LA is intrinsically linked to the world of basketball. As well as having some of the most famous basketball teams in the professional leagues, there are also plenty of places that people can go to work on their basketball skills.
Some of the professional basketball teams in California and LA have programs that are looking for young talent in the younger age groups, but before even thinking about scouting for a pro team, young players should consider things like basketball camps and local summer basketball leagues.
In this guide, we’ll exploring some of the best places (and methods) to learn basketball in Los Angeles.
Where to Learn Basketball in LA
Let’s dive into some of the places where people can get better at basketball and get involved in coaching sessions. There are options for amateurs, experienced players, and even professionals to boost their game.
LA's Parks and Recreation Centers
Los Angeles boasts numerous parks and recreation centers that offer basketball programs and leagues for kids and adults.
Parks and Rec Centers like Pan Pacific Park, Westwood Recreation Center, and Poinsettia Recreation Center have access to basketball courts and sometimes offer structured classes and leagues.
With experienced coaches and a supportive environment, these programs are excellent for beginners and intermediate players aiming to improve their game. Many of the leagues cater to different ability levels and ages!
Courts are available to use via county parks.
YMCA Programs
The YMCA might not be the first thing that you think of when you think basketball. However, they offer an amazing range of basketball programs catering to different age groups and skill levels to help people get better at basketball.
The YMCA focuses on building character through sports and this ties in with other activities on their program. Perhaps best of all for people looking for basketball lessons is that the programs are offered in conjunction with the LA Clippers. This means a professional input and even regular training clinics run by the Clippers.
Whether starting from scratch or looking to refine specific skills, YMCA programs are a reliable option for comprehensive basketball training and often provide free ways to get involved, ideal for those who don’t have a lot of money to put into basketball lessons.
Venice Beach Basketball Courts
Many players that have ended up playing for a California basketball team have started playing at Venice Beach.
The Venice Beach Basketball Courts are iconic, and feature in many movies such as 'White Men Can’t Jump'. They attract a mix of local talent and tourists looking to enjoy a game by the ocean.
While it’s not always a structured training facility, the competitive environment here can be a fantastic way for aspiring players to hone their skills. Engaging in pick-up games at a location where people are accepting of newcomers can be a way to learn the ropes, but some people do prefer a more organized approach.
For children who want to learn, a basketball summer camp at Venice Beach could be the answer. There are many basketball summer camps and summer basketball leagues to get involved with in Venice Beach.
Veniceball is a community tournament in California that allows people to take on other players, but those looking for basketball one-on-one training may not be ready for this!
Sports Academy (Formerly Mamba Sports Academy)
Founded by the late Kobe Bryant, The Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks is a premier destination for basketball players of all ages and ability levels.
This facility offers a holistic approach to training and is supported by Bryant’s academy to help with disadvantaged young people who wish to learn. With top-notch facilities and expert coaches, The Mamba Sports Academy provides a professional environment where players can get better at basketball, no matter what level they’re currently at. The academy's focus on the "Mamba Mentality" encourages players to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
The Sports Academy has some high-level programs and AAU basketball leagues that use the facility. They also offer basketball lessons, specifically in the form of group classes and summer basketball leagues. They have a commitment to California women’s basketball too, with programs for different age groups and genders.
94FeetofGame is the name of one of their coaching programs which follows a curriculum made by basketball player and 3-time NBA Champion, Coach Phil Handy.
High School and College Basketball
As with much of the US, and locations as far apart as Houston and New York, there is a great high school and college basketball system.
High schools and colleges across Los Angeles provide excellent opportunities for young players to develop their basketball skills. Many schools have strong athletic programs with dedicated coaches and competitive leagues.
For high school students, joining the school team can provide structured training, regular practice sessions, and valuable game experience. College programs, especially at institutions like UCLA and USC, offer even more advanced training and exposure to higher levels of competition and even recruitment to professional LA basketball teams. The college system is absolutely crucial to basketball and there is a big audience for the competition between college teams and basketball schools.
Private Basketball Academies
People looking for basketball coaching in LA may find that there are many private academies offering them the chance to learn and progress.
Of course, these come with a fee attached, and may only take youngsters with a level of experience. Los Angeles and California basketball academies are super competitive and often have high standards, though some also have community programs that can be more relaxed.
Impact Basketball Academy offer intensive coaching programs designed to elevate a player's performance in the team and professional basketball world, but not just anybody can reach out to their LA division.
Academies often feature state-of-the-art facilities and personalized training plans designed for the elite level of sports. Players can expect a rigorous schedule focusing on all aspects of the game, from technical skills to physical conditioning and mental preparation.
Additional private basketball academies in Los Angeles include:
- Santa Monica Basketball Academy
- Impact Basketball Academy
- Southern California Academy
- Los Angeles Elite
Community Camp Lakers Basketball Camp
Camp Lakers, run by the Los Angeles Lakers, provides an immersive basketball experience for young athletes. Held during the summer, the camp offers boys and girls aged 8-17 the chance to improve their basketball skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. The lucky participants engage in drills covering all aspects of the game.
Also, the camp helps highlight the importance of sportsmanship and personal development. A highlight for many campers is the opportunity to (sometimes) meet Lakers players and staff, gaining inspiration from their idols and having an unforgettable experience that is linked with a professional LA basketball team.
Camp Lakers is committed to providing young players with the ultimate Lakers experience. All week, campers will learn to play the Lakers way, honing their basketball skills and discovering the importance of hard work, teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship, on and off the court.
Camp Lakers
With top-notch facilities and a focus on both fun and learning, Camp Lakers delivers a memorable and enriching basketball summer camp experience for young people aged 8-17.
PGC Basketball
PGC Basketball operates in many parts of the US including providing basketball lessons in Houston, and of course, LA.
PGC, or Point Guard College, offers elite basketball camps in Los Angeles designed to develop players, focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of the game.
These camps are renowned for their comprehensive approach, combining intense on-court training with classroom sessions that emphasize basketball IQ, leadership, and decision-making skills.
PGC works with professional coaches and has an innovative curriculum to ensure a challenging yet supportive environment, encouraging players to push their limits and improve holistically.
Catering to athletes from middle school to college, PGC Basketball camps in LA provide a transformative experience that prepares participants for competitive play and personal growth both on and off the court.
Over 140,000 players and 10,000 coaches have attended a PGC camp over the past 30 plus years.
Learn How to Play Basketball with Superprof
Superprof can connect potential basketball players with coaches and tutors all over the US. As well as offering basketball tutors in places like Chicago and New York, you can find LA tutors with a few clicks here on Superprof.
Our tutors have a huge level of expertise and experience and can help people with professional aspirations or just those who want to improve for their local amateur basketball league. Start your journey today and reach out to a basketball tutor on Superprof.
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