Long Beach Basketball Training – Trainers, Camps & Teams
Long Beach basketball training spans 50 square miles from Bixby Knolls to the coast, anchored by the most prolific athletic high school in American history. This page helps families understand the 562’s unique basketball culture, neighborhood dynamics, and decision frameworks — not prescribe solutions.
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Why This Long Beach Basketball Resource Exists
Long Beach’s 450,000+ residents across 50 square miles create dozens of basketball training options from North Long Beach to the shore. This page helps families understand the 562’s unique basketball culture, neighborhood dynamics, and decision frameworks — not prescribe solutions. The right program for a family near Poly might not work for someone in Bixby Knolls, and that’s fine.
Our Approach: Context, Not Direction
We don’t rank trainers or camps as “best” — we help you understand what makes different programs right for different needs. The best fit depends on your child’s age, skill level, goals, your family’s schedule, budget, and where you live in Long Beach. This page provides evaluation frameworks and local context, not prescriptive recommendations. Learn how BasketballTrainer.com works • Read our editorial standards
Understanding Long Beach’s Basketball Geography
Long Beach stretches from the Port of Long Beach and the coast up through residential neighborhoods to the north. Unlike sprawling inland cities, Long Beach packs a lot of basketball infrastructure into a relatively compact 50 square miles. Most cross-town drives take 15-25 minutes outside rush hour — but the I-405 and I-710 corridors can triple that during peak times.
North Long Beach / Bixby Knolls
What to Know: Residential neighborhoods with strong community roots. Home to several parks with basketball courts and proximity to both Jordan and Poly high schools.
- Commute Reality: 15-20 minutes to CSULB/Walter Pyramid, quick access to I-405
- School Zone: Jordan High School, Poly High School catchment area
- Basketball Culture: Deep community hoops tradition, accessible outdoor courts
Central / Downtown / Poly Area
What to Know: The basketball epicenter of Long Beach. Home to legendary Long Beach Poly at 1600 Atlantic Ave, the Salvation Army Gym where BBallers Hoops trains, and California Recreation Center.
- Commute Reality: Central location, 10-15 minutes to most neighborhoods
- Basketball Legacy: Poly has produced 9 NBA players — more than nearly any high school in history
- Basketball Culture: Year-round pickup games, training programs, deep talent pipeline
East Long Beach / CSULB Area
What to Know: Home to Cal State Long Beach and the iconic Walter Pyramid arena. Residential neighborhoods like California Heights and Los Altos border the campus. Whaley Park offers outdoor courts.
- Commute Reality: Direct I-405 access, 10-15 minutes to downtown Long Beach
- School Zone: Wilson High School, Millikan High School
- Basketball Culture: CSULB camps at the Pyramid, YMCA programs at Los Altos branch
West Long Beach / Lakewood Adjacent
What to Know: Borders Lakewood, Carson, and Compton. Admiral Kidd Park offers lighted basketball courts. Families here often access programs in neighboring cities too.
- Commute Reality: I-710 access, 15-20 minutes to CSULB, quick access to Lakewood programs
- School Zone: Lakewood High School, Cabrillo High School, Compton High School
- Basketball Culture: Cross-city program access, NJB Long Beach chapter active here
The 562 Commute Reality Check
Long Beach is more compact than many California cities — you can cross town in 20 minutes on a good day. But the I-405 corridor during rush hour (4:00-7:00 PM) transforms a 15-minute drive into 40+ minutes. Families commuting from North Long Beach to CSULB camps at the Walter Pyramid should budget extra time during peak hours. The good news: Long Beach’s basketball infrastructure is spread throughout the city, so most families can find quality options within 10-15 minutes of home. That matters when you’re driving to practice three times a week for six months.
Long Beach Basketball Trainers
These Long Beach basketball trainers work with players across skill levels. Each brings their own approach and specialty. Use the evaluation questions later on this page when reaching out to any basketball coaching Long Beach option.
