YMCA Louisville youth basketball team being coached

Youth Basketball

The YMCA's basketball leagues teach kids the basics of the sport while also helping them make new friends, stay active and learn new skills that will help them succeed in life. Our volunteer coaches are committed to coaching with a focus on fair play, healthy competition and parent participation. Registration is now open at limited sites and venues. If you don't see a venue that applies to your desired location, please check back often as more locations will open in the coming weeks. We look forward to a great season!  

Youth Basketball

Basketball intro

At the Y, we offer winter basketball leagues for boys and girls ages 3-14 at locations across the Greater Louisville and southern Indiana area. We work on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character building in a fun, safe environment that allows all players to grow in self-confidence and thrive.

Looking for specific information? Use the links below to find what you're looking for.

Why the Y

  • SKILL DEVELOPMENT

    Our sports programs are progressive with multiple age levels. Your child will continue to build upon their skills year after year.

  • TEAMWORK

    Everyone wins when we work as a team! Children learn the value of working together toward a common goal regardless of the outcome.

  • FUN

    With creative programming, enthusiastic staff, and dedicated volunteers, we guarantee FUN for every child.

  • VOLUNTEER

    Get in the game as a volunteer coach! Volunteer coaches are needed for all YMCA sports. If you’re committed to giving a couple hours a week and want to impact a child’s life, learn more about becoming a volunteer coach.

Schedule

Registration typically opens in September and the season runs from January-March.

Game and practice schedules are released at the start of the season. Practice schedules are determined by requests, coach availability, venue availability and more.

Starting Price

Starting at $100 for YMCA facility members and $120 for program members. Prices vary by age division.

Ages

3 - 14 years

Kid shooting basketball during youth basketball league game

Financial Assistance

The Y is for everyone. If you're looking for financial help, we offer affordable membership and program rates based on household income. Learn more about our financial assistance program. Please stop by the branch or give us a call to discuss whether you are eligible for assistance.

At a Glance

Y basketball teaches kids the basics of the sport while also helping them build confidence and character. Whether your child is playing for the first time or returning the court, players will learn teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship.

Playing time rules are in place in ensure all the participation of all players in each game.

Teams in divisions from ages 5 and up practice once a week and play one game each week.

Teams in divisions from ages 7 and up may travel between game sites if the home site does not have enough teams for a full division.

Teams in divisions from ages 9 and up participate in an end of season tournament with other YMCA sites in their same age division that will be held the final weekend of the season.

Program Levels

  • Ages 3-4 Coed

    The focus is on introducing the game and basic ball-handling skills like passing, dribbling and shooting. Six-foot goals and 27.5 inch balls are used. Teams will practice for 15-20 minutes and then play a short game each week.

  • Ages 5-6 Coed

    This division is all about player development with a focus on fundamentals and basic skills with an introduction to the rules of the game. Eight-foot goals and 27.5 inch ball are used.

  • Ages 7-8 Boys and Girls

    This division will continue to focus on fundamental skills like ball-handling, passing and shooting. Defensive concepts are introduced, such as zone defense, stealing the ball, and blocking shots. We use a 27.5 inch ball and a nine-foot goal and teams play full court.

  • Ages 9-10 Boys and Girls

    This division will continue to focus on fundamental skills like ball-handling, passing, and shooting. Teams will be introduced to offensive and defensive strategies, such as "plays," pressing defense, with walking, double dribbling, and fouls being enforced each game. We use a 28.5 inch ball and a ten-foot goal and teams play full court.

  • Ages 11+ Boys and Girls

    The older age divisions continue to strengthen skills in passing, shooting and defense. Teams play full court with ten-foot goals and a regulation ball. Our basketball rules will be similar to the middle school rules with limited pressing allowed. Required playing time, open substitution, and all violations will be enforced. Teams will have one practice and one game per week, with travel to other YMCA locations.

READY TO REGISTER?

Use the button below to see upcoming sessions that are currently available for online registration. 

Our basketball program is run by volunteer coaches! If you or someone you know would be willing to coach, please fill out the Volunteer Coaches Form. Once we receive your information, we will submit for a background check and process a partial refund as a thank you for coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What YMCA locations offer youth basketball?

What YMCA locations offer youth basketball?

Youth Basketball is offered by the following YMCAs:

  • Bullitt County YMCA
  • Clark County Family YMCA
  • Floyd County Family YMCA
  • Northeast Family YMCA
  • Oldham County Family YMCA
  • Republic Bank Foundation YMCA
  • Southeast Family YMCA
  • Southwest Family YMCA

Practices and games may take place at locations other than the YMCA.

When does basketball registration open?

When does basketball registration open?

Registration for basketball typically opens in September.

When is the basketball season?

When is the basketball season?

The basketball season typically runs January-March.

How do I become a coach?

How do I become a coach?

The Y wouldn't be the same without our volunteers, and youth sports is no exception. Coaching at the Y allows you to make a difference in your community and in the lives of many children. We value your involvement in the youth sports program and your impact in influencing positive growth and development for young people. Find out more about volunteer opportunities here.

Where can I find my basketball schedule?

Where can I find my basketball schedule?

Once schedules are available, they can be accessed via our Playerspace site.

Still Need Help?

Please feel free to contact our Youth Sports team at youthsports@ymcalouisville.org.

Related Programs

  • Youth Sports

    Here at the YMCA of Greater Louisville, we ensure that our youth sports leagues' games are safe, fair and most of all, fun. Sign up for our youth...
  • Youth Soccer

    YMCA youth soccer is designed to introduce players of all skill levels to the world's most popular sport. The goal is to teach skills, encourage...
  • Swim Lessons

    The YMCA is the nation's favorite swim instructor. We teach people of all ages and from all backgrounds that water can be fun — not feared — if you...