Kindergarten Basketball 101 (Detailed Parents Guide)

Are you looking for Kindergarten Basketball 101 as a way to help your kids become more active and have fun at the same time? Why not get them into kindergarten basketball? 

Playing basketball is a great way for kindergarten-aged children to learn teamwork and improve their coordination and motor skills. Plus, they will have many opportunities to make new friends, which will do wonders for their communication and social skills. 

Should I get my child into kindergarten basketball? 

Encouraging your children to take up basketball from a young age helps them become more physically active. It also helps build a foundation for them to remain active throughout life. 

One of the best things about basketball is that it can be taken up from a very young age. Many basketball programs accept kids as young as five or six years old, which is the ideal age to teach essential skills and cultivate their enthusiasm for the sport.

Benefits of playing kindergarten basketball

Playing basketball can be beneficial for kids of any age, but it is especially worthwhile for kindergarteners. Some of the benefits they will gain from the sport are: 

• Improved motor skills. Basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, throwing, pivoting, and catching all help improve endurance and flexibility. 
• Enhanced coordination. Maintaining balance is essential for playing basketball. Learning this skill can help improve hand-eye and foot coordination.
• Better physical health. Playing basketball helps improve physical health. Studies show that children between the ages of five and six need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. 
• Increased strength. Typical basketball activities such as running, jumping, passing, and shooting helps build muscles and increase strength. 
• Healthier peer relationships. Basketball aids psychological development. Playing as part of a team helps kids make friends and form more meaningful relationships. 
• Higher self-esteem. Playing basketball helps increase self-confidence, which in turn, boosts self-esteem. 

Finding a kindergarten basketball league for your child

There are many basketball leagues that accept kindergarten kids across the country. Here are some suggestions where you can find leagues located close to you: 

i9 Sports 

i9 Sports believes that youth basketball should be about more than skills and scores. Although the company focuses on teaching kids the fundamentals of the sport, it also strives to develop character by teaching sportsmanship values and celebrating players who demonstrate good sportsmanship. 

Local clubs

Many local clubs offer basketball and other sports training classes for kindergarten kids. Check out flyers and online ads to find a suitable basketball club in which to enrol your child. 

YMCA 

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) is a global youth organization that aims to promote healthy lifestyles and personal development. The organization offers many opportunities to participate in various sports activities, including basketball. The co-ed basketball program is held during the summer and again in winter for children aged four to 14 years old.

Upward Sports

Upward Sports is a platform that collaborates with churches to promote sports to the youth. Visit the site to find the nearest place you can sign up for kindergarten basketball and other sports. 

Churches

Some churches have basketball leagues for different age groups. Meet with the committee chair and find out if there is a program for kindergarten kids. 

Schools

Inquire at your child’s school about basketball programs for young kids. Even if there isn’t one available, the school’s basketball coach might be able to give you some leads. 

Youth clubs 

Community-based youth clubs usually offer sports and other activities. Consider dropping by to find out if basketball programs are available for young kids. 

How much does a kindergarten basketball league cost?

Membership in a kindergarten basketball league costs about $100 for a full season on average. This covers entry fees and a uniform or jersey (including shorts). Some clubs offer applicants the option to pay the membership fee for the entire year at a discounted rate. 

Membership in a local organization such as the YMCA or a church league is usually much cheaper. Some youth sport organizations even provide financial assistance to qualified applicants, so you might be able to sign up your child even if you normally wouldn’t be able to afford the membership fee. 

Basketball equipment checklist

Most basketball programs provide jerseys or uniforms for free upon payment of the registration fee. However, there are some things that you might have to purchase yourself, such as: 

Basketball shoes. It is usually best to get your child shoes that are designed specifically for basketball. Sneakers and running shoes might be adequate for casual games or light practice but most don’t provide the necessary performance and support for more rigorous use. 

Remember that playing basketball involves more than just running. Players also have to jump, sprint, and pivot, all of which require shoes that are specially designed for basketball. These provide better support to the feet and ankles, protecting your child against injury.