BBallers Hoops School (Coach Greg)
BBallers Hoops is Long Beach’s homegrown basketball development program for boys and girls ages 3-17, operating out of the Alpert JCC Gym (3801 E Willow St) and Salvation Army Gym (3000 Long Beach Blvd). Founded by Coach Greg, the program offers non-competitive classes, seasonal leagues, camps, and traveling teams. BBallers made headlines with their “Coop’s Camp” partnership with NBA legend Michael Cooper, and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson attended their summer camp celebration. The program emphasizes skill building and confidence over competitive pressure — a genuine Long Beach institution with deep community ties.
Hoop Prodigy
Hoop Prodigy operates basketball skills training across the Long Beach, Fullerton, and greater LA area, focusing on individual player development through structured workout programs. Sessions emphasize ball handling, shooting mechanics, and footwork fundamentals with a progression-based curriculum. The program works with youth and high school players looking to develop specific skills rather than just playing pickup games. Individual sessions typically run $60-100 per hour, with small group options available at lower per-player rates. Furthermore, Hoop Prodigy’s multi-location model means Long Beach families can access training without always driving to the same spot.
Be Gr8 Basketball Academy
Be Gr8 Basketball Academy serves the South Bay and Long Beach area with a community-focused approach to youth basketball development. The program works with elementary through high school players on fundamental skills, basketball IQ, and competitive preparation. Training sessions blend individual skill work with small group dynamics that simulate game situations. Be Gr8 emphasizes character development alongside basketball growth, making it a solid fit for families who want more than just shooting drills. Moreover, the academy’s South Bay presence means Long Beach families in the western neighborhoods have convenient access.
1on1 Basketball
1on1 Basketball provides private basketball instruction serving Long Beach and surrounding Orange County communities, specializing in personalized training plans tailored to each player’s strengths and areas for improvement. Sessions focus on shooting technique, defensive positioning, and decision-making under pressure. Individual training runs $70-110 per session. Additionally, 1on1 offers pre-tryout preparation packages during September and October — particularly valuable given how competitive Moore League programs are.
d’Arnaud Athletics
d’Arnaud Athletics offers basketball training and athletic performance work in the Long Beach area, combining sport-specific skill development with strength and conditioning. The program works with competitive players looking to improve both their basketball skills and overall athleticism. Training integrates agility work, explosion development, and injury prevention alongside basketball fundamentals. Sessions are typically designed for middle school and high school players serious about competitive basketball. Furthermore, the athletic performance component addresses a gap many basketball-only trainers miss — helping young athletes develop the physical tools to complement their skills on the court.
Long Beach Basketball Camps
Long Beach basketball camps run primarily during summer months with some options during school breaks. These youth basketball Long Beach programs range from affordable community experiences to intensive D1-facility training at Cal State Long Beach.
Long Beach State Basketball Camps (Nike Basketball Camps)
Cal State Long Beach offers Nike Basketball Camps at the iconic Walter Pyramid (1250 N Bellflower Blvd), the 4,000-seat pyramid-shaped arena that serves as the Beach’s home court. Run by LBSU coaching staff, camps include Complete Skills and Elite Camp options during summer. The university also runs the 49er Summer Sports Camp for ages 5-13. Playing on the same floor where Division I games happen gives young players a genuine college experience. Sessions typically run $150-300 per week depending on camp type.
BBallers Hoops Summer Camps
BBallers Hoops runs summer basketball camps at the Alpert JCC Gym for ages 3-14. Their partnership with NBA legend Michael Cooper for “Coop’s Camp” brings genuine professional basketball experience to Long Beach youth. Camp sessions emphasize fun and skill building over competitive intensity. The indoor gym setting provides air-conditioned comfort during Long Beach summers, and BBallers’ year-round local presence means coaches know returning players and can build on previously developed skills.
YMCA of Greater Long Beach Basketball Camps
YMCA branches across Long Beach — including the Los Altos Family YMCA near CSULB — offer summer basketball camps emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. Extended hours make drop-off and pickup convenient for working parents. Financial assistance is available through the Y’s scholarship fund, and their “no child turned away” philosophy means access regardless of family income — important in a city with high cost of living.
