Youth Basketball Leagues
Montgomery County Recreation offers several youth basketball leagues for grades K-12 throughout the year.
We also offer additional opportunities for children interested in basketball, including skills classes and camps at recreation centers.
For more information about youth basketball leagues, call our Sports Team at 240-777-6870.
Montgomery County Recreation strives to provide a rich environment that fosters development of basketball fundamentals while also advancing skills in discipline, friendship, sportsmanship and teamwork.
View and download the 2025-26 Youth Basketball brochure.
Registration and League Information
Register for Youth Basketball Leagues
Winter basketball registration is underway. Register for instructional, youth and high school basketball leagues.
Register HereThis is a recreational basketball program for children in grades K-2. We focus on increasing balance, coordination and fine motor skills while learning the fundamentals of basketball. This is a non-competitive beginner league emphasizing basic skills, good sportsmanship and fun! Teams are assigned to the closest available gym. The instructional league includes four practices and four scrimmages. All practices and scrimmages are one hour and are played on Saturdays.
Important Dates
Below are the registration and game dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | Monday, Sept. 29 |
| Registration Closes | Sunday, Nov. 30 |
| Coaches Meeting | Saturday, Dec. 20 |
| Practice Begins | Saturday, Jan. 10 |
| Games Begin | Saturday, Feb. 7 |
Ages
Kindergarten to second grade
Practice
- Total of 4 practices
- One hour each Saturday in January at a gym selected by the team coach
Scrimmages
- Total of 4 scrimmages. No playoffs.
- Scrimmages are played on Saturdays at recreation center or MCPS school gyms.
Individual Players
Individuals will be assigned to teams as space allows. Placement of individuals is contingent on sufficient registrations to form a team and the recruitment of a volunteer coach. After teams have been formed, coaches will contact the player to confirm the location and time for practices.
Preformed Teams
Coaches must submit a roster consisting of no more than 10 players. MCR reserves the right to add players to rosters with fewer than 10 players. Players need to specify the coach when registering so MCR can ensure the team is formed correctly. Coaches cannot submit one registration form on behalf of the team. All players must register individually.
Dribble … pass … shoot … score! Youth have fun playing basketball while learning the fundamentals of the game. We strive to provide a rich environment that fosters the development of fundamentals while also advancing skills in teamwork, discipline, friendship and sportsmanship. The youth basketball league is for novice to experienced players who wish to learn while playing in a recreational atmosphere. Volunteer head coaches are needed and volunteer assistant coaches are welcome. The regular winter season runs from December to March, with teams practicing one night each week and playing a game each weekend.
Important Dates
Below are the registration and game dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | Monday, Sept. 29 |
| Registration Closes | Sunday, Nov. 9 |
| Practice Begins | Monday, Dec. 1 |
| Coaches Meeting | Saturday, Dec. 6 |
| Games Begin | Saturday, Jan. 10 |
Rules
Youth Basketball Rules • PDF
Ages
Grades 3-8
Practice
All teams practice once a week.
Games
- Total of 8 games.
- No playoffs.
- Games are played on Saturdays or Sundays at recreation center or MCPS school gyms.
- League follows the National Federation of State High School Association Rules.
Individual Players
Individuals will be assigned to teams as space allows. Placement of individuals is contingent on sufficient registrations to form a team and the recruitment of a volunteer coach. After teams have been formed, coaches will contact the player to confirm the location and time for practices.
Preformed Teams
Players need to specify the coach when registering so MCR can ensure the team is formed correctly. Coaches cannot submit one registration form on behalf of the team. All players must register individually.
Youth Basketball Regions
In order to ensure your team will be practicing and playing in the correct region, please refer to this breakdown of middle schools. The schools on this list are grouped to show regions rather than potential practice locations.
Mid-East:
Argyle, Banneker, Briggs Chaney, Eastern, Farquhar, Francis Scott Key, A. Mario Loiederman, Newport Mill, Parkland, Rosa M. Parks, Shannon, Silver Spring International, Sligo, Takoma Park, White Oak
North:
Baker, Clemente, Forest Oak, Gaithersburg, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kingsview, Lakelands Park, John Poole, Montgomery Village, Neelsville, Redland, Ridgeview, Rocky Hill, Shady Grove, Hallie Wells
West:
Cabin John, Hoover, Julius West, North Bethesda, Pyle, Robert Frost, Tilden, Silver Creek, Westland, Wood
A recreational league for high school youth that fosters development of basketball fundamentals while also advancing skills in teamwork, discipline, friendship and sportsmanship. Separate leagues for boys and girls are planned for each grade. We provide an opportunity for high school players (varsity, junior varsity and novice) to compete in a formal but fun league! The regular winter season runs from December to March, with teams practicing one night each week and playing a game each weekend.
