How old do kids have to be to play in youth basketball leagues?
Most of our kids basketball leagues start with kids as young as 5. Each of our locations is independently run, so there are some differences between age groups by location. Basketball requires a bit more coordination than some other sports because of the dribbling, running, and shooting, which is why kids need to be a bit older than some other sports to play it.
Do you offer toddler basketball leagues?
No, we do not. Toddlers are generally too small to play basketball, especially with the motor skills and coordination required. However, if you have small children and want them to learn to love sports, consider our soccer or tball programs.
Can I pick which basketball team my child plays on?
Yes you can! When you register your child for a team, you can request which team they are on. If you don’t know any teams yet, no worries! Your child will be matched to a team with similar skills and age groups and have lots of opportunities to make new friends.
Can I request my child be on a basketball team with their friends?
Yep! If you want to register your child with their friends, there’s a place for you to do that. When registering, you will see a “Buddy Request” box. You can type in the name of the child you’d like to be “buddied” with. If you have already registered, you can contact your local i9 Sports team office to request this.
What do 5 – 8 year olds learn in basketball?
5 - 8 year olds have a huge development range, and get to learn many skills as they start to play basketball! The youngest children start with learning dribbling the ball, shooting, and passing, as well as the general rules of the game. Our core focus in all sports is teaching kids sportsmanship, love of the game, and teamwork. Each week, one child gets the sportsmanship award of the week for displaying one of our core values.
Age-appropriate rules are both introduced and enforced, though some of the more complicated concepts are enforced more generously at the younger ages. All of our programs are beginner-friendly, so kids in this age group who haven’t played basketball before are welcome to join, learn, and have fun!
What do 9 – 12 year olds learn in basketball?
9 – 12 year olds are old enough that they’re learning full basketball rules and concepts. They’re playing in positions, and learning their specific position. They’re learning both offensive and defensive skills, as well as conditioning for the athleticism required.
At i9 Sports, we believe in every child playing in every game – and this includes having opportunities to move into different positions and try things out throughout the season. The core fundamentals we always promote include sportsmanship and an overall love for the game.
At this age, rules are taught and enforced in games, so kids learn about lane violations, not traveling, shot clocks, and more.
My child has never played basketball before – can he or she join one of your teams?
Of course! Our kids basketball teams are all beginner-friendly, with strong age-appropriate progression. With a culture of fun and a focus on learning new skills, our kids’ sports leagues are great options for kids who want to try a new sport.
Do you have basketball classes?
We offer soccer leagues, clinics, and camps for kids. Our basketball leagues typically run for 9 – 12 weeks, and many locations offer basketball programs year-round.
What seasons do you have kids basketball leagues for?
Each of our locations is independently managed, so it’s up to that location which seasons each sport is run. Typically, it has everything to do with location and weather. Many of our locations run year-round, with basketball seasons in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Depending on location, some of our areas move basketball indoors or outdoors depending on what makes sense for the season. Find a youth sports league near you to see which seasons are offered in your area!
Do you have indoor kids basketball leagues?
Most of our basketball leagues are run indoors, though there are some locations that have outdoor kids basketball options. Find a kids basketball league near you to see the indoor/outdoor options.
Do you have girls basketball leagues?
Some of our locations offer girls teams depending on the age and the location. Find out more about our girls basketball teams & find a location near you to see which girls options are available.