GYS Basketball Junior Academy

The Junior Academy is a six week program for second graders in the Gilbert School District to learn the fundamentals of basketball. It’s a great introduction to the game in a fun environment with friends!  Each section is limited to 20 players to offer a quality experience and due to the size of the gym. Once capacity is reached a waitlist will be generated.

Program Information:

• Camp-style format with all players warming up together and breaking into small groups  for rotating skills sessions
• Each session will be lead by the head coach with the help of 3 assistant coaches
• One boys head coach and one girls head coach needed
  • Two head coaches work together to plan session format with drills and games and lead sessions with assistant coaches
  • Head coach registration fees will be refunded

GYS Basketball Academy

The GYS Basketball Academy is a developmental and competitive youth basketball program for boys and girls in the Gilbert School District. The mission is to provide an opportunity for participants to develop their basketball skills and grow their love for the game. Participants will be introduced to basketball philosophy with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, work ethic and sportsmanship.

The GYS Basketball Academy is offered for boys and girls in grades 3-6. Teams will be divided by grade for boys and girls and have two practices each week on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings at Gilbert Intermediate and Middle Schools. GYS partners with Gilbert High School basketball coaches to assist Basketball Academy coaches with practice plans to help players develop skills. One practice each week will be led by Gilbert High School basketball players and coaches, and the other will be led by volunteer Basketball Academy coaches. On Saturday mornings, participants will play 3-on-3 against other GYS Basketball Academy players in their grade level at Gilbert Intermediate School. There is no travel involved with the regular season.  There will be two sessions of Basketball Academy. One starting in November and one starting in January.  Participants can sign up for both sessions or just one. It is not required to do session one in order to do session two.

Basketball Academy players also have the opportunity to participate in our Level Up program. Participants will have additional practices on Sunday afternoons and play in area Booster Club tournaments that are typically held on Saturdays in December and January. An additional fee will be collected to cover tournament registration costs. The Level Up program is available for any interested Basketball Academy participants. Teams will be determined by number of participants, skill level and number of coach volunteers and will play in approximately 5 tournaments. *Level Up teams will be formed during session ONE only.*

A reversible GYS jersey is included in the registration fee. GYS will refund registration fees for players of head coaches.
GYS offers need-based scholarships to cover registration fees. Contact gysiowa@gmail.com to take advantage of the program.
 

GYS Basketball Academy Q&A

My child has never played basketball. Is the Basketball Academy a good fit?

Yes, the mission of GYS is to offer developmental programs no matter the experience of the child. We hope to improve their skills to help them fall in love with the game! We want them excited to sign up again next year.

Will there be another Gilbert basketball league that is part of the Central Iowa Rec League (CIRL)?

No, GYS will not have any basketball teams in the CIRL. We’ll be taking advantage of our thriving basketball community in Gilbert by keeping games in town so players are excited to play with classmates and families can build community together.

Do I have to sign up for BA session one in order to participate in session 2?

No, they are two separate sessions. If you would like to participate in the Level Up program you must sign up for session 1.

What is 3 on 3 basketball?

It’s similar to the traditional 5 on 5 game, but with fewer players. Six players play on half the regular court. The game is shorter to ensure players are involved in every minute of the game.

What are the advantages of 3 on 3 games versus 5 on 5 games?

Players have more chances to touch the ball and participate, gaining valuable experience and improving their skills. The smaller teams allow for more development of teamwork, decision-making and leadership skills. As the season progresses, there will likely be opportunities for 4 on 4 and 5 on 5 as well.

I have a Gilbert basketball jersey from a previous year. Can my player wear that to play?

All BA must have a new GYS BA jersey. You can keep the jersey and hopefully get a couple seasons out of it and pass it down to siblings. After your first BA registration, you can opt for a lower registration fee that does not include a jersey.