A focus on the fundamentals of the game: shooting, passing, catching, dribbling, ball handling, defending and footwork. It’s about discipline. No shortcuts, just hard work and a passion for learning how to do things the right way every time. It’s about learning to master the basic skills of the game. Basic skill is ultimately the difference between great and average. It’s a new way of looking at the game. Think of it as the Evolution of basketball in Erie for our youth who are serious about playing highly competitive basketball.

With over 200 area boys and girls participants since its inception in January 2007, and endorsed by many local coaches at all grade levels, the Erie Evolution Basketball Academy continues this winter.

Led by coaches Paula Yoculan and Keith Patten, two respected teachers of the game, the Academy offers Boys and Girls Grades K through 4 the only long-term, intense, instruction-specific basketball development program in the area. Programming for children in grades 5-12 will begin in March.

The Academy’s mission is to significantly contribute to a player’s improvement – no matter what their current skill level. “We want players to succeed.” Our teaching philosophy focuses on the ‘heart of the game’ – mastering the basic skills of basketball – because the only way to improve is through repetition, done the correct way.

Our current comprehensive curriculum focuses on the proper mechanics and footwork for:
-Shooting
-Ball Handling and Dribbling
-Passing and Receiving the Ball
-Pivoting
-Rebounding
-Defending

The Curriculum will also teach Team Offensive and Defensive fundamentals:
-Guard Skills
-Post Skills
-Transition Game Skills
-One-on-One Skills
-Two player and three player positioning skills
-Team Motion Concepts

An Erie Evolution Basketball Academy shirt and shorts is required for each daily session. The uniform package can be purchased online with your registration or at the Basketball Department at Family First Sports Park for $25. Participants must bring their own basketball. Please call Shane Allen at (814) 866-5425 ext. 252 for more information.