HE Parks Now Offering Sunday Open Court Basketball

Boys and girls ages 6-17 are invited to play open basketball for free through the USA Basketball Open Court program and the Hoffman Estates Park District. Each Sunday morning through June 24 at the Triphahn Center at 1685 W. Higgins Rd., volunteer coaches from the park district's youth basketball program will be on the sidelines to facilitate informal games and drills. Each coach will be trained and must qualify through the USA Basketball Open Court program.

The goal of the USA Basketball Open Court program is to encourage free-play basketball in a fun and safe environment. It gives kids the chance to learn the game and earn participation points for prizes. Prizes range from a bracelet to a practice jersey. There is no charge to participate.

"This is great for players trying to work on a skill or for someone who just wants to try the sport of basketball," said Youth Basketball Program Manager Kyle Thomas. "The sessions are set up with different stations. Three stations are usually dedicated to skill development and the fourth is for 3-on-3, and 4-on-4 games."

Kids will be split by age group and allotted a time for play: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for ages 6-9; 10 a.m. noon for ages 10-13; and noon-2 p.m. for ages 14-17.

In addition, the park district is now registering for its summer youth basketball league for boys and girls in first through eighth grades. It also offers a beginner's program for kids ages 4-11 that emphasizes skills development, safety, and sportsmanship.

For more information about these programs, visit heparks.org or https://www.usab.com/youth/open-court-program.aspx.