Learn About Us
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. Each student is treated equally and our teaching methods are geared to make each player feel like a winner — inside where it really counts.
- Our coaches are our product. They’re not volunteers. They are experienced basketball teachers who are paid and trained; not someone’s else’s Father or a High School kid. They know how to speak to the children in a positive, motivating way. Most importantly, they know how to teach.
- Unlimited make-up opportunities for missed classes during the season.
- Small classes mean lots of one-to-one instruction. We take only 20 students in most classes.
- Each full class has 4 basketball coaches.
- Low child-to-coach ratio ensures each child receives individual attention and improves at his or her own rate while having fun.
- We teach them the basic skills, including shooting, passing, dribbling with a healthy dose of good sportsmanship. We explain their role on a team and we do it all without any pressure. Even our competitive classes are never cut-throat.
- Every child plays all the time. No one sits out.
- We share valuable life lessons with our students; helping them understand the importance of a positive attitude, why losing can be valuable, and how to be a good winner, etc.
It’s all about VALUE.
Yes, First Shot is a little more expensive than other basketball programs. But for a good reason.
The ratio of coach to child is 1-5. So if we have 15 children in a class, you can expect to see 3 coaches. This means your child will receive personal attention whenever it’s needed.
All of our coaches are hand-picked and trained in the art of teaching and talking to your children in a kindly, positive manner. They are all paid….we do not accept volunteers or parents of other students. And many of our coaches have been with us for years.
So sometimes, paying a little more is a bargain compared to paying too little
If you underpay and your child is not happy, then you wasted all your money and will wish you came to First Shot in the first place.
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 actually teach the game in a unique manner. Believing children should learn before they compete, First Shot doesn’t give a child a shirt and say “go play,” because initially they don’t understand what they are doing. Instead, the First Shot method prepares the children with the right foundation for the game.
“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