Jump to: Skill-Building Training Programs (Age 3-Grade 12) | Blue Jays Basketball Leagues (Grades K-12)

The Best Youth Basketball Programs in St. Louis!

Youth Basketball at the J offers exciting, inclusive, and skill‑building experiences for players of every age and ability. From beginners just learning to dribble to seasoned athletes ready for competitive league play, our programs are designed to develop confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game.

Develop Fundamentals or Join the Action—The J Has Both.

Families can choose from two dynamic pathways (or both!): Skill-Building Training Programs (Age 3-Grade 12) designed to develop strong fundamentals, and our Blue Jays Basketball Leagues (Grades K-12) that gives players the chance to grow through real‑game experience.

For Schedules and Registration: Youth Training Program Schedule & Registration  Youth League Schedules & Registration

Youth Basketball Programs – Skill‑Building Training Programs (Age 3-Grade 12)

Offered Year-Round

Start Smart Basketball Skills Training (Ages 3-4)

Give your child a head start in sports with this engaging parent-child program designed to build fundamental skills in a supportive and structured environment. Guided by experienced instructors, parents actively participate alongside their children, learning effective ways to encourage skill development and teamwork. Each session focuses on teaching the basics of basketball—like dribbling, passing, and shooting—through fun activities and age-appropriate instruction. Parent involvement is required and essential to the program’s success.

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Pre-K Basketball Skills Training (Ages 4-5)

Specifically designed for kids in their Pre-K year, this league starts with practices where players focus on learning how to shoot, dribble, pass, and have fun playing as a team. The season concludes with games. Teams are coached by volunteer parents and consist of up to eight players. Games played at either J location. Session format is 20-minute practice followed by games led by coaches.

Basketball Training Program Schedule

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J Basketball Skills Academy (Grades K-6)

Build strong basketball fundamentals in a high-energy, skill-focused environment. The J Basketball Skills Academy is designed for players of all levels and emphasizes key areas of development
including shooting mechanics, speed and ball control, footwork, on- and off-ball defense, and team principles on both ends of the court. Each session includes focused instruction followed by small-sided games to put skills into practice. The program runs for seven weeks and includes a jersey.

Basketball Training Program Schedule

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Blue Jays Basketball Leagues (Grades K-12)

Sponsored by Mac & Jeanette Brown

Leagues run December through March

Space is limited, and team registration is first-come, first-served. No team? No problem! Individual players are welcome, and teams will be formed based on availability.

K-2nd Grade Basketball League

• 8 games, weekly practice, jersey
• optional add-ons: balls, individual training

3rd-5th Grade Basketball League

• 8 games
• optional add-ons: weekday practice space, balls, jersey, individual training

6th-8th Grade Basketball League (AAU League through CNR)

• 8 games played through CNR against other teams in the are
• optional add-ons: weekday practice space, balls, jersey, individual training

High School Basketball League

• 8 games, play-offs
• optional add-ons: weekday practice space, balls, jersey, individual training

Register for a League

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Individual or Team Basketball Training (Grades 1-12)

1st – 12th grade. Basketball training focuses on core fundamentals for all skill levels. All parts of the game may be worked on. Private workouts are customized to meet the specific needs of the player. Group workouts are great for discounted pricing and offer team skill-building. Take your game to the next level.

Staenberg Family Complex/Creve Coeur or Marilyn Fox Building/Chesterfield
By appointment

Individual Training

30 minutes: $26 members/$36 public
1 hour: $52 members/$72 public (Buy 4 Get 1 Free)

Group Training

1 hour: $21/person, 3-5 people

Basketball Training Program Schedule

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Dates, Rates, & Registration

If this is your first time using our new system, please visit our help page for more information about setting up your new online account.

Register Online

Cancellation Policy – Cancellations prior to the first practice will receive a 75% credit toward another program. We cannot credit uniform fees once ordered. Credit is valid for one year. No refunds once a program begins.

Dates & Locations

Start Smart Basketball Skills Training (Ages 3-4)

• Not offered summer 2026

Pre-K Basketball Skills Training (Ages 4-5)

• Not offered summer 2026

J Basketball Skills Academy (Grades K-6)

• SFC
  • Mondays | July 13-August 24
    • Grades K-2: 6-6:55pm
    • Grades 3-6: 7-7:55pm
  • Mondays | September 28-November 16
    • Grades K-2: 6-6:55pm
    • Grades 3-6: 7-7:55pm

Blue Jays Basketball Leagues (Grades K-12)

• K-2nd Grade Basketball League

  • Not offered summer 2026

• 3rd-5th Grade Basketball League

  • Not offered summer 2026

• 6th-8th Grade Basketball League (AAU League through CNR)

  • Not offered summer 2026

• High School Basketball League

  • Not offered summer 2026

Rates & Registrations

Please see the J’s online registration for current pricing.

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Sports & Rec Contacts

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Youth Basketball Sponsorships

Tens of thousands of individuals of all ages and abilities depend on the programs and services we provide at the J each year. In 2021, nearly 30,000 people directly participated in our programs both in person and virtually and thousands more benefited from this participation. We awarded over $500,000 in scholarship assistance and program discounts to ensure all people can participate in J programs and services.

Sponsorship of our Youth Basketball program will help a child from a family in need learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership, and learn how to win with grace and lose with dignity.

All sponsors receive:

• Name/logo on a banner displayed in gymnasiums at both locations.
• Sponsorship is entirely tax-deductible.

Additional benefits

• Starter Sponsors: $250
  • Name/logo on one team’s jerseys.
• All Star Sponsors: $500
  • Name/logo on two teams’ jerseys.
  • Ad/promo slide on high-visibility donor wall at gym entrance.

Personalized sponsorship opportunities are available upon request.