We are super excited to be offering a truly developmental 3 on 3 league for all players, girls and boys, from Kindergarten through 2nd grade and as an alternative for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5th grade. If you are receiving this email.

Please read all the way through to understand the approach and for what you can expect this season.

Important note for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th  grade: 3/4/5 grade will have the option of choosing a traditional 5 on 5 league or this league. If you have registered your child in that age group, you are currently registered for the 5 on 5 option. Please read through this message and consider which option would be best for your child. The video linked below provides the context you will need to inform your decision. Please contact Coach Nabil and Coach Shaun, copied on this message, if you would like to discuss what would be best for your player.

Why is this being offered?

Please view this video for more context on why this approach is best for players of this age range and level.

This setup allows for true, level-appropriate development for ALL players— both experienced and non-experienced by offering group training sessions with similarly skilled players during the week, and competitive yet appropriate and inclusive 3 on 3 games on the weekends. Youth basketball, particularly in the elementary years, should have one clear goal: to get players to have so much fun that they want to come back again next year. 

There will be tiered groups for various skill levels, and players will practice and play games within their tiered group. For example, all Kindergartners will most likely be in the lowest tier, but if there is a Kindergarten player of adequate size and skill level, they could potentially move into a higher level tier. Similarly, a 5th grader who has never touched a basketball before might be best suited in the middle tier. Coaches will not make these assignments in a vacuum– the first few weeks will be used to evaluate, and parents will be encouraged to make suggestions for what they think is best for their child and can work with the coaches to do so. There will also be flexibility throughout the season if players need to shift to a more appropriate group, and if for some reason you cannot attend your normal weekly practice, the instruction is similar enough where you could join another group’s practice instead. The key is the coaches will be nimble to meet the dynamic needs of the player to best serve them  

Practices during the week

With structured practices developed by the lead coaches, Coach Nabil and Coach Shaun, volunteer coaches are not required to have in depth basketball knowledge nor even any significant experience. In addition to the basic skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting, players will also learn skills often overlooked when practice time has to be focused on set plays and offenses, which is standard in leagues where winning games is the primary goal. Such skills include footwork, balance, how to move on the court, how to create advantages, how to defend without fouling, how to defend on the ball and off, how to help on defense, boxing out, and so on. Practices will emphasize “game like” drills that will not only help players develop skills, but will help them develop skills that are immediately transferable to game play  

Games on Saturday

For games, 3 on 3 simply offers every players more touches of the ball— no more ball dominant players with the other 4 watching or yelling for the ball, more space to move compared to playing with 10 on the court, and allows for constraints such as “you must pass at least twice before shooting” or “no player can take more than three dribbles in a row”.

Lead Coaches

Coach Nabil Ali and Coach Shaun Ali have each been coaching basketball for 20 or more years, and have coached all levels of youth basketball, high school varsity teams, and are currently doing player development work with NBA and other professional players. They have learned from some of the best basketball coaches in the country, and want to bring that to FPYC.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

• Is this only for players who have little to no experience?
  • Not at all! All players will get instruction that meets them where they are at, and moves them along to the next level.
• Will my 4^th/5th grader be playing with Kindergartners?
  • No. The players will be separated into groups based on their current level and ability. Players will be mixed by age, grade, and gender, but rarely if ever would it make sense for the youngest players to be mixed with the older players. 
• Is this not a competitive league and only 'for fun'?
  • Absolutely not. The goal of this league will be fun and development, yes, but will be administered in a way that is also competitive-- just in a way most conducive for players this age that does not sacrifice the two main goals.
• Will there be evaluations?
  • Not standalone evaluations, no. Instead, parents will be able to select a practice day for the first two weeks, so the coaches can observe and group players into tiers based upon skill level.
• How can I help?
  • Glad you asked! We are always looking for volunteers, especially in this format. There is little to no basketball experience required in order to be a "coach" for this league. The lead coaches will give you everything you need, and most importantly, this is a great way to bond with your player through a pro social activity. Further details will be provided for prospective volunteers, stay tuned!