Registration for JNYB is done through the local Host Organization. Click here to find a JNYB program in your community, and contact your local Coordinator or Jr. NBA Ambassador to learn more!
JNYB offers groups a turnkey program that is simple and easy to launch and deliver thanks to the resources, materials, and support provided to hosts. To learn how to host a JNYB program in your community click here!
Our Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Program has been developed for youth ages 5–12 years old, split up into 3 different age groups (5-6, 7-9 and 10-12). However, as age is not the best way to categorize developing players (described in the LTAD Model) the JNYB curriculum is designed to accommodate a range of player ages and abilities, therefore, clubs running the JNYB program are able to determine who can participate through their own registration process. The program uses lower nets, lighter balls, and a specific curriculum that involves fun and engaging games and drills that is tailored for each age group. For more information on the LTAD Model and its guidelines click here.
Each Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Program has a different start and end date based on the availability of local gym facilities, coaches and other factors. The majority of programs begin in October while others will begin in winter/spring/summer.
While the number of Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Programs continues to grow across the country, we may not have a program established in your community yet. Want to start your own Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Program? It’s easier than you think! Previous basketball coaching experience is not required, though enthusiasm and having fun are! Click here for more information.
Anyone who wants to work with young athletes can be a volunteer coach with JNYB - no basketball experience required! Jr. NBA coaches have the opportunity to receive NCCP FUNdamentals coach training, and are provided with the full JNYB Curriculum and supporting coach resources. All coaches enrolled in the JNYB Program must have gone through the Vulnerable Sector Screening Background Check. Click here to find a JNYB program in your community, and contact a local Coordinator or your provincial/territorial basketball organization to learn more!
Participants will perform basketball drills and modified games that are age-appropriate, simple and fun. Jr. NBA Youth Basketball curriculum is Canadian Sport 4 Life/Long Term Athlete Development compliant, aligned with Canada Basketball's Developmental Pathway and has been developed by Canada Basketball and a team of experts in child development, physical literacy, and basketball fundamentals. The curriculum will take the youth through a series of drills and activities that will work on the following fundamental movement and sport skills for the game of basketball, including footwork, ball handling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and basic offensive and defensive concepts. Throughout the program, participants are developed into well-rounded youth athletes, highlighting life skills like communication, leadership, goal setting, positive attitude, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, health and fitness.
The cost to join JNYB varies across provinces, communities, and Host Organizations due to varied facility, administrative, liability, equipment, and staffing costs associated with the local program.
Every participant in the Jr. NBA Youth Basketball receives:
- Enrollment in the official grassroots youth development program of Canada Basketball
- Proven curriculum aligned with the LTAD Model
- Coaching from NCCP FUNdamentals trained JNYB Coaches
- Player Package including jersey, basketball, drawstring bag, certificate, and poster
- Parents’ Guide for all JNYB parents
- Provincial and national basketball membership and liability insurance
