SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new instructional youth basketball program comes to Saratoga Springs; The AAU Hoop: Saratoga Youth Basketball Winter Instructional League.
“An instructional program such as this, this is an opportunity for a kid to better his basketball ability no matter where he may be playing elsewhere,” said Todd Birmingham, Youth League Manager.
Birmingham has run several instructional youth basketball programs throughout the capital region. After positive feedback from parents, and inquiries from those in Saratoga Springs, Birmingham has decided to bring this opportunity to Spa City.
This program is open to all kids’ grades K through five, where once a week they will be trained by a former collegiate basketball player. Each practice is formatted where the children will have 30 minutes of training, and fundamental drill practice, followed by 30 minutes of game time. A unique arrangement of this program is the low-pressure instructional games played.
“They’ll (the coaches) take an opportunity during their running time game - they’ll actually stop the game to find a teachable moment,” said Birmingham.
This format will allow the athletes to have the opportunity to utilize the newly learned skills with the guidance of a coach on the court, as opposed to going over the drills after the game.
“We are just one option parents have so their children can have a fun experience, an athletic experience and also one that can make them better basketball players and if they would like to try us out, they would be very happy with the basketball instruction we offer.”
The winter league starts Tuesday, November 19, and is a cap to how many kids can join per season, so head to www. hoopfoundation.com to get your child registered or learn more.