Long Beach Parks & Recreation Basketball Programs
The City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine department runs seasonal basketball programs at multiple recreation centers throughout the city. Drop-in rates run as low as $1-3 per person at municipal courts. With 26 community centers and 20+ basketball court locations, there’s likely a municipal option within minutes of wherever you live. The city’s recreation programming serves as the foundation many Long Beach families build on before pursuing private training.
Long Beach Select Basketball Teams
Long Beach AAU and select basketball teams compete in Southern California tournaments primarily March through August. The LA metro area’s massive tournament circuit means most travel stays within a 60-90 minute drive, though national-level teams travel further. Tryouts typically occur in late winter.
NJB Long Beach (National Junior Basketball)
NJB Long Beach is the local chapter of National Junior Basketball, a nonprofit founded in 1984 emphasizing sportsmanship and player development. The chapter offers year-round leagues for grades K-12, including Divisional Play for grades 2-8 and the All-Net advanced program. NJB uses skill evaluations to form balanced teams, ensuring competitive parity. League fees include uniforms, referees, insurance, and awards. For families looking for structured league play without AAU travel intensity and cost, NJB provides an excellent middle ground with genuine community basketball values.
The 562 Select
The 562 Select is a homegrown Long Beach AAU team created by locals Cyrus Farzad and Jeremiah Graham, drawing players from across Moore League schools. The “562” area code isn’t just branding — it represents keeping local talent together. The team won the Crossover Classic Tournament in Seal Beach, and embodies what matters in Long Beach basketball: players who compete against each other during Moore League season coming together to represent their city on the AAU circuit.
LA Select Basketball
LA Select Basketball has operated since 2011 with a family-oriented approach for youth athletes ages 8U through 14U with year-round competition on Southern California’s AAU circuit. The organization views basketball as a vehicle for life skills alongside competitive development. Over a decade of consistent operation provides stability that matters when committing family time and money to a select program. Long Beach families access LA Select through their regional presence across the greater LA area.
SoCal Elite Sports
SoCal Elite Sports operates AAU club basketball serving the Long Beach and greater Southern California region. The program runs three seasons annually — Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer — each lasting 3-4 months, with teams practicing twice weekly plus a Friday clinic. Teams consist of 8-10 players per roster with Black and Grey team tiers when depth allows. SoCal Elite requires commitment contracts from players and parents for each season, reducing mid-season roster instability. The organization’s optional weekly academy training provides supplemental skill development beyond team practices — a structured approach for families who view basketball as a primary commitment.
Team TwentyTwo
Team TwentyTwo operates AAU basketball in the Long Beach and Southern California area with sports academy facility partnerships for training and competition. The program competes on regional circuits and select tournaments. Facility partnerships provide consistent practice locations and quality court time — a genuine advantage in Southern California where gym space is notoriously difficult to secure.
Long Beach High School Basketball
Long Beach high school basketball revolves around the Moore League, one of the most competitive public school leagues in Southern California. Here’s what families should know:
Moore League (Long Beach Unified School District)
| School | Area | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach Poly | Central (1600 Atlantic Ave) | 9 NBA players, “Sports School of the Century” (Sports Illustrated) |
| Millikan | East Long Beach | Recent outright Moore League champion, CIF contender |
| Wilson | East Long Beach | Consistently competitive, strong girls’ program |
| Jordan | North Long Beach | Unseated Poly for league title, rising program |
| Lakewood | West/Lakewood Adjacent | Snapped Poly girls’ 17-year Moore League winning streak |
| Cabrillo | West Long Beach | Developing program, community-focused |
| Compton | North/Compton area | Moore League competitor |
Private School
| School | League | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| St. Anthony | Del Rey League | CIF Southern Section competitor, one of the best small-school leagues in the state |
School team tryouts typically occur in October-November. Most Long Beach high schools field varsity, JV, and in some cases freshman teams for both boys and girls basketball. The Moore League’s competitiveness means making a roster is a genuine accomplishment at any school.
How to Use These Listings
These are Long Beach trainers, camps, and teams that families in the area work with. We don’t rank them as “best” or endorse specific programs. Use the evaluation questions in the next section when contacting any of these options. The right fit depends on your child’s age, skill level, goals, your family’s schedule, and your budget. Contact 2-3 options before committing to see which feels right for your family.
