15 Top Basketball Programs for Kids in NYC

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15 Top Basketball Programs for Kids in NYC

Basketball involves a lot of skill, such as dribbling, shooting, agility, and speed. If your child is interested in being the best, it take practice and training. That is why having a convenient and trustworthy list of basketball programs in the five boroughs is a great way for you to help your kids gain confidence doing something they love. Even if your child needs to burn some energy or likes making new friends, there are basketball programs for them too!

Does your family like to play sports? Here is an article just for you! Check out The 7 Best Winter Sports for Kids in 2021

Manhattan

Fastbreak Sports 
1629 1st Ave., New York, NY 10028
212-724-3278
teamfastbreak@fastbreakkids.com

Fastbreak Sports wants to cultivate a love of sports with their focus on the small details which make a player great. They offer after-school basketball classes, weekend training, elite training academy, girls classes, private training, and basketball 101. The ages accepted range from 4 to 17. In the Spring, Hoop academy for boys between the ages of 7 and 13 is available. Some winter classes still have open spots!

Chelsea Piers
Pier 62, New York City
212-336-666
info@chelseapiers.com

Chelsea Piers believes in development of the mind and body through play, practice and competition. They offer programs for age groups from 2 to 18 years old. They also have school break camps for ages 3 to 12. If your child is interested in a little competition there is an AAU travel basketball team for children between the ages of 8 and 13.

Yorkville
415 E 90th St., New York, NY 10128
212-360-0022
info@yyaa.org

Yorkville is about honoring a sport and supporting the dreams of the children who play. They offer winter basketball, basketball skills development for preschoolers and kindergarteners, basketball skills training for third to eighth graders.  Their elite training and AAU travel basketball programs are a little more challenging. Although winter registration is over, you can look toward Spring!

Basketball City
299 South St., New York, NY 10002
212-233-5050
info@basketballcity.com

Basketball City is about closeness as they teach fundamentals in small groups and teach responsibility when they give back to their community. Their programs at a state of the art sports facility include youth development for 7 to 10 year olds and 11 to 17 year olds. They also have one day clinics, spring break camps and one-on-one training if your child needs a little extra attention. Some programs have been canceled due to Covid-19, but Spring sessions are still open.

Brooklyn

Aviator Sports
Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234
718­-758-7500
Eliot@AviatorSports.com

Aviator Sports focuses on creating a solid foundation by teaching the fundamentals and challenging their players’ skills. At the moment, open basketball and private lessons are closed due to Covid-19, but youth development is available! They also have a travel basketball team and a Summer basketball camp. Aviator Sports welcomes children between the ages of 5 and 17.

Brooklyn Basketball Academy
8711 18th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11214
1724 Avenue P, Brooklyn, NY 11229
gio@bkbasketballacademy.com

Brooklyn Basketball Academy focuses on maintaining a friendly, safe environment where kids can feel supported. They also want their players to become more mindful and grow from their experiences at the Academy. The programs offered here are holiday and Summer camps, small group training and basketball skills training for 7 to 10 year olds, 11 to 13 year olds, and 14 to 16 year olds. Their travel team is by tryout only. 

Queens

Elite Skills
231-02 67th Ave., Queens, NY 11364
347-696-1989
Info@EliteSkills.org

Elite Skills believes in teaching responsibility and accountability in an effort to develop character on-and-off the court. On the court there will be a lot of drills and repetition, because practice makes perfect! They offer day and week camps on school holidays and a nine week Summer camp. The ages accepted at Elite Skills are 3 and up. Fall season is coming to a close, but you can sign your kids up for the Spring and Summer!

Artistic Stitch Sports Complex
79-08 Cooper Ave., Glendale, NY 11385
718-416-1380
info@artisticstitchsportscomplex.com

Artistic Stitch Sports Complex combines practice and play for their instructional programs. They split their groups by gender, age, and skill for smaller, evenly distributed groups. The programs they offer are Friday basketball open sessions, one-on-one lessons for 5 to 10 year olds, and a Summer clinic for 10-13 year olds. Generally, they welcome kids between the ages of 3 and 18.

First Shot Basketball School
Locations Vary
718-275-7974
Firstshotbball@aol.com

First Shot focuses on child sensitivity and building confidence in order to promote a healthy respect for sports later on. First Shot accepts kids between the ages of 3 and 15. They offer non-competitive lessons for beginners, such as super tots, pee wee and basic basketball. The competitive, advanced classes for older children are Olympix, Advanced Olympix and Powerball. 

Bronx

Bronx House
990 Pelham Pkwy. South, Bronx, NY 10461
718-792-1800
info@bronxhouse.org

Bronx House teaches fundamentals such as agility, balance and coordination, as well as trying to bolster social skills and culture at their community center. Programs offered here are Pre-K winter basketball, co-ed indoor basketball for grades first to sixth, family open gym on the weekends and other youth sports. There is also court time designated for teens between the ages of 15 and 18 which sounds like a great spot to make new friends! At Bronx House masks must be worn inside at all times.

DePhillips Athletic Club
Locations Vary
347-252-1154
Dacmarksmensports@gmail.com

DePhillips Athletic Club was started by Tony De Phillips, a baseball player, but basketball and other sports have been included to create a well-rounded sports club. The basketball programs offered here are young players basketball class, skills training and game play, and a winter league. There is also basketball training for older kids 9 to 11 and 12 to 14. Generally, DAC welcomes kids between the ages of 4 and 14.

Citywide:

Asphalt Green
555 East 90th St., New York, NY 10128
212 North End Ave., New York, NY 10282
212-369-8890 (Upper East Side), 212-298-2900 (Battery Park City)

Asphalt Green focuses on helping kids develop physically, emotionally, and socially. They believe physical activity can reduce stress, raise self-esteem and improve academic achievement! Programs they offer include school break camps, private basketball lessons, developmental academies for ages 3 to 13 and youth basketball leagues for ages 5 to 13. There is also a travel basketball team, that is tryout only, for ages 10 to 12.

Dribbl
170 E 83rd St., New York, NY 10028
212-717-7651
info@dribbl.com

Dribbl reinforces a fun and supportive environment for their players. Programs offered here are Spring weekend classes, limited winter weekend classes, a Presidents’ Day camp and a Summer camp. In these programs younger kids work on motor skills, while older kids can use their skills in timed league games so every child gets a chance to play! Dribbl welcomes kids between the ages of 3 and 14.

NYC Basketball League
212-390-1776

NYC Basketball League teaches life lessons and wants players to develop their skills and achieve their goals. They offer classes, a youth development league, Spring break camps and a Summer camp. NYC Basketball welcomes kids between the ages of 5 and 17 at their multiple gyms. There are also competitive basketball teams for ages 8 to 17 with tryouts.

Breakaway Hoops
127 W 127th St., New York, NY 10027
646-776-2021

Breakaway Hoops focuses on teamwork, communication, self-discipline and self-confidence. The basketball programs offered here are after school clinics for 8 to 16 year olds, weekend clinics which teach fundamentals to 5 to 16 year olds, three-on-three leagues, tournaments, private training, and Spring camps. Levels of play at Breakaway Hoops include beginner, intermediate, and advanced so your kids can be placed in the best skill level suited to their abilities! At Breakaway Hoops masks and proof of vaccination are required.

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Private and group music lessons & dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind & brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!</span></p>