The PPA

Development Hoops Program

What is PPA's Development Program?

With over 700 teams participating each year, PPA's Development Program is the leading youth sports league in NW DC and Montgomery County. Open to players of all levels, the leagues mixes the convenience of local practices and games, with the professionalism of club sports. The only league where parents can form their own teams and choose to have a parent or pro coach. The Development League aims to provide an authentic, developmental, and exciting sports experience for all players.

Local Practices and Games

Teams form around schools and neighborhoods. Parents can form their own teams or have their child placed onto a team.

Custom Jerseys

We build a custom jersey store for each team featuring jerseys with team names on the front and player names on the back.

Pro or Parent Coach

The only rec program where parents who form teams can choose to have a pro coach or parent volunteer coach for the team.

End of Season Tournament

We end all seasons with a bang! Teams grades 2 and up compete in a tournament to be crowned champion.

Seasonal Overview

2024 Fall

Hoops Leagues

Registration Opens: Mid June

Season: September - November

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2025 Winter

Hoops Leagues

Registration Opens: October 21

Season: January - March

2025 Spring

Hoops Leagues

Registration Opens: Mid-January

Season: April - June

Winter 2025 Development Hoops Leagues

Overview:

The Winter 2025 season is going to be one for the ages! We'll have leagues from teams from K - 8th grade. Each team can expect to have an hour long practice during the week, and an hour long game on weekends. Teams can opt out of the practice if they want, and only compete in games. Parents who form teams can choose to have a pro or parent coach. All leagues grades 2 and up will have an end of season tournament included.

Timeline:

October 21: Priority Registration Opens

October 31 : General Registration Opens

December 13: Deadline for Managers to Fill Rosters

December 16 - 27: Free Agents are placed onto teams

Dec 30: Practice Schedules Released

January 3rd: Game Schedule Release

January 13 - March 9: Season Start - End

League Breakdown

Phase 1 of Curriculum: At the Kindergarten level, our focus is on fun and helping your players fall in love with the sport. We will introduce them to the basics of the game, including dribbling, passing, and shooting. We'll also work on developing their gross motor skills and ability to follow instructions. Games are played 4 v 4 on 8 foot rims. No double teams or press is allowed. We use a running clock with 18 minute halves.

Games on Saturdays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 6 - 8 players per team
Price: $375/player for Professionally Coach Team, $250/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 1 of Curriculum: At the 1st Grade level, coaches begin introducing fundamental and basic basketball-specific skills and establish building blocks for overall basketball skills. 80% of practice time is spent on individual fundamental training and 20% of the time is spent on actual game competition. Games continue to be 4 v 4 on 8 foot rims. No double teams or press is allowed. We use a running clock with 20 minute halves.

Games on Saturdays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 6 - 8 players per team
Price: $375/player for Professionally Coach Team, $250/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 2 of Curriculum: At the 2nd Grade level, we'll start emphasizing concepts around game play, competing with a team, and building camaraderie. At practices, coaches begin introducing positional concepts and players will be introduced to all player positions. During the season we'll start to keep score and league standings. At the end of the season, they’ll get their first chance to compete for a championship in the prestigious Development League End of Season tournament. Teams will still play 4 v 4 on 9+ foot rims. We use a stopped clock with 18 minute halves.

Registration Opens June 6
Season runs from Sept 16 - Nov 10
Games on Saturdays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Practice Locations: see past practice locations here
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 6 - 8 players per team
Price: $495/player for Professionally Coach Team, $330/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 2 of Curriculum: At the 3rd Grade level, we continue emphasizing the concepts introduced in the 2nd grade league around playing for a team; being a squad! Coaches begin introducing more advanced technical concepts at practice and league games continue to become more competitive. Games are 4 v 4 on a midsize court with 9+ foot rims with score keeping. We begin to use 20 minute stopped clock halves.

Games on Saturdays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 6 - 8 players per team
Price: $495/player for Professionally Coach Team, $330/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 3 of Curriculum: At the 4th Grade level, game play will become more official as games move 5 v 5 on a regulation size court with a regulation size rim and refs will begin tracking team fouls. At practices, coaches start building on fitness goals in addition to overall basketball skills.

Games on Sundays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 8 - 10 players per team
Price: $495/player for Professionally Coach Team, $330/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 3 of Curriculum - Like in the 4th grade League, in 5th grade games are played 5 v 5 on a regulation size court with a regulation size rim and refs will begin tracking team fouls. At practices, coaches begin instilling more advanced basketball concepts like 2 man concepts, primary transitional concepts, and secondary transitional concepts.

