Programs 2026
Working with groups & teams, Skills Academies cover a wide range of foundational concepts and focus on the importance of a consistent warm-up, stretch, dribble and shooting routine. Skills Academies are held at Ballmatics, a premier training basketball facility in Toronto’s west end. Drills are designed so each player can push themselves to their own limit. Sessions wrap with competitive games where coach Drew uses “teachable moments” to reinforce key concepts. Inclusive and open to boys & girls.
Age groups: 3-6, 7-12 & 13-18
skills academies
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Breakdown: basic skills development, conditioning, team play, court awareness & fun!
Youngsters learn:
Learn how to show up to court & warm-up for basketball
Comprehend main rules
Learn how to hold basketball
Passing & teamwork
Develop an understanding of basic jump shot mechanics
Teamwork & fun
Email Coach Drew for more info: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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By the end of the program players:
Learn how to warm-up for basketball
Can locate key parts of the court: sideline, elbow, top of the key, center court, etc.
Comprehend major rules of the game & can identify violations
Know how dribble protect with both hands, stationary & on the move
Can perform a basic lay-up (or footwork) on strong side
Can bounce, lob, spin, chest & hand-off pass
Develop an understanding of basic jump shot mechanics
Are comfortable in a game situation: dribbling, passing & shooting the ball
Email Coach Drew for more info: drew@theyardsbasketball.com -
Sessions focus on: routine, skill development, team drills & competitive games
Warm-up & cool down correctly for basketball
Brush up on court court awareness, court terminology & rules of the game
Advance your: triple threats, jab steps, rip throughs, shot fakes & offensive strategies
Improve dribbling stationary & on the move: cross-overs, tweens, behind the back, in and out’s & dribble-spin techniques
Master conventional 2-step lay-up, 1 dribble lay-up, opposite hand & reverse lay-ups
Hone in on bounce, lob, spin, chest, long-bomb, entry & hand-off passes
Learn how to defend better and get more: deflections, steals, tips & rebounds
Develop your 7 Step Jump Shot & understanding of shot mechanics
Improve your conditioning & be stronger in clutch situations
Email Coach Drew for more info: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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Experience a high level workout that challenges you at every stage.
Develop your own:
Position specific warm up & cool down routine
7 step jump shot & comprehension of: shot mechanics, makes/misses & rebound strategy
Defensive techniques: active arms, proper footwork, blocking, boxing out, tips & rebounds
Passing IQ & Style: hand-off, entry, spin, bounce, chest, quarter back, fake, dump, etc
Post up moves: hook shot, back-down, up & under, drop step & turn around jumper
Euro Step + euro variations & slow step lay-ups
Shifty dribble techniques & leg/core exercises
Self confidence & defensive edge on the court
Email Coach Drew for more info: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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Did you used to play the game, “Back in the day?” Could you use a quick refresher program, so you can get back on a court and do your thing with confidence? Let’s create a custom program for you. Don’t worry about the odd air ball or errant pass! This is the place to make mistakes and build your confidence. Coach Drew will help you get ready for that next pick up league or corporate game! Let’s get it!
Program includes:
One on one consultation with coach about targets & goals
A consistent warm-up routine: run, stretch, dribble, then shoot
Review of basketball court & main rules of the game
Focus on: conditioning, flexibility & core strength
Assessment of players jump shot w/ helpful feedback
Effective drills that simulate game situations
Breakdown of basic lay-up & more complicated finishing moves
An assortment of passes players can use in games
A fun and inclusive environment to get back out there!
Email coach for more information: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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“Hey coach! What if parents could learn the game with their kids?” Brilliant idea. Let’s do it!
Exercise with your kids and learn a new sport together. This program has proven to improve communication about basketball with families.
Program Focuses On:
Conditioning, stretching & preparing for basketball
Dribbling, passing & shooting essentials
How to do a lay-up!
How to play in a game situation
The court, rules & games with the coach!
Email coach for more information: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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Are you serious about shooting better & scoring in the clutch? Develop your own 7 Step Jump Shot and evolve your understanding of shot mechanics and how to finish around the hoop.
Why is my shot short? Why do I miss to the right? When we break it down into consistent steps, these mysteries can be solved and corrected. “It’s elementary!”
Program Breakdown:
One on one consultation with player
Consistent run, stretch, dribble, then shoot warm-up routine
Step by step breakdown of the jump shot & analysis of players shot
Form shooting drills stationary & with movement:
dribble pull up, cutting off the ball & shooting in rhythm
Finishing under pressure, with contact & how to get the edge in these situations
Jabs, rip throughs, fakes, shooting over larger players & rim protection
Mid-range jumpers, three-pointers & turn around jumpers
Post Moves: Back downs, fakes, up and unders, tip ins & more!
Dribble: pull-up, step back, side step, euro step & slow step
2 foot jump hop, lay ups in the open court, reverse lay-ups, opposite hand & floaters!
Test your skills in game situations & go one on one with defensive specialist coach Drew!
