As temperatures cool down, basketball is heating up.
That’s right, Recreation Youth Basketball registration is open and this year, there are more choices than ever. From clinics to leagues to tournaments, Recreation Basketball has something for every level of play and experience. Basketball is a great sport that helps develop both the individual and the team. A fast-paced and intricate sport, basketball can be played one on one or full court and provides cardio and strength training for everyone.
The Basketball Pre-Season Clinic kicks off on Oct. 28 for grades three through nine at the Church Street Recreation Center. Under the direction of Ted Flick, young people will learn the fundamentals of basketball and will be given instruction on refining techniques. Flick, who played for the University of Pennsylvania, brings more than 25 years of playing and coaching experience to the table. Following the pre-season warm-up, the boys and girls First Grade Basketball Clinic will be offered at the Upper Elementary School on Wednesdays staring Jan. 6. The clinic will focus on fundamentals and will offer inter-clinic scrimmages.
Recreation Basketball Leagues begin in second grade this year. The Second Grade Basketball League will take place at the UES between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for an hour and a half each Saturday starting on Jan. 9. Teams will practice with a trainer/referee for 30 minutes prior to league game each Saturday. Boys and girls will play separately and will enjoy playing in an instructional setting. Grades three through eight will continue the Recreation Youth Basketball leagues. Practices begin on Jan. 4 and games will begin on Saturday, Jan. 9 to March 5 and games will occur on Saturdays and times will vary dependent upon the league.
The boys High School Recreation Basketball League continues to be widely popular for those high school students wishing to play casually or in addition to other leagues. Games will be played between noon and 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Players wishing to practice informally may attend open basketball nights at the Church Street Recreation Center. Games will begin on Sunday, Jan. 10 through March 13 at the Church Street Rec Center.
In addition to the clinics and leagues, the Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to partner again with local non-profit Live Civilly, to provide the annual Tournament of Giving. The first tournament of the 2015–2016 season will occur on Saturday, Dec. 6. This tournament is open to basketball players of all ages — third grade through adults. The tournament will be held in the Church Street Recreation Center and will offer players a minimum of three games. This is a great opportunity for players to play in a relaxed tournament support free nutritional, educational and life skills programs for local youth. Information about this tournament can be found on the township website as well as Live Civilly’s website, livecivilly.org.
For more information about the Recreation Nation Basketball programs please visit the Township website at www.moorestown.nj.us/253/Parks-Recreation. Join the Recreation Nation for hoops this fall and winter.