Long Beach Basketball Courts & Recreation Centers
Before investing in private training, know that Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine maintains 20+ basketball court locations across the city’s 26 community centers and 166 parks. Drop-in fees at municipal courts run as low as $1-3 per person — some of the most affordable basketball access in Southern California.
Central & Downtown Courts
California Recreation Center
Address: 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave | Courts: Lighted outdoor basketball court
Central location near Poly with lighted courts for evening play. Community center amenities available. Accessible location for families in the central corridor of Long Beach.
More Central Options
Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave)
Lighted court in the West Long Beach area. Good option for families in the western neighborhoods who don’t want to cross town.
Pan American Park (5157 Centralia Ave)
Features both a gymnasium and outdoor basketball court — one of the few Long Beach parks with indoor/outdoor options at the same location.
East Side & CSULB Area
The Walter Pyramid (CSULB)
Address: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd (Cal State Long Beach campus)
Long Beach’s most iconic basketball venue — a 4,000-seat pyramid-shaped arena home to Long Beach State “The Beach” men’s and women’s basketball. Houses 3 full courts and 4 half-courts. While primarily a university facility, the Walter Pyramid hosts Nike Basketball Camps and CSULB summer sports camps giving youth access to Division I courts.
Public Access: Limited to camp programs and CSULB Recreation Center membership. Not a drop-in facility, but attending Long Beach State games here gives young players exposure to college-level competition.
East Side Options
Whaley Park (adjacent to CSULB campus)
Basketball courts plus athletic fields and roller hockey. Family-friendly park setting near campus with ample parking.
Bayshore Playground (5415 E Ocean Blvd)
Unlighted court near the coast. Best for daytime play — not ideal for after-school sessions during shorter winter days.
Freeman Community Center
Gated outdoor full-length basketball court plus weight room. The gated court means more controlled access and fewer interruptions during practice sessions.
Indoor Gym Facilities
Key Indoor Basketball Venues
Alpert JCC (3801 E Willow St) — Home to BBallers Hoops programs. Indoor gym with organized basketball activities.
Salvation Army Gym (3000 Long Beach Blvd) — Used by BBallers Hoops for classes and leagues. Central Long Beach location.
Los Altos Family YMCA — Indoor basketball courts with organized programs and open gym times. YMCA membership required.
Quartz Sports Facility — Multi-court indoor facility hosting tournaments and training sessions. Check availability for rentals and open play.
🔍 Insider Note: Southern California’s year-round outdoor basketball weather means Long Beach’s outdoor courts see heavy use. For uninterrupted practice time, indoor facilities (Alpert JCC, YMCA, Pan American Park gymnasium) offer more consistent quality — but expect to pay membership or rental fees for that privilege.
Evaluating Basketball Training Options in Long Beach
We provide evaluation frameworks, not recommendations. These questions help you assess trainers, camps, and teams based on what matters for YOUR family in Long Beach.
Questions to Ask Private Trainers
A trainer working mostly with high school varsity might not be ideal for your 5th grader.
Specific targets like “30% better free throw percentage” beat vague promises of “improvement.”
Rush hour on the 405 turns a 15-minute drive into 40 minutes. Proximity keeps commitment sustainable.
The Moore League is one of the most competitive public school leagues in SoCal. Understanding that level matters.
Questions to Ask About AAU/Select Teams
Most SoCal AAU tournaments are within 60-90 minutes, but LA traffic means a Valley or IE tournament can take 2+ hours each way.
Team fees ($1,200-$3,000) plus hotels, gas, food for tournaments = real cost often doubles the advertised price.
“Everyone plays equal” and “best players play more” are both valid — but very different experiences for your child.
Long Beach Pricing Reality
Municipal Courts: $1-3 per visit | NJB League: $150-250/season | Private Training: $60-110/session | Summer Camps: $100-350/week | AAU Teams: $1,200-3,000+ annual fees plus travel
Investment vs. Outcome Reality
More money doesn’t guarantee better results. NJB at $150-250 per season might be exactly what your 6th grader needs. The $1-3 drop-in at a city court might provide everything your 4th grader wants. What matters is fit — trainer’s style matching your child’s needs, schedule working with family life, cost being sustainable over years. Long Beach’s cost of living is already high. Affordability and sustainability matter more than premium pricing.
