Beginner In-House Basketball League

Sharpen your skills and build confidence

Schedule

Join us for a seven week Beginner In-House Basketball League designed to introduce athletes in Grades 1 through 3 to organized basketball in a positive, instructional, and fun environment.

Throughout the season, athletes will learn and practice:

• Dribbling and ball control
• Passing and catching
• Shooting and finishing
• Basic offensive and defensive positioning
• Court awareness and basketball rules
• Teamwork and communication
• Sportsmanship and respect
• How to respond to mistakes, challenges, winning, and losing

No previous league experience is required.

Week 1: Skills Evaluation and Introduction to the Game

The first week will include a 90 minute evaluation and instructional session. Athletes will participate in fundamental skill stations, basketball drills, and controlled gameplay.

Coaches will observe each athlete’s current experience, fundamentals, effort, movement, basketball awareness, and comfort level.

This is not a tryout. Every registered athlete will be placed on a team. Evaluations are used to help CAL Sports Academy create fair and balanced teams and determine where each athlete may need additional instruction and support.

Week 2: Team Assignments and Team Practice

Athletes will meet their teammates and coaches during a 75 minute practice session.

Coaches will begin teaching:

• Team spacing and court positioning
• Which basket to defend and which basket to attack
• How to inbound the basketball
• How to transition between offense and defense
• Basic man to man defensive positioning
• Substitutions and bench expectations
• Communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship

Team assignments will be created based on Week 1 evaluations, roster size, age, grade, experience, and competitive balance.

Week 3: Team Practice and Controlled Scrimmages

Athletes will continue learning fundamental skills and team concepts during a 75 minute session.

Teams will participate in controlled scrimmages that allow coaches to stop play, explain rules, correct positioning, and help athletes understand what to do during an organized game.

The purpose of this week is to help athletes feel more comfortable and confident before official league games begin.

Weeks 4 Through 6: Regular Season Games

All four teams will participate during the same 75 minute league block. The full basketball court will be divided into two half courts, allowing two games to be played at the same time.

Each game day will include:

• Team warmups
• Pregame instruction
• One organized league game
• Coaching and instruction during the game
• A short postgame team discussion

When four teams are formed, each team will play every other team once during the three week regular season. League standings will be based on each team’s regular season record.

Week 7: Championship and Final Placement Games

When four teams are formed, the final week will include:

• First place versus second place in the championship game
• Third place versus fourth place in the final placement game
• End of season recognition

The final week format may be adjusted based on registration, the number of teams, competitive balance, and facility availability.

Game Format

Games will be played on half courts and will consist of four eight minute quarters with a running clock.

The clock will stop during the final minute of the fourth quarter for official whistles, out of bounds plays, and free throws.

Game rules may be modified when necessary to support safety, instruction, balanced competition, and the developmental needs of beginner athletes.

Coaches and officials will help athletes learn the rules during gameplay. Mistakes are expected and will be treated as opportunities to teach the game.

Our Developmental Approach

This league introduces young athletes to more than dribbling, passing, and shooting. Players will also begin learning how to:

• Listen and respond to coaching
• Work with teammates
• Encourage others
• Handle mistakes without giving up
• Manage excitement and disappointment
• Win with humility
• Lose with respect
• Continue competing when the game becomes challenging

Our goal is to create a positive experience where athletes can learn, compete, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a team.

Team Shirts

Every athlete will receive an official CAL Sports Academy team shirt to wear during league games. Team shirts help create team identity, pride, and unity.

• Please select the correct shirt size during registration.
• Athletes must wear their assigned team shirt during league games.
• Replacement shirts are available for $35 if a shirt is lost, damaged, or ordered in the wrong size.
• If an athlete arrives without the assigned team shirt, a temporary pinnie may be provided when available.

Athletes may wear any color athletic shorts or pants. Basketball or athletic sneakers are required.

Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers play an important role in helping the league operate smoothly and allowing our coaches to focus on athlete instruction, development, and game management.

Volunteers may be asked to assist with:

• Scorekeeping
• Operating the game clock
• Supporting league organization

No previous scorekeeping experience is required. Instructions will be provided.

To volunteer:

• Select YES under Available to Volunteer during registration.
• Email us at office@calsportsacademy.com.

Thank you for helping CAL Sports Academy provide a positive, organized, and enjoyable experience for every athlete and family.