Important Dates
Below are the registration and game dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | Monday, Sept. 29 |
| Registration Closes | Sunday, Nov. 30 |
| Practice Begins | Monday, Dec. 1 |
| Coaches Meeting | Saturday, Dec. 6 |
| Games Begin | Saturday, Jan. 10 |
Rules
High School Basketball Rules • PDF
Ages
Grades 9-12
Practice
- All teams practice one evening per week.
Games
- Total of 8 games with no playoffs.
- Games are played on Saturdays grade (for grades 9 and 10, boys and girls) or Sundays (for grades 11 and 12, boys and girls) at recreation centers or MCPS school gyms.
- Games are officiated by IAABO
- League follows the National Federation of State High School Association Rules.
Individual Players
Individuals will be assigned to teams as space allows. Placement of individuals is contingent on sufficient registrations to form a team and the recruitment of a volunteer coach. After teams have been formed, coaches will contact the player to confirm the location and time for practices.
Preformed Teams
MCR reserves the right to add players to rosters with fewer than 10 players. Players need to specify the coach when registering so MCR can ensure the team is formed correctly. Coaches cannot submit one registration form on behalf of the team. All players must register individually
Designed for players across four divisions (10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under), our 3-on-3 leagues in the spring and fall offer a high-energy, competitive environment that emphasizes skill development, teamwork and fun. Engage in fast-paced, 3-on-3 games that include three 15-minute games in a night, all in a one-hour time commitment. Leagues are offered separately for boys and girls in each age group. Each game is packed with action!
Each team will have a maximum of five players and a team coach. Games will have a running clock, with no timeouts, creating a fast-paced, action-packed experience!
Sign up today and get ready to hit the court!
Important Dates
Below are the registration dates.
Spring
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | Mid-February |
| Registration Closes | Mid-March |
Fall
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Begins | Mid-August |
| Registration Closes | Mid-September |
Montgomery County Recreation is so thankful for the service of our volunteers, who help ensure our programs run smoothly! Their efforts make an incredibly positive impact on the players they work with. Parents, we encourage you to be more than spectators by contributing your time as a volunteer coach as well as being your child’s greatest fan.
As a coach, you'll be setting examples that will stick with children for the rest of their lives. You have an obligation and responsibility to teach them the right things — in basketball and in life.
Interested in coaching?
We need adult volunteers to coach basketball for children and youth ages 5-17. We prefer volunteers with knowledge of basketball rules who demonstrate good character, patience and have a desire to help children and youth learn.
- Inquiry Form
- Upon acceptance, submit the Volunteer Registration Form
- Complete the HEADS UP Concussion Certification (Two-year renewal)
Skills
- Coaching
- Organization
- People skills
- Basketball
Requirements and Commitment
- Background check
- Must be at least 18 for grades K-8
- Must be at least 21 for grades 9-12
- Orientation meeting
- Approximately 1.5-2 hours per week
- Communication with children's parents
- Manage players' practices and games
Coach Documents and Forms
Below are documents and forms associated with coaching.
| League Type | Document/Form Name | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| All | Coaches' Handbook | |
| High School | Winter 2025-26 High School Coaches' Packet | |
| Instructional | Winter 2025-26 Instructional Coaches' Packet | |
| Mid-East | Winter 2025-26 Mid-East Coaches' Packet | |
| North | Winter 2025-26 North Coaches' Packet | |
| West | Winter 2025-26 West Coaches' Packet |
Testimonials
Excellent Experience
"We pay much more for comparable programs that are private. My daughter was fortunate to have 2 excellent coaches."
Great Team!
"The referees and MoCo Rec representatives encountered throughout the season were fantastic."
Skills and Comfort Level
"Coach really did well with my son’s team. He taught skills and made them feel comfortable on their skill level. Great encouragement each game with accountability. My son will be joining the team next year."
Great Season!
"Our son had a great experience learning the game. The Coach was amazing at coaching. Great leadership and mentorship."
Contact Information
League Contacts
Find your league coordinator.
| League | |
|---|---|
| Instructional | [email protected] |
| Youth - Mid/East | [email protected] |
| Youth - North | [email protected] |
| Youth - West (Saturdays) | [email protected] |
| Youth - West (Sundays) | [email protected] |
| High School | [email protected] |
| 3-on-3 | [email protected] |
Facility Feedback
For questions or concerns regarding facility conditions, contact:
Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)Phone: 240-777-2725
Email: [email protected]
CUPF staff are available from:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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