What is the NEXT LEVEL ACADEMY?

The NEXT LEVEL ACADEMY is a development-focused basketball league designed to help players improve faster through more touches, more decisions, and more game-like reps.

How is this different from a traditional local league?

Traditional leagues are primarily centered around practices and 5v5 games. NEXT LEVEL ACADEMY combines:

• Skill development
• Small-sided games
• Advantage situations
• Traditional 5v5 games

to maximize player involvement and growth.

Why are we changing the current league structure?

We believe young players improve fastest when they are actively involved, making decisions, and getting more meaningful reps instead of spending large portions of games standing or deferring.

What ages/grades is this league for?

The pilot program is currently being designed for select elementary and middle school grade levels.

Is this replacing local league play?

For pilot age groups, this structure would replace traditional local league participation during the season.

Is this a pilot program or permanent change?

This is being introduced as a pilot program as we evaluate the structure, player development, and overall experience. This summer pilot season includes 5th and 6th grade boys only.

Why is the focus on small-sided games?

Small-sided games increase:

• Ball touches
• Decision-making opportunities
• Player involvement
• Confidence and engagement

What are small-sided games?

Small-sided games increase:

• Ball touches
• Decision-making opportunities
• Player involvement
• Confidence and engagement

Why are players mixed with different teammates during 3v3?

Playing with different teammates helps players:

• Adapt
• Communicate
• Learn different styles of play
• Become more complete basketball playersj

How does 3v3 help player development?

3v3 creates:

• More touches
• More spacing
• More scoring opportunities
• More decisions per possession

which accelerates development.

Does this help prevent kids from deferring to stronger players?

Yes. In smaller game formats, every player must handle the ball, make decisions, and contribute. This helps build confidence and independence.

Will my child still play with their assigned team?

Yes. After the 3v3 portion, players return to their assigned teams for traditional 5v5 games.

Will there still be traditional 5v5 games?

Yes. Teams will still play structured 5v5 games each Saturday.

Will games still have referees?

Yes. Traditional 5v5 games will have referees.

Will there still be standings and league winners?

Yes. The league will still include standings and competitive games.

Will there still be uniforms?

Yes. Players will still receive JAB uniforms and maintain team identity.

Will teams still have coaches?

Yes. Each team will still have a coach leading practices and team games.

Will my child have a specific coach?

Yes. Players will still be rostered to a team and assigned a coach.

How are teams formed?

Teams will be balanced appropriately by age and skill level to create a competitive and developmental environment.

Will practices be team-based or larger group workouts?

Practices will include:

• Team-specific instruction
• Larger developmental training environments
• Decision making focused scrimmaging depending on scheduling and facility space.

What happens during the weekly practice?

Practice 1:

• Skill development
• Team concepts (defense, spacing, inbounds, transition, etc.)

Practice 2: 

• Small Sided Games 
• Constraints led drills

What happens during the decision making?

The decision making session focuses on:

• Small-sided games
• Fast-break and advantage situations
• Live competitive reps

What will a typical Saturday look like?

The first hour focuses on 3v3 development games.
The second hour includes traditional 5v5 team games.

Is the 3v3 portion full court or half court?

The 3v3 portion will be played half hour potentially in modified formats designed to maximize reps, spacing, and tempo.

How long are Saturdays?

Approximately 2 hours total.

How many weekends are included?

The season consists of 4-5 weekends.

How many total games will players receive?

Players will receive:

• 5 traditional 5v5 games
• 5 hours of 3v3 games each Saturday

Is this less competitive than a normal league?

No. The environment is still competitive while being more development-focused.

Will stronger players still be challenged?

Yes. More touches and more decisions create additional challenges for advanced players.

Will beginner or less experienced players still benefit?

Yes. The structure helps all players become more involved and engaged.

Will this help my child improve faster?

That is the goal. More meaningful reps and decision-making opportunities typically lead to faster development.

What skills will this format help develop?

Players will improve:

• Ball handling
• Passing
• Shooting
• Spacing
• Decision-making / Basketball IQ
• Confidence

Why is this structure considered better for development?

Because players learn best through:

• Repetition of more basketball 
• Decision-making
• Real game situations

This structure creates more of those opportunities.

Will this prepare my child for club/select basketball?

Yes. The league is designed to build the foundation necessary for higher levels of basketball.

What is the progression pathway after this league?

Progression pathway:

1. NEXT LEVEL ACADEMY
2. JAB Club Teams
3. JAB Select Teams
4. JAB Circuit Teams

Is local league still part of the long-term pathway?

Local league opportunities may still exist depending on grade level and future programming decisions.

Can players still move to JAB Club or Select teams?

Yes. This league is designed to help prepare players for those opportunities.

Will there still be opportunities to play outside organizations?

Potential showcase or outside competition opportunities may still exist as the program evolves.

Can family and friends attend games?

Yes. Families and friends are encouraged to attend.

Will there be seating/bleachers available?

Yes, spectator seating will be available.

Will there be travel involved?

No. Games are played in one centralized location.

How are teams rostered in TeamSnap?

Players will still be rostered to teams for communication and scheduling purposes.

What happens if my child misses a weekend?

While attendance is important, players can still participate and benefit if they miss occasionally.

How will communication and scheduling work?

Schedules, communication, and updates will continue through TeamSnap and JAB communication channels.

Why do you believe this format is better for families?

It creates:

• Fewer weekends
• Shorter Saturdays
• More efficient scheduling
• Better development opportunities

What are the biggest benefits of the NEXT LEVEL ACADEMY?

• More touches
• More decisions
• Better development
• Increased confidence
• More efficient family schedule
• Stronger long-term player growth