Goat Gear (held at various locations near Ridgewood, 201.652.4477) With inspiration everywhere (ya know, professional players popping in for autographs and stuff like that) and a “no drama” program, Goat Gear Basketball Classes, Clinics and Bootcamps will teach your baller the basics of the game without some of the turnoffs of team sports. Most play, Kindergarten Clinics up through their Leagues for grades 1st-4th happen in Ridgewood, and are coached by coaches not parents- so kids are getting expert instruction- without the favoritism. Just launched AAU Teams now let players take their skills into a more competitive arena.
Hoop Dreamz with Billy Armstrong (held at various locations in Bergen County, 201.666.1769) Founded by Bergen Catholic alum Billy Armstrong (who also has an impressive coaching record), Hoop Dreamz nurtures success both on and off the courts. Equally great for girls and boys of all ages, the programs also include special clinics to give kids an edge in their school team tryouts, plus competitive AAU teams as well.
Hoop Heaven(132 Hopper Avenue . Waldwick, 201.251.4667) Offering a jam packed schedule of clinics and “team workouts” for boys and girls ages Kindergarten all the way through 8th grade, Hoop Heaven has the formula for producing strong players with skills that enable kids to compete at the team level. Coaches are high school or college players and come with real expertise and a love for the game.
CMEK (held at various locations throughout Bergen County, 201.927.3027) Based mostly in the Paramus and Tenafly area, CMEK has a full roster of skills clinics for boys and girls and an AAU roster for girls and boys grades 3rd and up.
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades (411 E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, 201.569.7900) Kaplen JCC on the Palisades offers a wide variety of basketball programming for all ages and skill levels. The littlest players can learn in their clinics and basketball boot camps and older kids can play on the J’s AAU travel team or get competitive on the home courts in their Rec League. And for adults who miss the game, there’s an evening league that’s a great balance of fun and competitive too.
The Shooting Lab (722 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, 201.652.4477) Got a kid who really wants to work on their skills? Check out the new Shooting Lab which operates out of First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment “that the pros use” and top coaches (many of whom have college ball experience), this is THE place to visit for your practice sesh.
Northern Valley Sports Academy (100 Oakland Avenue, Closter, NJ, 201.750.3275)
Located in the heart of Closter, NVSA offers basketball, baseball, softball, lacrosse and soccer clinics played on a brand new indoor turf field and basketball court. Clinics are great for kids in Pre-K and up and are led by a combination of experienced professional college, high school and club coaches.