Games on Sundays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 8 - 10 players per team
Price: $495/player for Professionally Coach Team, $330/player for Parent Coached Team

Phase 4 of Curriculum - In the final age bracket of the Development Leagues, we aim to make the games as real, competitive and exciting for players as possible. Games now follow all regulation basketball rules including allowing for team plays, running full court press, and double teams. All games are played 5 v 5 on full courts with regulation size balls and rims.

Games on Sundays in NW DC/ Bethesda
Professional Coach and Parent Coach options available
Roster Guidelines: 8 - 10 players per team
Price: $495/player for Professionally Coach Team, $330/player for Parent Coached Team

Registration Information

Form a Team (Now Closed)

How does this registration work?

We make forming a team simple and fun! It starts with one parent acting as the Team Organizer. They register the team - choosing a team name, choosing a pro coach or a parent volunteer, and letting us know their team's practice preferences—when and where. After that, we’ll provide the Team Organizer with a team code and link to share with their child’s classmates, friends, or anyone else they'd like to join the team. While the roster is being filled, we’ll set up a custom jersey store incorporating your team's name and handle all the other little things to get your team set up for the start of the season.

Save $100!

So many of our teams are built by parents who step up to organize them. This is why we give all parent organizers $100 for organizing a team. Click here to learn more.

Update:

The Winter 2025 Hoops Leagues have filled for teams.

We’ve opened a waitlist for any new teams or players. If space becomes available due to team cancellations or additional openings, we’ll contact waitlisted individuals in chronological order.

Join the Waitlist!

Join a Team

How does this registration work?

There are 2 ways you can join a team. The first is if you've been invited to join a team by another parent, you should get a code from them to join. Or, you can join the league as a free agent, and we will place your player on a team in their age group and your preferred practice region.

Parent FAQ's

Q. What is the program Philosophy?

We’re not your typical recreational league where players get a high five for their attendance. We're here to spark a love for sport, an understanding of teamwork, and a lesson in resilience. PPA is about creating passionate athletes, shaping character, and leaving an indelible imprint on the next generation's lives.

Q. What is a Gameday like?

Q: Where are games located?
A: Games are primarily held in NW DC and Bethesda. For specific locations, check out our Neighborhoods and Schools page.

Q: What is the refund policy?
A: We offer a 100% refund if requested before the season starts. Afterward, partial refunds may be available depending on the season's progress and special circumstances.

Q: How can I stay connected with my team and receive updates?
A: Once you join a team, The PPA App is the best way to to access team updates, schedules, and easy communication.

Q: Do you offer Co-Ed teams and leagues?

A: No.

Q: Why are there roster size caps, and can they be adjusted?

A: Roster caps are designed to ensure players get a positive experience. Roster maximums generally cannot be exceeded except, in special circumstances with approval from a Program Director by emailing hoopsadmin@ppateam.com

Q: What size ball is needed?
A: K-3rd graders use a 27.5-inch ball, and 4th-8th graders use a 28.5-inch ball.

Q: Does PPA offer financial assistance for families?
A: Yes, we offer scholarships through our PPAforAll program. Visit our scholarship page to learn more and see if you qualify.

Q: Is there a sibling discount?
A: Yes! We offer a sibling discount for families with multiple players. Contact info@ppateam.com for details on applying this discount.

Q: Do premier discounts transfer between programs?

A: No you can only use hoops coupons within the hoops program and soccer coupons within the soccer program.

Q: When will I receive the team’s Winter Development season schedule?
A: Practice schedules for Development and Hoops are released by Dec 30th.

Q: What are my options for a coach?

A: With PPA, teams are able to either bring on their own coach (Parent Coach) or ask for PPA to assign the team a PPA Pro Coach. For teams that want to be assigned a PPA Pro Coach, coach assignments will be released be [date/time period]. Coaches will be leading each of the practices and the team during games.

Q: What is the deadline for the $100 rebate?
A: Team Managers should fill rosters by December 13th to qualify for a $100 rebate. To receive the rebate, your team must meet the recommended roster size, not just the minimum. If the roster isn’t full by this date, Free Agents may be added, or your team may be combined with another low-roster team. Note: Only the team manager will receive the rebate.

Q: What should I do if we can't fill the minimum required number of players?
A: No problem! Our program directors will either place Free Agents on your team to meet the requirements or combine your team with another low roster team.

Q: How can I submit my practice preferences?
A: You can submit practice preferences while registering in the PPA Portal registration and afterward via email through our Practice Preference Form.

Q: When will we receive our team’s jersey color?
A: Your team’s jersey color is selected during registration by your team’s Team Manager, and the color submitted will be used to create your custom jersey store on SquadLocker. Please make sure to confirm your team’s color with your team manager.

Q: How do I register my player to a team?

A: If you want to join a specific team, please register your player using the team’s code. Please ask the team manager to provide you with the team’s code.