Free Long Beach Basketball Training Evaluation Guide
Download our comprehensive guide with Long Beach-specific considerations, red flags to watch for, and questions to ask before committing to any program.
Long Beach Basketball Season: What to Expect
Understanding when different basketball programs run in Long Beach helps families plan without panic. This calendar shows typical timing — not deadlines you must meet.
High School Season (CIF Southern Section)
Typical Timeline: Tryouts in October-November, games begin late November, Moore League play runs through February, CIF playoffs through late February/early March.
What This Means: Your child’s school season is their primary commitment November through March. The Moore League’s competitiveness means school coaches generally expect full commitment during this period.
AAU / Select Season
Long Beach’s Reality: Southern California’s massive AAU circuit means tournament travel typically stays within 60-90 minutes, keeping costs lower than isolated cities. But weekend tournaments during peak season can consume every Saturday and Sunday from March through July.
- January-March: Tryouts, team formation, early practices
- March-June: Spring tournament circuit (regional travel)
- June-August: Peak summer tournaments, exposure events like Slam N Jam
- September-October: Fall ball winds down before school season
Year-Round Options
Long Beach’s Unique Advantage: Southern California weather means outdoor courts are usable year-round, and programs like NJB Long Beach, BBallers Hoops, and SoCal Elite run multiple seasons annually. This creates genuine year-round basketball access that many parts of the country lack.
The Trade-Off: Year-round access can create year-round pressure. Having coaching conversations about periodization — giving your child’s body and mind scheduled breaks from basketball — is important in a market where there’s always another camp, league, or tournament available.
Long Beach’s Basketball Culture & Heritage
Long Beach basketball training inherits one of the richest athletic traditions in American history. Understanding the 562’s basketball context helps families navigate training options in a city where the standard for excellence was literally set by Sports Illustrated.
The Long Beach Poly Legacy
Long Beach Polytechnic High School was named the “Sports School of the Century” by Sports Illustrated in 2005. Poly has produced 9 NBA players — tied with Mater Dei for most in California history — including Peyton Watson (Denver Nuggets, 2022 first-round pick), Jordan Bell (NBA champion), Mack Calvin, and Tyus Edney. The school has produced 86 combined professional athletes across football, baseball, and basketball. For families new to Long Beach, this legacy shapes expectations and competition levels. The Moore League isn’t typical — it produces genuine Division I talent regularly, and the culture around high school basketball is intense, knowledgeable, and community-invested. The local outlet The562.org provides professional-level coverage of high school games that rivals small-market college coverage anywhere in the country.
The Walter Pyramid & Long Beach State
Cal State Long Beach’s Walter Pyramid is one of the most architecturally distinctive arenas in college basketball — a 4,000-seat pyramid opened in 1994. CSULB’s teams, nicknamed “The Beach,” compete in the Big West Conference. The Pyramid’s presence means D1-level camp opportunities through Nike Basketball Camps and university summer programs, creating a visible pipeline where local kids see college players from their neighborhoods competing at the collegiate level. That matters for aspiration without requiring unrealistic expectations.
The 562 Identity
Long Beach basketball carries a distinct identity — proud, community-oriented, and rooted in the neighborhoods that produce its players. The 562 area code has become a badge of identity, reflected in team names like The 562 Select. Long Beach is not Los Angeles, despite geographic proximity. The basketball culture emphasizes community roots, school loyalty, and Moore League rivalries that are genuinely meaningful across generations. For newcomers, understanding this distinct identity helps you navigate which programs are truly embedded in this community versus those that merely operate here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Beach Basketball Training
These are the questions Long Beach families ask most often about youth basketball programs, costs, and timing.
How much does basketball training cost in Long Beach?
Municipal court drop-in runs $1-3 per visit. NJB league play costs $150-250 per season including uniforms. Private basketball lessons Long Beach typically cost $60-110 per session. Summer camps range from $100-350 per week. AAU select teams cost $1,200-3,000 in annual fees plus travel. SoCal’s cost of living means training runs slightly higher than national averages, but year-round outdoor court access provides a free foundation many regions lack.
