YMCA rolls out fall youth basketball leagues

Basketball drill combine session also planned for November

Submitted article

FORT MADISON - Fall Youth Basketball League registration is now open at the Fort Madison Family YMCA. The Y’s Youth Basketball Program is broken into two leagues, Mighty Mites and 1st/2nd Grade. Both leagues are designed to prepare and instruct players on the fundamentals of the sport while playing in game situations. Registration deadline for both leagues is Friday, November 6th. Cost to register is $20 for YMCA members and $40 for non-members.

Mighty Mites Fall Youth League - Available to girls and boys 5 & 6 years of age. This league emphasizes on fun, with players having the opportunity to learn the basic skills of basketball while preparing them for the next level through game situations. The importance of teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship and cooperation are emphasized in this league. Practices for Mighty Mites begin on Tuesday, November 10th and are held at the Fort Madison YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm.

1st & 2nd Grade Fall Youth League - Available to 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls. This league focuses on the fundamentals of the game of basketball giving players the ability to expand on skills all while continuing to build positive sportsmanship to their foundation. Practices for the 1st & 2nd Grade League begin on Tuesday, November 10th and are also held at the Fort Madison YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm.

Online registration is available for this program, please visit www.fortmadisony.org for more information. Forms can also be found on our website and at the front desk at the Fort Madison YMCA at 220 26th St. Fort Madison. Early registration is encouraged prior to initial deadlines to ensure a shirt for your player and to avoid the late registration fee of $10.

The Fort Madison Family YMCA will also be hosting a basketball combine for girls and boys grades 7th through 12th beginning November 2nd. The combine will be instructed by Cory Arnett, former professional basketball player who played in the CBA (1990-’91), NBA (Trailblazers 1991), ABA (2011-13) & in Mexico City (1992-94). Cory is now a fundamental basketball teacher with an on-hands approach to teaching the game of basketball and willing to help you as a player get better.
Combine objectives include offensive and defensive skill drills, shooting drills, form shooting, fundamental advancement, movement/defenders and decisions, catch and shoot/off the dribble, half/full court action drills, and 2-on-2, 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 actions.
Players will start with the same simple form shooting drills that Coach Arnett uses with his pro clients. These drills will help each player identify weaknesses and isolate the micro-skills necessary to improve their shooting. As time goes on, Coach Arnett will teach players to layer drills so they can find the necessary sweet-spot for drills, at any point in their development. Athletic measurements will be recorded for each player.
Players are asked to bring a good attitude, ears to listen, a willingness to get better, and good pair of shoes, towel, water, as well as your own basketball.
Combine schedule is as follows; 11th/12th Grade Girls and Boys Monday/Wednesday Nights 8:00-8:45 (November 2, 4, 9, 11) Saturday’s 9:00am – 10:00 (November 7 & 14) 9th/10th Grade Girls and Boys Monday/Wednesday Nights 7:00-7:45pm (November 2, 4, 9, 11) Saturday’s 10:00am – 11:00 (November 7 & 14) 7th/8th Grade Girls and Boys Monday/Wednesday Nights 6:00-6:45pm (November 2, 4, 9, 11) Saturday’s 11:00am – 12:00 (November 7 & 14)
Registration is limited to 8 people per group, cost is $80 per person, registration is available online at www.fortmadisony.org and at the Fort Madison Family YMCA during regular office hours. For questions of further information contact the Y at 319-372-3515.