Our Training

How are our training sessions going?

What do we do in training?

Training for a teenage basketball team includes:

Warm-up and Physical Conditioning: Exercises to loosen muscles, elevate heart rate, and build strength, endurance, and coordination.

Technical Skills: Practice fundamental skills like shooting, passing, and dribbling, while improving teamwork and ball control.

Tactical Training: Learn offensive and defensive strategies, understand team dynamics, and practice different game scenarios.

Gameplay Practice: Play internal matches and interact with other teams to gain practical experience.

Psychological Prep: Develop focus, discipline, teamwork, and stress management skills.

The approach varies based on factors like age, skill level, and coaching style, ensuring a balanced development of physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

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When will I see results from training?

A basketball coach always aims to provide maximum support for the individual development of each newcomer in the team. The first thing to understand is that results in sports don’t come instantly. When a novice joins the team and starts training, they are laying the foundation for future success by learning technical skills, tactics, and teamwork. The initial steps might seem challenging, but this is normal, as every athlete goes through this phase.
Typically, observing significant changes in a newcomer’s gameplay occurs within a few months of training. Progress can vary for each player depending on their natural abilities, dedication, level of preparation, and focus during training sessions. Therefore, it’s important to remain patient and committed to the process, trusting the coaching experience and training system. By the end of this period, the newcomer usually has improved technique, a better understanding of the game, and interaction with teammates, helping them feel tangible progress in their performance on the basketball court.

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.

Elite skills training

At Young Buckets Academy, our Training is meticulously engineered for players poised to make an impact on the varsity high school hardwood and aiming for collegiate accolades.

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.

Dribble, shoot, begin the journey

From the scorching courts of San Antonio, Texas, to the competitive hubs of Chicago, Andres Marmolejo’s basketball journey has been iconic. Not just for his astounding scores, but for his unyielding dedication and passion for the game. His own journey, marked by triumphs at Oakton Community College and later Louisiana Tech, laid the foundation for what would become his legacy: mentoring and training the next generation of basketball talents. Andres’s impact as a trainer is palpable across the basketball world. He has had the privilege of working closely with a roster of players who have made significant marks on the game. The likes of Max Christie, Cam Christie, Gavin Schilling, Terrance Shannon, Tuajante Williams, Rapolas Ivanauskus, Keifer Sykes, Alfonzo Mckinie, Tino Malnati, Paul George, Magnum Rolle, Evan Boudreaux, Joey Lane, and Kyle Gibson have all refined their craft under Andres’s tutelage. While each of these players brings their own unique flair to the court, the common thread binding them is the rigorous training and mentorship provided by Andres.

Our graduates play here

Young Buckets Academy

5.0

Based on 16 reviews

review us on

Glen Bridarolli

23:33 03 Jan 24

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.

Andres Marmolejo

18:43 02 Jan 24

Rory Haas

18:43 02 Jan 24

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.

Quinn Niego

01:49 10 Nov 23

Great program! Highly recommend.

Debbi Bishop

22:47 08 Aug 23

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.

Laura Trevino

16:19 03 Aug 23

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.

Allen Vaysberg

13:11 18 Jul 23

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.

Charlie Markee

02:54 18 Jul 23

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.

Rachel Lieberman

21:13 17 Jul 23

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.

Deuce Rayner

19:02 17 Jul 23

Pittman Alley

17:30 17 Jul 23

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.

Family Brown

17:01 17 Jul 23

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.