How competitive is Moore League basketball?
Very competitive. The Moore League regularly produces Division I players and NBA talent — Poly alone has sent 9 players to the NBA. Millikan recently won an outright league title, Jordan unseated Poly’s longtime dominance, and even “rebuilding” Moore League programs would be strong elsewhere statewide. High school basketball preparation should start earlier than you might expect — not because of pressure, but because the competition level rewards developed fundamentals at tryouts.
What’s the best age to start basketball training in Long Beach?
There’s no single “best” age. BBallers Hoops accepts players as young as 3, while NJB starts Rookie Leagues in kindergarten. Private lessons become more productive around ages 8-10 when kids can focus on specific skills. AAU teams start at 8U-9U, but many families wait until 10U-11U for travel basketball. The most important factor isn’t age — it’s your child’s interest level and your family’s capacity for the commitment involved.
Should my child play AAU basketball or focus on school ball?
Many Long Beach players do both — CIF season runs November through March while AAU peaks April through July. The overlap period can be challenging when tryouts conflict with school playoffs. The key is communication with your school coach about their expectations. Year-round basketball is available in Long Beach, but year-round basketball isn’t right for every kid. Rest and recovery matter.
Which part of Long Beach has the best basketball programs?
Every area offers options. Central Long Beach has the deepest culture with Poly’s legacy and BBallers Hoops. East Long Beach offers CSULB camps and the YMCA. North Long Beach has Jordan High School. West Long Beach borders Lakewood programs. The most important factor is proximity — a program 10 minutes away that you attend consistently beats one 25 minutes away through 405 traffic.
Long Beach Basketball Training Options at a Glance
This table helps Long Beach families understand the cost, time commitment, and best use cases for different basketball training options in the 562.
| Training Option | Cost Range | Best For | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Courts (Drop-In) | $1-3/visit | Casual play, pickup games, self-directed practice | Flexible, come and go |
| NJB League Play | $150-250/season | Structured games, fundamentals, sportsmanship-focused | 10-12 week seasons, 1-2 games/week |
| Private Training | $60-110/session | Skill development, pre-tryout prep, specific weaknesses | Flexible, typically 1-2 sessions/week |
| Summer Basketball Camps | $100-350/week | Summer skill building, trying basketball, D1 facility experience | 1-4 week sessions, June-August |
| AAU/Select Teams | $1,200-3,000+ (plus travel) | Competitive players, exposure, tournament experience | 6-10 months, 2-3 practices/week, weekend tournaments |
Note: Costs represent typical Long Beach ranges. Many programs offer financial assistance or sibling discounts. YMCA offers need-based scholarships. Always ask about scholarship opportunities.
Getting Started with Basketball Training in Long Beach
If you’re new to Long Beach basketball or just starting your child’s training journey, here’s a practical path forward:
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Are you trying to help your child make a Moore League team? Develop fundamental skills? Learn the game while staying active? Your goal determines which training option makes sense. Many Long Beach families start with NJB leagues or BBallers Hoops before considering private training or AAU. There’s no single “right” goal — clarity helps you evaluate options.
Step 2: Map Your Neighborhood
Which part of Long Beach works for your commute? Long Beach is compact, but rush hour on the 405 or 710 can double drive times. A program 10 minutes from home that you’ll attend consistently beats one 25 minutes away that requires fighting traffic after work. Check the courts and gyms nearest you first.
Step 3: Contact 2-3 Options
Use the evaluation questions from this page. Review the trainer, camp, and team profiles above. Reach out to 2-3 that match your geography and goals. Ask about their approach, experience with your child’s age group, schedules, and costs. Most offer trial sessions or initial consultations.
Step 4: Trust Your Gut
After conversations and trial sessions, trust your instincts. Does your child seem excited or dreading practice? Does the trainer communicate clearly with you? Do logistics actually work for your family’s schedule? Sometimes the “less credentialed” option is the right fit because your child connects with that coach.
Free Basketball Training Evaluation Guide
Download our comprehensive guide with specific questions to ask trainers, camps, and teams before committing.
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