very scared of the idea of not knowing anyone on his team, but as the season progressed, he was able to make friends and create new bonds. He really enjoys playing basketball at the YMCA!”
-Aleksandra