NLBA Divisions
Under 7 (U7) 2016/2017
This division is for players aged 5 and 6 (kindergarten and grade 1) using the Jr NBA format. (https://jr.nba.com)
U7 is an introduction to basic basketball skills with an emphasis on fun and developing athletic building blocks. The U7 division takes place one night per week for approximately 45-60 minutes. Kids participate in small sided games that are fun and interactive for each child. The goal is that each child will get as many “touches” with a basketball as possible in a fun-filled practice.
Under 9 (U9) 2014/2015
This division is for players aged 7 and 8 (grades 2 and 3)
Each team in U9 has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly however, no score is recorded at this level while the players are learning the ins and outs of playing in a game setting. The basket is kept to 8’ high; the games are played 4 on 4 and kept to half-court defense. Emphasis is on man-to-man play with no double-teaming allowed at any time.
Under 11 (U11) 2012/2013
This division is for players aged 9 and 10 (grades 4 and 5)
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is kept to 9’ high; the games are played 4 on 4 and kept to half-court defense. Emphasis is on man-to-man play with no double-teaming allowed at any time.
Under 13 (U13) 2010/2011
This division is for players aged 11 and 12 (grades 6 and 7)
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is kept to 10’ high; the games are played 5 on 5 and full-court press is introduced, usually after the Christmas break.
Under 15 (U15) 2008/2009
This division is for players aged 13 and 14. (grades 8 and 9)
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is kept to 10’ high; the games are played 5 on 5 in a full-size gym with full court press.
Under 18 (U18) 2005/2006/2007
The U18 Division is for players in Grades 10, 11, and 12 who want to continue playing through to the end of high school. While the skill level is quite high, with many players having significant basketball experience, the emphasis is definitely on fun and fair play. Teams consist of 10 to 12 players and the equal playing time rule is followed by all coaches. Games are competitive and fun, just how basketball should be.
Girls Only Academy 2009/2010/2011
This division is for female players between 11 and 13. (born in 2009 to 2011)
The Girls Only Academy was created in 2014 as a response to league observation and research indicating that female youth drop out in sports at a higher rate than their male counterparts. NLBA offers Girls Only Academy in an attempt to offset some of the reasons. The Academy is a “first step,” with the hope that female registration will increase over time, and keep more girls in sports.
This division meets one night per week for practice. The majority of each session focuses on skill development with an emphasis on active participation using fun and small-sided games to ensure each girl is actively participating throughout. The girls will have the option of playing a game in the U13 division against boys and girls if they are comfortable.
Players may register and participate in just the Girls Only Academy or both the Girl’s Only Academy and regular season play.
