U9 Program-Details

The Bow River U9 program is focused on teaching the FUNdamentals of basketball. Whether your child is brand new to the game, or a driveway ball fanatic, they will learn basketball skills, gameplay and build character with our professionally developed program.  This year we are working with Basketball Alberta to use the 3X3 format, this improves development and fosters more fun games.

Program Details

Ages:

The U9 program is for players 6-8 years old (boys and girls) as of December 31

Times & Locations

The U9 program runs from September March.

• Jr Tykes play - Times to be determined
• Sr Tykes play  - Times to be determined
• Gyms are located in SE Calgary exact locations to be determined

Divisions

• Jr Tykes: 6 years and 7 years without prior basketball experience
• Sr Tykes: 7 years and 8 years with some prior basketball experience

Practices / Games

Each Session is a 50 minute practice/game

In an effort to achieve our mandate of teaching "FUN”damentals the focus of the U9 program is designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love for the game of basketball. We hope to help your kids maximize their potential, build their character, discipline and self-esteem.

This year we will be using the Basketball Alberta 3X3 format which offers better skill development and a more fun game environment.  

Scrimmages

The games are to be fun with an emphasis on skill development and good sportsmanship.

We aim to keep smaller teams (4-5 players) to facilitate 3X3 game format.  All games will be half-court.

Coaches and /or assistants will be refereeing and helping to teach the kids on the court. The aim is to get the players comfortable playing basketball, learning the rules, and working as a team. In the Senior division we ask coaches to blow the whistle when there are infractions like double dribbling, traveling etc. so players can learn the rules. Explaining on the court will help the players learn.

Rules / Guidelines for Tykes

1. No foul shots - change of possession only.
2. Baskets are to be lowered (approximately 8 feet).
3. Man to Man defense: Each player has someone to guard. This means try to get your defending player to follow an assigned player, not the ball. NO DOUBLE TEAMING.
4. When a player fouls another player, the ball is awarded to the opposing team who then throws it in from the sidelines.
5. Half-court defense at all times. This means the team on defense must wait on their side of the centre line until the attacking team has crossed the center line with the ball. This allows the attacking team to dribble the ball in their half.
6. No double dribbles. This is touching the ball with both hands and then starting to dribble again. This will be enforced later in the season but players should be warned from the start.
7. No traveling. Traveling is running with the ball without dribbling it.
8. No kicking the ball.
9. If a jump ball (when two opposing players are both holding the ball) is awarded, the defense will be awarded a throw-in from the sideline.
10. A throw-in from the sidelines will be awarded if the ball goes out of bounds.

When a player is called on for breaking one of the rules, what has been done wrong should be explained to the player. All rule calls are at the discretion of the referee. Some leeway may be used for the less experienced players.

The coaches, players, and referees are all volunteers so let’s all work together and help each other out as much as possible.

Always remember that positive encouragement goes a long way to help the players improve their game.

Gym Rentals

• Please remember that we are guests in the schools and are ALLOWED TO USE ONLY THE GYM.
• Parents must remain in the gym at all times and siblings not playing must be supervised and not be roaming the halls
• Outdoor shoes are not permitted in the gyms, this goes for all adults and children. Those watching may bring indoor shoes if that makes you more comfortable