Are you one of those people who’ve always obsessively followed the NBA playoffs and finals, and right after you had your baby, decided to buy a cute little indoor shooting hoops toy?

Even if you are not THAT much of a fan, you must know that basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world, offering many physical and mental health benefits for your active kid. It’s lots of running, jumping, dribbling, hand-eye coordination practice, and – finally – shooting hoops. Basketball also teaches the importance of good sportsmanship, cooperation, as well as following the rules and authority. One of the famous coaches said wisely, “Basketball is 90% mental, 10% physical”.

Best Basketball Classes & Clubs For Kids In Sydney

As we are big on team spirit, we’ve gathered the super-tall list of the best basketball schools in Sydney. The choice is abundant, so take a look, and let’s shoot some hoops!

1. The Y

 

Did you know basketball was invented at a YMCA? Back in 1891, an American P.E teacher was tasked with coming up with a new indoor activity to keep his students fit during the cold Massachusetts winter. He used two peach baskets as goals and a soccer ball for the first games - and the rest is history.

Today, the YMCA - or as it's known - The Y offers basketball classes that are supportive, fun, inclusive and skill-building for boys and girls around the world. Enrol your child into a club that encourages confidence, teamwork, and an early love of the game. 

Available at over 14 YMCA locations across NSW, including Bondi Junction, Curl Curl, Dulwich Hill, Epping, Meadowbank, North Sydney, Manly, Mosman, Ryde, Redfern, and more. Basketball is part of their DNA, so look for a class in your local area and shoot for the stars! Find your local Y club.

2. My Hoops

 

Located in several different spots around Sydney (Randwick, Five Dock, Ryde, Silverwater, Blacktown, St George, St Ives, Sydney Olympic Park and Blacktown), My Hoops offers a comprehensive weekly training program for boys and girls aged 6-17.

All the classes were developed by the school’s director and head coach, Bruce Bolden – you can listen to him chat with Dan Boyce about basketball’s principles on one of the most popular basketball podcasts, Aussie Hoopla. The school runs 4 terms a year, commencing in week 2 each term in a 9-week program, and offers various skill/age level groups. The cost is around $195-205 per full term.

3. Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC)

 

PCYC is a beautiful youth-oriented organisation working with the police and local communities to empower young people to reach their potential. How exactly do they do it? Through sport! Their clubs are located throughout Sydney and offer a multitude of sporting activities for all ages and abilities. Basketball features highly on their agenda and is offered in various clubs.

PCYC Fairfield-Cabramatta offers entry-level practice for kids who want a chance to learn dribbling, handling, shooting, strategy and much more. PCYC Fairfield-Cabramatta offer weekly coaching sessions to help you improve your skills and take your game to the next level. Age 5-12, $160 for a 10-week term-based program. PCYC Marrickville runs introductory weekly sessions for 5-12-year-olds, teaching basketball basics through games and drills. $125 for new players, $110 for returning. 

4. Aussie Hoops

 

Aussie Hoops is a national program providing a rich environment for children of all ages and abilities to reap the rewards of basketball training. It prides itself on offering a portfolio of accredited coaches, the inclusive national curriculum and the sequentially developed program consisting of warm-up games, skill activities and modified games.

The Aussie Hoops junior game development program for 5-10-year-olds operates nationwide, in various locations throughout Australia (with 8 locations in Sydney). Each new participant receives an introductory pack of goodies to get them started.

5. Heart and Soul Hoops 

 

Heart and Soul Hoops is a Ryde-based basketball club that has all-year-round training programs for both kids (8-18) and adults (if you’re game to be more like Michael Jordan). Founded by 3-time All-American and National Champion, Alex Moore-Porter.

They offer training of all levels of basketball, from beginner, intermediate, to advanced and specialised, with super-special master classes and private coaching for the most talented individuals.   

6. Little Boomers

 

If you want to start them early, Little Boomers is a place for you - they take in little players as young as 3.5 years old. This Riverwood-based school teamed up with the sports and exercise scientists from the University of Technology Sydney to design their basketball training programs, which aim to combine a non-competitive play environment with a professional coaching experience. Classes are 1-hour long, with 45 minutes focused on skill development and 15 minutes allocated for structured games.

Locations include Riverwood (Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre), Blue Street (Shore School), North Sydney, Girraween, Edmondson Park, Bankstown (PCYC), Bidwill, and other Western Sydney areas. Book a FREE trial class! 

7. East Basketball League Academy

 

EBL Academy is a junior basketball training program for kids aged 9-16 designed to build players' skills and help them grow as players and young people. They started off running clubs in Bondi, Randwick, and Bondi Junction, and have now expanded to the Inner West and Sutherland Shire.

EBL offer introductory lessons, elite training, competitions, before-and-after-school care, one-off training days, as well as referee and coaching support. So whether your little basketball genius wants to play recreationally, socially or make it to the NBA, this is a great place to start. Prices start from $200 for an 8-week season.