The rec. is inviting students to go all in on basketball.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
It’s almost time to get back out on the hardwood of the basketball courts. Calling all kids, grades two through eight for the Fall 2018 basketball season. Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department has all kinds of exciting basketball programs from pre-season warm up clinics to team play.
Basketball is truly a team sport that builds on the skills of the individual. Not only is the body challenged but also the brain with quick decision-making that requires strategy, accuracy and precision. Here are just a few of the benefits of playing basketball for kids: it’s a great physical workout that leaves little time for boredom, builds muscle in the upper and lower body and increases eye-hand coordination. It also builds confidence, teamwork and helps to develop self-discipline.
One of the greatest aspects of Parks and Rec. Basketball is that it is completely welcoming to all levels of play, from the newbie to the child who has played for years. Everyone gets court time during league play where they will have the chance to try out what they’ve learned at practice.
Get started with the preseason warmup. If you’ve never experienced the contagious love of the sport that Coach Ted Flick instills, you must come out and experience it for yourself. He is a former college basketball player for the University of Pennsylvania, and he teaches the fundamentals with an astonishing discipline and inspiration. The hour flies by and somehow the ball that seemed awkward at first is tamed and the fun begins. Full court scrimmages will be organized as well. This clinic will be on Thursdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 1. Grades two and three will play from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., grades four and five from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. and grades 6 through 8 from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
Once some of the basics are conquered, try the “Shooting Skills and Games” clinic. Shooting is one of the most important skills in basketball. From layups to free-throws, the children will work specifically on getting the ball into the hoop. The children will be able to practice their new skills in an actual scrimmage game. Again, Coach Ted Flick and his team will be teaching. This clinic is also on Thursdays. Dates are Nov. 15 and 29, December 6, 13 and 20. Grades three and four play from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., grades five and six from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. and grades seven and eight from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
League play will start in January through March. There will be leagues in grades two through eight for both boys and girls and a boys high school league. There is also a great opportunity for parents to volunteer as coaches. Register at www.moorestownrec.com for all leagues, clinics and parent volunteers.
All recreation basketball programs are open to residents. Basketball Clinics are open to Moorestown residents and non-residents. Please visit for full details and to sign up visit the recreation website at www.moorestownrec.com or call us at (856)914–3093.
If you’re interested in more competitive basketball, Moorestown Youth Basketball Club has scheduled their team tryouts for boys and girls in grades 4 through 8 beginning Sept. 22nd. This is an opportunity for experiencing other venues with a higher level of play and a greater time commitment. For travel team details and to register, contact them directly at www.moorestownbasketball.org