Q: When will I learn about my practice schedule?
A: Schedules go to team managers for review on December 30th before they’re available in the PPA Portal.

Q: What if practice or game times don’t work with my schedule?
A: Make sure to discuss the team’s preferred practice schedule with your team manager and team. If the schedule does not work with you, you can request to join another team, but all changes need team manager approval.

Q: How do I order jerseys and get my team’s jersey color?
A: Your team’s jersey color is included in the team name, and orders are placed on SquadLocker.

Q: Can I change my child’s team or practice times after registration?
A: You can request a change, but the sooner, the better. The closer we are to the season start, the tougher it is to find a team that matches your needs.

Q: When is the Free Agent Placement Period?
A: Free Agents are placed on teams from December 16th - 27th.

Q: Can I request a specific time as a Free Agent?
A: Yes! During registration, you can specify preferences for time, day, and location. While we can’t guarantee every request, our Program Directors will do their best to accommodate.

Q: Can I request to join a team with friends or family?
A: Absolutely! Just let us know in the registration, and we’ll try to place you together.

Q: When will I receive information on practice schedules and jersey colors?

A: As a Free Agent, you’ll receive information on practice schedules and jersey colors when you’re placed on a team. Your team’s color will be included in the team name, and practice times will be available in the PPA Portal once you’re assigned to a team.

Q: Can I explore other PPA programs while waiting for team placement?
A: Definitely! Check out our Programs page for all the options we offer.

Q: How are schedules set?

A: For practices, we ask the team manager to submit practice requests preferences on behalf of the team. Then we work to match a practice schedule for the team based on the requests of the manager and the permits we have available. We will process schedules based on when teams register so teams that register earlier will have a higher chance of having their schedule preferences met. For Games, we assign schedules based on aiming to create parity between the teams.

Q: When will schedules be available in the portal?

A: Practice schedules will be released by December 30th, and game schedules will be released by January 3rd.

Q: What times and locations are available for practice?
A: We typically get permits in the NW, DC, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Potomac, and Rockville areas between the times of 4 - 8:00pm. Please note that in the winter season, indoor gym availability is tight, making it more difficult to match practice preference requests than in the Fall or Spring seasons.

Q: How do I see my schedule?
A: View your schedule in the PPA Portal or mobile app by logging in on your computer or downloading the app.

Q: Can I change my practice time?
A: On occasion we can adjust practice times. Contact our program directors at hoopsadmin@ppateam.com before the season, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Q: Can I change my game time?
A: Changing game times after the season starts is difficult, as it impacts other teams and coach availability. Let us know about any conflicts before the season, and we’ll try our best to help.

Q: How can I share my schedule with my partner or spouse?
A: A: Use the Player Share feature to share a player’s schedule with another user. Login in to your myppaportal.com account, click your account icon in the upper right hand corner, select "player info", then click on the "share" icon which looks like an arrow. See images below.

Q: Are jerseys included in the season’s costs?

A: No, jerseys are not part of the season costs.

Q: When will we receive our team’s jersey color?

A: Your team’s jersey color will be applied to the team name so that you can easily see which color your team. For example, if your team's name is Bethesda Sharks, Red, then your team's jerseys will be red. The color is selected during registration by your team’s Team Manager, and is used to create your custom jersey store on SquadLocker.

Q: Can I use my jersey from a previous season?
A: Yes. Your custom jersey store stays open for reorders or updates. Confirm your team color for the season with your team manager.

Q: How do I order a jersey?

A: When a team registers for the season, we start building their custom jersey store. Once the jersey store is built (this usually takes 2 - 3 weeks for a new team), we send the link for the store via email to the team manager, and we add the link to the PPA App and Portal. If you're looking to purchase your jersey you can ask your team manager for the store link or access it through the PPA App or by logging into your account at myppaportal.com and clicking on the "details" button of your team.

Q: Do I have to have a custom jersey?
A: No, each team can choose what jersey they'd like to wear for games, and players can also simply wear shirts with matching colors.

Q: Can we change our team’s jersey color?
A: For custom jerseys, colors are locked once the store is created, so choose carefully during registration!

Q: How long does it take for jersey orders to arrive?
A: Once a parent places an order for a jersey through squadlocker, they typically arrive within 1-2 weeks.

Q: Can we switch jersey colors if new players join?
A: Team colors are finalized during registration.

Q: What should we wear for practice?
A: Basketball players need sneakers and a personal basketball.

About Us

The PPA

Development Hoops Program

What is PPA's Development Program?

Local Practices and Games

Custom Jerseys

Pro or Parent Coach

End of Season Tournament

Seasonal Overview

Winter 2025 Development Hoops Leagues

League Breakdown

Registration Information

Form a Team (Now Closed)

Join a Team

Parent FAQ's

Subscribe to our newsletter.

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