At Young Buckets Academy, our Elite High School & College Prep Training is meticulously engineered for players poised to make an impact on the varsity high school hardwood and aiming for collegiate accolades.
The journey begins with the essential tenets of ball handling. Leveraging NBA-inspired techniques, participants delve into advanced dribble mechanics, including inverted drops and precise footwork. Mastering these techniques empowers players to manipulate defenses, creating space and driving lanes. This is not merely about control—it’s about dominance. As we’ve seen elite guards in the NBA control the tempo, our trainees practice these skills in increasingly complex scenarios, from isolating defenders 1v1 to navigating screens in 2v2 settings.
Playmaking evolves as the next module. Our players absorb advanced court vision techniques, reminiscent of the NBA’s finest floor generals. They learn to recognize defensive schemes, set up teammates with precision passing, and exploit mismatches. It’s the seamless integration of individual flair with team dynamics. Again, the transition is from individual drills to real-world applications: 2v2 pick and rolls, 3v3 off-the-ball movements, and more.
Our attention then turns to finishing. In today’s NBA, versatility around the rim is paramount. Players are equipped with an array of finishing moves, from traditional two-foot power layups to agile one-foot floaters. Techniques like the pro hop, glide stop, and Euro steps are emphasized, allowing players to navigate dense defenses. The end goal? Seamless execution under duress, practiced in contexts from 1v1 to 4v4.
Shooting, a revered art, caps off our program. Drawing inspiration from the league’s sharpshooters, players refine their shot mechanics to perfection. From picking up the ball off the dribble to achieving a swift, fluid release, every nuance is covered. We dissect the biomechanics, ensuring each player understands the dynamics of balance, hand placement, and follow-through. But theory translates to practice, as participants test their mettle in shooting drills that evolve from unguarded shots to game-situated 5v5 scenarios with defensive contingencies.
Young Buckets Academy transcends typical training. We synthesize elite NBA knowledge with practical application, priming players for success at both the high school varsity and collegiate stages.
Shooting, a revered art, caps off our program. Drawing inspiration from the league’s sharpshooters, players refine their shot mechanics to perfection. From picking up the ball off the dribble to achieving a swift, fluid release, every nuance is covered. We dissect the biomechanics, ensuring each player understands the dynamics of balance, hand placement, and follow-through. But theory translates to practice, as participants test their mettle in shooting drills that evolve from unguarded shots to game-situated 5v5 scenarios with defensive contingencies.
Young Buckets Academy transcends typical training. We synthesize elite NBA knowledge with practical application, priming players for success at both the high school varsity and collegiate stages.
FUNDAMENTALS
At Young Buckets Academy, our Trainings are designed for those aiming to compete at elite levels, instilling advanced skills and game intelligence.
Shooting Mechanics
At Young Buckets Academy, we understand that the art of shooting is more than just aiming and releasing.
Private
Training
At Young Buckets Academy, our experience is more than just instruction—it’s a personalized journey to basketball mastery.
Team
Training
At Young Buckets Academy (YBA), we firmly believe that mastering basketball is an amalgamation of training, knowledge, and real-game application.
Our graduates play here
Coach Andres Marmolejo, “Dre” … took on Sam and Ellie in 5th Grade. Out of shape, very little skill, no IQ and no experience. They did have a work ethic and a love for basketball. Coach Dre worked with them, held them accountable, gave them opportunities, exposed them to older, better players and when the time was right, put them in game situation's. His philosophy of “foundation building” and focusing on step-by-step progression of skill development aligned with our families values. Both Sam and Ellie are currently playing AAU, School and Feeder Basketball. They are on a trajectory for High School Varsity Basketball. Which is both of their goals. I HIGHLY recommend Coach Dre …. BUT only if you value 360 degree development that takes time … if you expect quick results without honest effort, Coach Dre is not the guy for you.
Coach Dre's basketball program is simply exceptional. His passion, expertise, and dedication to the sport shine through in every session. He has a unique ability to connect with each athlete, helping them to not only improve their skills but also to grow in confidence and teamwork. The drills are challenging yet fun, and I've seen a tremendous improvement in my game. Highly recommend to anyone looking to take their game to the next level.
Andre is the BEST! He really cares about the kids he coaches, and helps them through all aspects of their life, not only basketball. He makes it fun and focuses on skills training… plus he is a great shooting coach. He’s very knowledgeable about all things Basketball and I really trust his opinion on direction for my son.
We love this basketball program! They focus on developing the individual players, not just teams. Coach Andres is exceptional at providing top-notch training, play-making and translating skills into game play. He's a master at diagnosing what can help each player maximize their skills and talents. He cares about the players - something you don't get at cookie-cutter programs. There is a family atmosphere and we know the boys are learning both basketball and life skills.
My son for 1 year went to another place (will remain nameless because I don't have anything nice to say). Coach Dre was recommended by a basketball coach because he had his own daughter in Young Buckets. We went to try it and I finally found the REAL basketball academy. My son understood the difference right away and even though it was hard we signed up. Since then he made his school basketball team and was a starter, and is routinely beating kids from the other program. If you want your boy or girl to learn basketball and excel in it - you should call Coach Dre.
I’ve been with Young bucks since I was in 6th grade. The development that I’ve made while playing for the program has been ridiculous. Coach Andres really believed in me. It gave me the confidence that I was lacking. The environment around the team is one of the best things. Constantly working to get better as well as knowing when to have fun. I am super thankful for Andres he has been the most influential coach I have ever had. This is an incredible program.
YBA is a really welcoming community and truly is a family. Coach Andres is incredibly friendly, kind, and passionate. Being a part of the YBA community has not only helped to improve my skills as a player, but also as a leader and person. The best basketball community, atmosphere, and training I’ve had.
Young Bucks has allowed me to develop as a player but, more importantly, as a young man. Andres meticulously plans each practice to suit the needs of everyone in the gym to create a fun environment that helps determined players get better. This year will be my eighth as a part of YBA. Andres has helped elevate my game, as I attempt to play at the collegiate level, but he also reminds me of the difficulties the process will entail. This tailored approach by Andres leads me to recommend this program to anyone willing to put in the hours and see results.
The Young Buckets Academy is a great place to help mold young men and women into great players. Coach Dre is very passionate, knowledgeable and caring when it comes to his players. I would recommend any parent that’s looking for a place to help bring out the best in their child to consider The Young Buckets Academy!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the training schedule?
All training and weekend game schedules are communicated through our “Team Snap” app, which can be downloaded on any device from the app store. Once registered, you will be connected and can sign up for workouts accordingly.
How do I register my child for the training?
You can register on our dedicated registration page where you can input all necessary information. Upon completion, you’ll receive a link to connect to “Team Snap”.
What are the costs associated with the training?
Single session: $50
Pack of 5 sessions: $200
Unlimited training for 10 weeks: $1000
Is Andres present at all training sessions?
While I’m present 90% of the time, there are instances where I train alongside past players I’ve coached or with coaches who’ve played at the collegiate or professional level. On rare occasions when I’m unavailable, our highly skilled team of trainers, who are well-versed in the latest training techniques, take the helm.
Are there any prerequisites for joining?
There aren’t any strict prerequisites. We cater to all skill levels. Whether your child is a beginner or already advanced, our program is tailored to meet them where they are and help them elevate their game.