About Us
one session at a time
At You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy, we strive to provide exceptional basketball training to players of all ages and skill levels. Our academy was founded in 2016 by Joel Barkers, a former professional basketball standout with a mission of providing strong mentorship and creating a safe, nurturing, and educational athletic environment for children and adults.
We believe that basketball is more than just a game – it’s a way of life. We strive to instill important values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, and perseverance in our players, both on and off the court.
Joel Barkers
Joel Barkers is the founder of You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy and a former Division 1 and professional basketball player whose journey has run through some of the most competitive environments in the game. A Washington, D.C. native, Joel came up through DeMatha Catholic and Mt. Zion Christian Academy, played his way from a junior college double-double to a Division 1 scholarship at Hartford, and went on to a professional career across Greece, Germany, England, and China, the NBA D-League, and the Denver Nuggets’ 2013 Summer League roster.
Joel has created a team of former professional basketball standouts and collegiate-level players who are passionate about basketball and training. Their years of experience on the court make them perfect for coaching age and skill-appropriate camps, as well as training sessions!
Off the court, Joel gives athletes something rarer than drills: access to someone who has lived the journey, seen the levels, and understands both the opportunity and the pressure that come with chasing basketball dreams.
Our Trainers
We offer many programs and services. Take a look at a few of our services below.
Private Training Sessions
We offer personal basketball training sessions with experienced coaches tailored to each player’s specific needs and ability level. This allows for focused attention and skill development.
Group Training Sessions
Players learn and practice skills in a group setting of no more than 10 students. This allows us to teach the vital lessons of teamwork and collaboration with other players.
Basketball Training Camps
Our basketball camps provide an immersive experience for players of all skill levels. Camps include intensive training, team-building activities, and games.
Gym Rentals
We offer gym rentals for individuals and groups who want to practice and play basketball. Our facility is equipped with high-quality basketball training equipment and maintained for a safe playing environment.
School’s Out Clinics
During school holidays, we offer specialized clinics where school-aged children can learn and improve their skills. These clinics provide a fun and engaging way for players to stay active during school breaks.
Shooting Machine Sessions
Our shooting machine sessions provide dedicated time for players to practice their shooting skills with the guidance of experienced coaches. These sessions can help players improve their accuracy and consistency on the court.
Benefits of You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy
Aside from getting better at basketball, other benefits of training with professional basketball players include:
Physical Fitness
Basketball is a physically demanding sport that helps kids stay active and develop physical fitness. Kids can improve their strength, stamina, agility, and coordination through regular basketball training and practice.
Social Skills
Basketball is a team sport that requires strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork. By playing basketball in a team setting, kids can develop important social skills and learn to work effectively with others.
Confidence Building
Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of practice and hard work. As kids develop their skills and see their progress, they learn lessons of perseverance, building confidence in their abilities, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Skill Development
A basketball academy can provide kids with expert coaching and training to help them develop their skills in shooting, passing, ball handling, and defense. With the guidance of experienced coaches, kids can improve their skills and reach their full potential as basketball players.
Character Development
Basketball is a sport that values important character traits such as discipline, perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship. By participating in a basketball academy, kids can learn these important values and develop strong character traits that will serve them well on and off the court.
College and Career Opportunities
For kids who have a passion for basketball, enrolling in a basketball academy can provide opportunities to compete at a higher level and potentially earn scholarships for college. Additionally, developing strong basketball skills can open up career opportunities in coaching, training, and other areas related to the sport.
Train With You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy
At You Reach I Teach Basketball Academy, we strongly believe that every child should have the chance to learn and develop through the game of basketball.
Our training sessions and basketball camps provide a fun and safe environment for children to enhance their basketball abilities. Our program also teaches essential life skills and lessons that will equip them for the future while giving them the opportunity to make lasting friendships.
Enroll your child today and allow our professional basketball standouts to provide them with an unforgettable experience!