Basketball. Make sure that your child’s ball is appropriate for their size and age. The regulation size-7 ball isn’t suitable for small hands and bodies and will hinder your child’s ability to learn the fundamentals of the game. The ideal basketball size for kindergarten-aged players is 3 or 4 (25.5” or 27.75”). 

Towels. Pack clean towels in your child’s basketball bag at all times. These will come in handy for wiping away excess sweat and cooling down after a game or practice. 

Water bottles. Playing basketball often results in copious sweating, which causes children to dehydrate quickly. Help your child stay hydrated by making sure they have enough water for an entire game or practice session. It might also be a good idea to give your child an extra bottle of sports drinks. 

Practice sneakers (optional). Consider purchasing an extra pair of shoes for use during practice. This minimizes wear on your child’s ‘good’ basketball shoes so they remain in tip-top shape for important games. 

Sports duffel bag. A sports bag is essential for carrying the above-mentioned items and keeping them organized. It also spares you the inconvenience of having basketball stuff scattered around the house underfoot during “no practice” days. 

Safety gear. Your child’s safety should always be your primary consideration. The facility should have a first-aid kit handy, but you may want to equip your child with knee and elbow pads. 

What is the best age to start playing basketball?

Most schools and clubs require children to be five to six years old to be allowed into the kindergarten basketball league. But some programs allow children as young as three years old to participate. In any case, any good club or organization should have age-appropriate rules for training, practices, and games.

For most kindergarten leagues, the primary objective is to provide children with an environment wherein they can:

• Participate in the game
• Improve their sportsmanship 
• Learn the basics of basketball

Programs intended for very young children may include other games and activities at the end of each class. These may include instruction in cooperation and team play and could add more value to your child’s club membership. 

As a parent, you will naturally be concerned about the safety and well-being of your children. It might be helpful to ask the following questions to put your mind at ease: 

• What is the height of the basketball goal used in kindergarten games and practices?
• What size ball is used? 
• Is the league co-ed?
• Who coaches the kindergarten basketball team? 

When you get the answers to these questions, you may want to compare them against the standard regulations of kindergarten basketball, which you will find below. 

Also See: Li Ning Way Of Wade 10 Review

Kindergarten Basketball League practices and regulations 

These are the standard regulations for kindergarten basketball in most communities. Some rules and practices may vary from place to place, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect from your local club: 

What size basketball do kindergarteners use?

For kindergarten basketball for kids aged five to six, the recommended basketball is size 4. These have a circumference of 25.5” and weigh 14 ounces. These balls are commonly referred to as “youth” or “rookie” sized basketballs. 

How long do kindergarten basketball games last?

A kindergarten or “peewee” basketball game usually consists of four 8-minute quarters. There is usually a one-minute break between quarters.

Basketball hoop height for 5-year-old

The recommended rim height for kindergarten-aged children is six feet. But some facilities may not have the appropriate setups for young children, in which case practice and training is down on regular-sized equipment. If this is a concern for you, it would be best to visit the facility in question to see if they have the appropriate type of equipment for children. 

Are Kindergarten basketball leagues coed?

Most kindergarten leagues are co-ed, which means that boys and girls practice and train together and even compete in games. For older children, however, leagues are usually gender exclusive. 

Kindergarten basketball coaches 

Kindergarten basketball coaches are often parents of other kindergarten kids. Very few teams are coached by certified professionals. In some cases, teams are handled by first-time coaches with no prior experience in coaching.  

Skills taught to kindergarten kids 

Expect your child to receive a thorough grounding in basketball fundamentals. The coach will have the team go through standard drills and exercises that will teach kids the following: 

• Bouncing the ball
• Passing 
• Dribbling 
• Shooting
• Team play and coordination 

Just as importantly, the coach will also ensure your kid is having fun and feeling motivated. The best coaches encourage kids to do their best and enable them to learn at their own pace. 

Conclusion

Basketball is one of the most exciting and exhilarating sports around. Your kids stand to gain many benefits from learning the sport from an early age. Enrolling them in a kindergarten basketball club is a great way to encourage and motivate them and the skills and lessons they learn will continue to be valuable to them even as they grow into adulthood.