Bentonville offers excellent youth basketball opportunities with strong community programs, quality facilities, and growing competitive clubs. Families benefit from the city's family-friendly environment, year-round play, and proximity to the Northwest Arkansas elite basketball scene.
Community-run youth basketball offering divisions by age and skill with emphasis on fun, teamwork, and fundamentals.
Ages: 5-14
Seasons: Fall (main), Winter (developmental)
City-run basketball program serving Bentonville families with balanced teams and trained volunteers.
Ages: 6-18
Seasons: Fall (main), Winter (developmental)
Professional instruction and competitive teams with focus on player development and college placement.
Ages: 6-18
Leagues: AAU, USBA, Arkansas Premier
Fields: Bentonville Sports Complex, Training facilities
Premier Arkansas development program for elite youth players.
Ages: 12-18
Leagues: AAU, USBA, Arkansas Premier
Fields: Bentonville Sports Complex, Regional training facilities
Premier Northwest Arkansas club with college development pathway, NCAA placement, and national tournament success.
Ages: 8-18
Leagues: AAU, USBA, Arkansas Premier
Fields: Bentonville Sports Complex, Regional facilities
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville Sports Complex | 1000 Bentonville Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 | multiple basketball courts, indoor facilities, lights, parking, restrooms | Premier basketball facility with multiple courts, home to major tournaments and elite training. |
| Bud Walton Arena | 1000 Razorback Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | professional arena, training facilities, parking, restrooms | University of Arkansas arena used for tournaments and youth development programs. |
| Bentonville Community Center | 1000 Bentonville Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 | basketball courts, parking, restrooms | Central community facility with courts for practices and small tournaments. |
| 4-6 | Introduction to basketball through fun games. Focus on basic ball handling and movement. Keep it playful. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Build fundamental skills and love for the game. Introduce shooting and passing. Emphasize teamwork. |
| 8-10 | More structured practices and game situations. Develop shooting form and defensive concepts. |
| 10-12 | Advanced skill development and position specialization. AAU and travel ball become options. |
| 13-18 | High school preparation and college recruiting. Advanced tactics, conditioning, and competitive play. |
| Rec | About $150–$300 per season; usually includes uniform and league fees. |
|---|---|
| Club | Roughly $1,500–$4,000 per year excluding tournaments, travel, and private lessons. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| Every Kid Sports | Fee assistance for recreational youth sports participation. |
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Elite Training | Elite training programs and specialized clinics for competitive players. |
| Bentonville Basketball Academy Training | Year-round training programs, private lessons, and specialized clinics for all skill levels. |
| Northwest Arkansas Elite Training | Elite training programs and specialized clinics for competitive players. |
| Bentonville Classic | Major tournament hosted at Bentonville Sports Complex drawing elite teams from across Arkansas. |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Showcase | Annual showcase event for college scouts and NCAA talent evaluators. |
| Wear proper basketball shoes |
| Warm up before playing |
| Stay hydrated during games |
| Use proper form to prevent injury |
| Follow coach instructions |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
dribbling — stationary dribble, figure-eight
form — free throw practice, layup work
accuracy — chest pass, bounce pass
stance — defensive slides, closeout drills
combinations — pick and roll, fast break
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Stationary Dribble
Dribble with right hand, then left • Keep ball at waist height
Free Throw Practice
Use proper shooting form • Focus on follow-through
Defensive Slides
Stay in defensive stance • Slide side to side without crossing feet
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 15 minutes, 3–4 days a week builds skills without overwhelming young players. |
Do we need a full court? No—drills can be done in driveways, parks, or gyms. Many skills can be practiced in small spaces. |
Rec vs AAU basketball? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; AAU adds higher commitment, tournaments, and specialized coaching. |
How do we choose the right AAU team? Consider coaching quality, practice location, tournament schedule, cost, and team culture. Talk to current parents. |
What equipment is required? Basketball sized by age, proper shoes, and comfortable athletic wear. Most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using AAU or school standards. Most leagues use the player's age on September 1. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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