WMAA Basketball Program Description, Fees, Registration Timing, and Focus
Our basketball program emphasizes fundamentals, sportsmanship and age-appropriate skill development. At all levels, priority is placed on enjoying the great game of basketball while learning new skills and being a part of a team. WMAA basketball is comprised of In-House, Co-Ed Programs.
Registration and Timing:
Basketball registration generally occurs during the months September through November each year, with practices for the program beginning just after Thanksgiving and the season starting in early January.
WMAA In-House Kindergarten - 1st Grade Co-Ed Program
The K-1 program introduces the game of basketball in a clinic style format using youth size and mini-sized basketballs played on a small court and an 8-foot high hoop. Games are played 3-on-3 without a clock and without keeping score. Players are reminded of rules and very loose enforcement progresses as the season goes on, but double dribbling, traveling, etc., are not strictly enforced. This is a co-ed league where everyone gets equal playing time and in-game coaches ensure the less extroverted players get plenty of touches on the ball. Practices are conducted with all players in one session with an emphasis on non-basketball games that use a basketball as a prop, such as tag, red-light/green light, simon says, steal the bacon, etc.
The following skills/concepts are taught at the K-1 level:
- Fundamental rules and terminology
- Basic ball handling – using fingertips, familiarization with the ball, dribbling (both hands)
- Footwork/body positioning – proper defensive stance, triple threat position, jump stop, slides
- Shooting/hand coordination – proper shooting form and ball grip, keeping hands up
- Passing/catching – catching with hands, proper passing form (bounce, chest)
WMAA In-House 2nd Grade - 3rd Grade Co-Ed Program
The 2nd-3rd grade program builds on the K-1st grade program but introduces more advanced concepts and enforcement of the rules. The hoop is raised to 9 feet and the ball is a youth 27”-27.5” ball, still playing on a small court. Games are played 4-on-4 without a clock and without keeping score. More rigorous enforcement of the rules occurs with a focus on stopping play and providing instruction in-game. This is a co-ed league where everyone gets equal playing time and in-game coaches ensure the less extroverted players get plenty of touches on the ball. Practices are conducted for individual teams or two teams at a time depending on gym availability. Team size is 6-8 kids to allow for absences but still provide substitutions on game day.
The following skills/concepts are taught at the 2-3 level:
Technical - Dribbling, using both hands, basketball moves.
- Ball handling skills, catching, passing, both hands.
- Proper hand positioning, shooting form, footwork
- Body position, introduction to rebounding, boxing out
Tactical - Attacking, try moves, with and without ball.
- Defending, footwork, keep between offender and basket, introduction of team defense concept
- Court awareness, quickness, cutting, aggressiveness
WMAA In-House 4th Grade - 5th Grade Co-Ed Program (NOT ALWAYS OFFERED)
The 4th-5th program may be offered initially during the registration process. However, viability is dependent on the number of players that register. The 4th-5th grade program builds on the 2nd-3rd grade program and introduces more advanced concepts and enforcement of the rules. A higher level of both the Technical and Tactical skills are covered.
Technical - Dribbling, using both hands, basketball moves.
- Ball handling skills, catching, passing, both hands.
- Proper hand positioning, shooting form, footwork
- Body position, introduction to rebounding, boxing out
Tactical - Attacking, try moves, with and without ball.
- Defending, footwork, keep between offender and basket, introduction of team defense concept
- Court awareness, quickness, cutting, aggressiveness
WMAA provides shirts for each of the players as part of the registration fee. Players get to keep the shirts at the end of each season. Teams may be sponsored by local businesses and the sponsor's name will appear on the back of the team shirts.
All basketball coaches are required to pass a background check. WMAA has also offered CPR and first aid training to its coaches in the past to better prepare them in case of an emergency or sport injury.
Here is a great website with videos of individual ball handling drills that each child registering for WMAA basketball is encouraged to try on their own: http://www.coachesclipboard.net/VideoClips.html
For further information, or for questions, please contact the In-House Basketball coordinator at [email protected]