Basketball League for Ages 8-10

The Haverford Township Recreation offers a Basketball League for children ages 8-10.  The league focuses on teaching children the game in a fun and age appropriate format.  Over the first few weeks of the program the children will meet for practice.  Each child will be taught the positions, and what their role is in each position.  It gives children who are unfamiliar a chance to learn everything they need to know to be successful once games start.  When the games begin the rules are modified to ensure the game allows every child a chance to be successful, while ensuring that the games give children a chance to learn the game of basketball.   Some of the modified rules are as follows:

Basketball League Modified Rules

Rule	Purpose
No stealing the ball while a player is dribbling	Prevents the game from turning into everyone ball hawking.  Allows kids to receive the ball and dribble and make basketball decisions
Defense must be behind three point line	Ensures kids will have a chance to get the ball down the floor and pass to get other teammates involved, as opposed to everyone losing the ball at half court
Offense must complete three passes before they can shoot	Ensures each team has to move the ball before shooting, making sure each child gets to touch the ball and preventing one child from doing everything
Point Guard must bring ball up floor	One of the biggest things that prevents children from learning the game in other leagues is that whoever gets the rebound puts their head down and dribbles full speed at the rim.  This rule ensures that teams can get set in positions and the game doesn’t turn into kids aimlessly running back and forth.

Andrew Brady who ran the league last year had this to say "Of all of the Recreation Department Programs I am involved in the Basketball League is one of my favorite.  The growth the children go through from the beginning of the league towards the end is alot of fun to see.  It's also fun to see the volunteer coaches who put alot of time and effort into the league have fun teaching their players the game on a weekly basis."

 Boys League Registration

 Girls League Registration

Program Spotlight: Basketball Clinic

The Basketball Clinic began yesterday at Chatham Elementary School.  The Basketball Clinic is a program designed to introduce your child to the game of basketball with a focus on fun.    The nets are lowered to 7 feet which gives every child a chance to reach the rim and experience success.  Children will learn how to dribble with both hands, pass, shoot with correct mechanics, and pivot with both feet.  Our own Brian Barrett had this to say about the program "The clinic is a great program for parents who are looking to get their child interested in the game of basketball.  The activities are age appropriate and the biggest focus is on ensuring your child enjoys being there every week." 

Joe showing the kids proper jumpshot technique


The clinic is being led by Joe Dougherty who has worked for the Township for the past 7 years.  Joe has led the program last year and has been involved with our basketball league for the past few years.  Joe also works as a Playground site leader in the Summer.  Joe has numerous staff working with him who have all had involvement in the past with our basketball programs. 

The clinic is currently full but will be offered in the Winter.  Be on the lookout for the Winter Clinic in the next few months!  Check out the picture slideshow below!