First Shot Basketball

Our Ongoing Goal: To use basketball to build self-esteem and encourage teamwork in every class. We do this by showing children how capable they are, and proving they can succeed no matter how difficult the task may seem. First Shot Basketball was created to provide the comprehensive instruction and positive encouragement that kids need. Our lessons and teaching methods focus on a child's strong points, recognizing the smallest achievements.

Why We’re Different

First Shot classes are based on age-specific, specially developed lessons that introduce beginner and advanced instruction and team concepts. Our teaching methods are geared to make each player feel like a winner -- inside where it really counts.

We take only 20 students per class.
Each class has 4-5 trained and paid basketball coaches (we do not accept volunteer coaches).
This low child-to-coach ratio ensures each child receives individual attention and improves at his or her own rate while having endless fun.
We teach them the basic skills, including shooting, passing, dribbling with a dose of good sportsmanship. We explain their role on a team and we do it all without any pressure.
If a child misses a shot, we focus on what he did correctly. We encourage him with a statement that “sandwiches” the instruction between two positive comments along with our expectation that he will succeed.
Every child plays all the time. No one sits out.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR,
JOEL MANSBACH

First Shot was founded in 1997, by Joel Mansbach, who was committed to creating a one-of-a-kind program that would simply be the best. Joel’s natural affinity for working with children and a clear understanding of how to motivate and instill confidence is augmented by 14 years experience at First Shot and 3 years as a little league basketball coach.

“I believe while children are learning to play basketball, they are also gaining confidence in all their capabilities. Their First Shot training will prepare them with a keen knowledge of the game and an understanding of their role on a team. But, more importantly, a child will learn that with good preparation and diligent practice, they will be able to reach all of their personal goals in and beyond the schoolyard.” Joel Mansbach