What to Expect at Your First Free Basketball Group Session
Signing your player up for something new usually comes with questions. Which group should they join? What do they need to bring? Will they know anyone there? At You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy, the first group session is free, so families can get answers on the court instead of guessing.
Here's what that free session looks like, from booking to the drive home, plus a few tips to help your player get the most out of their first hour.
How to Book Your Free Session
Booking happens online through our schedule. Click "Book Now" in the "First Class Free" bar at the top of the page, pick a day and time, click "Book," and create a Mindbody account when prompted.
Once the account is created, choose the one-time free group training option. That option is what makes the session free, so it's worth double-checking before you confirm. If anything goes wrong along the way, call 202-415-4881, and we'll help.
Choosing the Right Level
Group sessions run Monday through Friday starting at 4 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM, and on Saturdays at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, and noon. Every time slot runs three levels side by side, so you can pick the time that fits your week and the level that fits your player:
- Beginner/Intermediate: Ideal for players who are just starting out or have up to a year or two of experience. The focus is dribbling, passing, shooting, and footwork.
- Advanced/Intermediate: For high school JV and varsity players and highly skilled middle schoolers with a solid foundation. Expect competitive scrimmages and position-specific work.
- Elite: For high school varsity, college, and professional players. Training involves high-intensity, game-speed work.
A good rule for the first visit: book the level your player is ready for today, not the one they hope to reach. It's easier to move up later than to start in a group that's moving too fast. If your player falls between two levels, call us before you book, and we'll point you to the right one.
What Happens During the Hour
Each session is one hour of coach-led training in our 9,500-square-foot indoor gym, with no more than 10 players in the group. Like all of our group basketball training, the hour blends three things:
- Fundamentals: Passing, dribbling, footwork, jump shots, and defense, taught through demonstration, drills, and individual instruction.
- Repetition: The same correct movements, practiced until they become habit.
- Game-like situations: Drills that make players read the defense and make quick decisions, as they will in a real game.
Coaches adjust drills and feedback to each player's ability, so a first-timer and a returning player in the same group are both challenged.
What Players Should Bring
Keep it simple with basketball shoes, comfortable workout clothes, and a full water bottle. Shoes matter more than most people expect, because the right pair helps with traction and ankle support during quick cuts and stops.
New players should also fill out the first-time athlete form before their first visit. It gives coaches your player's age, school, and any health concerns in advance.
Tips to Help the First Group Training Session Go Well
- Give yourself a few extra minutes. Arriving rushed is a tough way to start. A little time to lace up and settle in helps nervous players relax.
- Share one or two goals. If your player wants to work on their left hand or their jump shot, tell the coach before the session starts.
- Eat light beforehand. A small snack an hour or two before training gives energy without slowing your player down.
- Don't judge by one hour. The first session is about getting comfortable. Real improvement shows up over weeks of steady work.
- Ask what they learned. On the drive home, ask your player to name one thing they worked on. It helps the lesson stick.
After the Free Session
If you or your player enjoyed it, group training is available as single sessions or packs:
- 1 group session: $60
- 4 group sessions: $190 (use within 30 days)
- 10 group sessions: $380, our most popular pack (use within 90 days)
- 1 month of unlimited group training: $395
Players who want one-on-one work can also choose a hybrid membership, starting at $199 a month for 4 group sessions and 1 private session. Every option and expiration window is listed on our basketball training prices page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ages Do You Train?
We train athletes ages 5 and up, from young beginners to college and professional players.
Can I Book From My Phone?
Yes. Booking works in any mobile browser, and the You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy app is also available on the App Store and Google Play.
What If My Player Misses a Session We've Paid For?
We don't offer refunds, but if your player misses a paid group session, they can make it up at the next available session.
Who Runs the Academy?
Joel Barkers founded the academy in 2016 and still leads it. He played professionally in Greece, Germany, England, and China, as well as the NBA D-League and the Denver Nuggets Summer League.
Book Your Player's First Session
The free session is the easiest way to see whether our training is right for your player. Pick a time, choose the free group option, and we'll see you on the court.