A few people suggested one on one sessions with a coach prior to joining the team. Another thing you can try is to get him the Dribble Up app. It’s great at teaching dribbling skills and will complement what he’s practicing on the team nicely.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grader is starting rec basketball this winter thru OBGC. It never occurred to me it’s too late.

Yes. That is late. Most kids will think he's just doing it so he/she can put it on the extracurricular list. Unfortunately, there are a lot of players who join late and just want to have it on their list. It makes it tough for the kids who really want to play but aren't good enough to play travel or AAU.

You sound nuts. What extra curricular list are you taking about?
Her assistant soccer coach is a basketball coach and asked her if she wanted to play. Some of the kids on her soccer team play so she says yes. Sports should not be all serious at age 11.

OP here - this was not me.

Anonymous wrote:It's definitely not too late, but don't set your kid up for a bad time by sending them to the first practice completely blind. I don't think you need to hire a trainer, but it would be good to go to a park to shoot baskets, practice dribbling, and learn the rules of the game before the season starts.

OP here - my kid took a basketball class in first grade, has shot hoops with my husband a little at the court in our neighborhood, and watches basketball on TV (mention this only b/c you talked about learning the rules of the game, not because it would help with any skills!), so it's not entirely unfamiliar but has never played on a team before!

No not too late. At that grade most advanced kids are playing for travel/AAU teams and don't bother with rec bball. Nothing for your DC to worry about.