Email coach for more information: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
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This is where basketball meets bootcamp. Players are pushed to their limit in order to better prepare themselves for those late game, clutch situations.
Program focuses on:
One on one consultation with player about goals & plan
Conditioning, stamina, strength & discipline
Defensive footwork, positioning & rules (i.e. setting feet, drawing fouls, gapping, staying on your feet, hand in the face, positive & negative contact)
Minimal contact strategy, moving your feet to the spot, block techniques & recovery D!
Jump Shot Make & Miss Analysis
Rebounding, box-outs, tip in’s, tip outs, put backs & more!
Last player back, help defense, switching, fighting over screens, zone, press, traps
Games & 1 on 1 with coach simulate game situations
Email coach for more information: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
Private & small group lessons are mainly taught outdoors in the spring and summer
We require 2 weeks lead time to secure indoor rentals
Book 4, 8 or 12 week programs for a reduced hourly coaching rate
Pick a program, fill out a Player Agreement & get better every session!
Email coach Drew to get started: drew@theyardsbasketball.com
Private lessons & small group training
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Player agreement
The Player Agreement is a valuable tool in terms of understanding your goals and commitment level. It’s also proven to be effective in terms of monitoring development and gauging the impact of a consistent program.
Whether it’s a hobby or an obsession, the Player Agreement is a part of the process of making you better and stronger! Lastly, these contracts keep coaches accountable and striving to create custom programs for each player.
Basketball Skills Academy - Winter 2026 (ages 7-12 & 13-18)
The objective
To teach basketball fundamentals to all players in a positive environment that promotes: routine, awareness, discipline, goal setting, team play, fairness & fun!
Each Session Begins With:
Light Run, Stretch, Dribbling Drills, Shooting Warm-Up
Week 1: Learning the Court, Dribbling Rules, Do’s & Dont’s, Awareness, Game Time
Week 2: Court & Dribbling Review, Passing with Teammates & The Lay-Up: An Introduction, Game Time
Week 3: Dribbling Extended, 7 Step Jump Shot, Shooting Technique & Drills, Game Time
Week 4: 7 Step Jump Shot Review, More Cardio, Lead Passes, Lay-Ups & Finishes, Game Time
Week 5: Court/Dribbling/LayUp Review, The 7 Step Jump Shot, Cardio, Passing Techniques
Week 6: Protect Dribble, Shooting Warm Up, Full Court Dribbling & Finishing, Screens & Spacing, Game Time
Week 7: 7 Step Jump Shot Review, Foot Working & Setting Your Feet & Rebounding
Week 8: Extended Warm Up, Game Time & Prizes!
By the end of the 8 week program, players will be familiar with key basketball terminologies and they'll be able to do the following:
Locate the key parts of a basketball court: sideline, elbow, wing, center court, restricted area, bassline, top of the key, foul line, etc
Understand the major rules of the game and be able to identify a rule violation (i.e. travel, double dribble, out of bounds, foul, etc)
Dribble with both hands, ‘fingers’ & pound dribble
Know how to warm-up for basketball properly (i.e. light run, stretch, dribbling/shooting warm ups)
Know how to lay-up on strong side and be able to score on opposite side of the hoop & working on opposite hand
Learn a variety of ways to pass the ball: bounce, lob, spin, chest, long-bomb,hand-off, etc
Develop their own 7 Steps Jump Shot and be able to identify why a shot was off (i.e. step 3)
Learn how to identify a ‘miss’ and know how to position themselves for a box-out and rebound
SUMMER CAMP
Individual Lessons (April - September)
Personalized 8-week training program held outdoors for a cost-effective and focused learning experience. Each player receives one-on-one coaching with a customized program tailored to their skill level and goals.
Available for: Kids | Teens | Adults
Location: TBA
Cost: TBA
Break the Madness
With a portion of the proceeds going to the QSLA Foundation at Ballmatics Academy, Break the Madness brings hoopers together in a fun and up beat environment. Teams of 6-8 go head to head to win the top prize. Register below and join the madness!
PRIVATE LESSON
Exclusive 1-on-1 coaching at a special rate! Parents & kids, get personalized training while helping us capture epic moments for The Yards' Insta & website. Limited spots available—contact us to learn more!
Available for: Kids | Teens | Adults
Cost: TBC
Location: TBC
PRIVATE LESSON
Exclusive 1-on-1 coaching at a special rate! Parents & kids, get personalized training while helping us capture epic moments for The Yards' Insta & website. Limited spots available—contact us to learn more!
Available for: Kids | Teens | Adults
Cost: TBC
Location: TBC
MARCH SKILLS BREAK
March Skills Break
This 2 day program is designed for players, ages 12 - 17, who are looking to sharpen their skills and approach to the game. In these up beat three hour sessions, Coach Drew focuses on: Routine, Rebounding, Defense & the Jump Shot, Game Situations & Conditioning. Full court games everyday!
Available for: Kids | Teens
Cost: $175
*$50 off for every additional player baller you sign up