Little Buckets · Grades K - 2

Where the love of the game begins

A 6-week intro to basketball built entirely around fun — Sundays, 9:00–10:00 AM in the Bethesda area.

Fun first, fundamentals always

Looking for a fun way to introduce your little one to basketball? Little Buckets is designed specifically for Kindergarten through 2nd grade players who are ready to learn the game, make friends and move.

Over six Sundays we use games, stations and lots of repetition to build coordination, listening skills and the confidence to try something new in front of other kids. At this age the goal isn't a finished player — it's a kid who can't wait to come back next week. Sessions move quickly, coaches know every player's name, and the balls and hoops are scaled to their size so success is possible from day one.

Parents can play too

A parent is welcome on the court alongside their young athlete. While your child learns the fundamentals, you'll get moving, have fun and share the experience together — and parents can alternate week to week, making Little Buckets a 2-for-1 family experience.

Young players in the Little Buckets youth basketball program

What they learn

Ball handling

Both hands, eyes up, from stationary control to moving with the ball.

Athletic stance

Balance, footwork and the coordination every sport is built on.

Passing & catching

Chest and bounce passes, catching with soft hands and calling for the ball.

Shooting form

Proper hand placement and follow-through on sized-down balls and lowered hoops.

Listening & focus

Following instructions, waiting a turn and staying locked in for a full station.

Teamwork

Sharing the ball, encouraging teammates and competing the right way.

A Typical Session

Warm-up games

We start moving right away with tag games and relays that double as footwork work.

Skill stations

Short, fast rotations so nobody stands in line — dribbling, passing and shooting.

Small-sided play

3-on-3 and 4-on-4 on short courts so every player touches the ball constantly.

Finish strong

Free-throw contests, a team huddle and one thing to practice at home.

What Parents Should Know

Bring a water bottle, court shoes and comfortable athletic clothes — we provide the basketballs.

No experience required. Every group is mixed ability and coached that way.

Parents are welcome to stay and watch, or join in on the court and get moving too.

Six Sundays in a row, 9:00 – 10:00 AM, so families can commit without a year-long schedule.

Players finishing 2nd grade can move up into Skills Clinics or Bethesda Buckets teams.

Have a question about fit? Tell us your player's grade and we'll recommend a starting point.

Sign up for Little Buckets

Ready to join? Register your player in a couple of minutes — $240 for the six-week program, beginning Sunday, September 20. Prefer to ask a question first? Send us a note and we'll reply within one business day.

Little Buckets — where the love of the game begins.

Train with experience. Compete with purpose.