Getting Started with BOKS Basketball

Do your kids love playing basketball? Or do they want to learn how? You’re in luck because BOKS has everyone from beginners to advanced players covered with our new basketball resources!

Basketball with BOKS will help you coach your kids through a 4-week program that focuses on basic skills such as ball handling, passing, shooting, and defense. Each week there are three 45-minute lessons that will focus on those basketball skills and minimal basketball knowledge, or experience is necessary.

Accompanying the written instructions are follow along or instructional videos to show you exactly how to do a drill, perfect your form, or set up the game. Check out “Go, Back, Hit It – Basketball Edition” on YouTube! There are over 20 videos you can watch.

Similar to a typical BOKS class, a day of BOKS Basketball starts off with a dynamic warm up, followed by a running related activity, and then moves into the basketball skill of the week. After the basics are covered, the kids are able to enjoy a game that incorporates the skill they just learned and then 10 minutes for a full court game. Finally, the class will end with a cool down and stretching period to get ready for the rest of the day.

Complement the 4-week program with the basketball themed monthly calendar where kids can add in more games and quick bursts to keep the sport fun and entertaining. Weekly challenges will mirror the skills of the week and have kids pushing themselves to get better each day!

Now that we covered what’s included in the 4-week program and calendar – let’s go over getting started with BOKS Basketball.

1. Plan ahead – make sure you have the space and resources to support a basketball program at your school, home, or youth organization. This includes, basketballs, basketball nets, a court, and cones/markers. If you don’t have basketballs, then other bouncy sports balls will work. If you don’t have a court with hoops, then you may need to get creative and use a closed off area of a parking lot and trash bins or space in the cafeteria.

2. Keep it fun – Don’t worry – the entire program is fun for all ages – but if you want to add in even MORE fun, then play some music during the games or add in some dance breaks. If you have extra time before or after class, have the kids play knock-out, HORSE, or a trick shot challenge.

3. Challenge your players – keep track of how your players are doing on the weekly challenges in the Basketball Calendar. Are they accomplishing the tasks and doing their best to reach the goals they set forth?

4. Keep it positive – At BOKS, we like to focus on inclusive, non-competitive play. With a team sport like basketball where the games inevitably have a winning and losing team, make sure you keep the focus on the skills your players are trying rather than rewarding the winning team/best players.

5. Inspire your players – Find ways to incorporate real life basketball examples that will inspire your players to want to continue to play. For example, you could share the famous quote from Michael Jordan which says, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

The BOKS Basketball Program aims to introduce more kids to a fun, team sport. The benefits of team sports are endless – such as learning the importance of teamwork, gaining confidence, making connections with teammates, and relieving stress while exercising! Once you have an established BOKS program, we highly encourage you to try bringing Basketball with BOKS to your kids – we know they’ll love it!

Michela North

BOKS Marketing Manager

2x All American Basketball Player