Youth basketball is about learning the game, building skills and having fun as part of a team. Whether your child is picking up a basketball for the first time or looking to develop their skills, there’s an opportunity for every player to get involved.
Our programs include recreational basketball leagues for ages 5 and up and basketball academies for ages 3 and up.
With the support of volunteer coaches, YMCA youth basketball emphasizes participation, teamwork, sportsmanship and fun. Through practices and games, players develop fundamental basketball skills while learning valuable lessons that extend beyond the court.
Every game begins with a Youth Sports Pledge and ends with a handshake to reinforce respect, character and sportsmanship that are at the heart of youth sports.
Basketball Programs
SPRING SEASON (MARCH-MAY)
Blue Chip Basketball Academy League (ages 5-15): William G. White, Jr.
Blue Chip Basketball Academy Practice & Play (ages 5-15): Kernersville
SUMMER SEASON (JUNE-JULY)
Recreation Basketball League (ages 5-17): William G. White, Jr, Jerry Long
Rookie Basketball (ages 3-4): William G. White, Jr., Jerry Long
FALL SEASON (AUGUST-OCTOBER)
Blue Chip Basketball Academy League (ages 5-15): William G. White, Jr.
Blue Chip Basketball Academy Practice & Play (ages 5-15): Kernersville
Recreation Basketball League (ages 3-15)*: Wilkes, YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake
*Recreation Basketball League plays September-November in the fall.
WINTER SEASON (NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY)
Recreation Basketball League (ages 3-17): William G. White, Jr. Kernersville, Davie, Stokes, Jerry Long, Statesville, YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake*
*Recreation Basketball League at Winston Lake plays January-March
AGE DIVISIONS AND OFFERINGS VARY BRANCH. DATES AND OFFERINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Skills Evaluations
For age divisions 9 & up in select leagues, teams are assembled based on player evaluations and draft. The goal is to create equally balanced teams, therefore requests for coaches and teammates are NOT considered. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate any type of request. This includes requests for teammates or coaches in carpool situations. Participants are required to attend their player evaluation on the dates listed in the program description. Those who do not attend evaluations may not be allowed to play that season.
Registrations received after the coaches’ draft may take additional time for a team assignment. To keep teams as balanced as possible, please allow up to one week for your team assignment while we wait for additional players to register.
Our youth basketball programs depend on volunteers like you. Volunteer coaches do more than coach basketball - they encourage teamwork, build confidence and help kids discover the joy of being part of a team.
You don't have to be a basketball expert to coach. We provide the support and resources you need to create a positive, fun experience for every player.
Coach resources available in our Coaches Corner
For all our basketball programs, only tennis shoes and a water ball are required. We recommend bring your own basketball. See below for basketball size and goal height for each age division.
AGES BALL SIZE GOAL HEIGHT
3-4 22.5 6’
5-6 27.5 8’
7-8 27.5 9’
9-10 28.5 10’ (boys) or 9’ (girls)
11-12 28.5 10’
12-17 29.5 (boys) or 28.5 (girls) 10’
Ball size and goal height subject to change and may vary by branch location.
Winter Basketball Rules (age divisions and rules may vary by branch)
Summer Basketball Rules (age divisions and rules may vary by branch)
Basketball Academy Partner
Established by Kishon Bishop, Blue Chip Basketball Academy provides quality basketball training programs and competitive leagues for children who are aspiring to become elite players at all levels of competition. This basketball camp will meet your player where they are at. All skill levels are welcome as we will use age and skill appropriate practices to help players develop their own pace, learn brand new skills and become an all-round better player!
Youth Basketball Programs
Click below to see available programs.