What to Expect

LZFBA offers the following programing:

1st-3rd Girls - skills training (Nov-Feb)

4th-8th Girls - competitive local travel teams

4th-8th Boys - competitive local travel teams

Tryouts are typically held in October for our 4th-8th grader players. There is no fee to participate, but advance online registration is required.

Our goal during tryouts is to evaluate each player’s current skill level so we can place them on a team that matches their abilities within their age group. Evaluators will run a series of drills designed to assess:

• Dribbling
• Passing
• Shooting
• Court awareness
• Speed and hustle
• Attitude
• Defense

Following tryouts, families will receive an email with team placement details and instructions for registration and payment. When numbers and skill levels allow, we aim to form two teams per grade level, with 10–12 players per team.

As a community-based program, we strive to give as many players as possible the opportunity to participate. While we make every effort to avoid cuts, there may be situations where a player is not placed on a team.

The Lake Zurich Feeder Basketball season runs from late October through late February to early March.

Practices: Each 4th–8th grade team typically practices twice a week for 90 minutes. While we try to keep days and times consistent, schedules can shift based on gym availability, building conflicts, or inclement weather. Our goal is to hold between 25-30 practices each season.

Most practices are held at District 95 facilities: Middle School North, Middle School South, May Whitney, Seth Paine, or Lake Zurich High School, with occasional use of other local gyms.

Game schedules vary by grade: 4th grade teams usually play 20 to 25 games, while 5th–8th grade teams play 25 to 30. Games may be traditional matchups, shootouts, or tournaments. While a few games are scheduled during the week, most take place on weekends.

Travel for away games is generally limited to within 45 minutes of Lake Zurich.

One of the reasons we love basketball is that it’s the ultimate team sport, where players continually work together to become a cohesive unit. Feeder basketball is the place where grade levels can build that cohesion for years ahead of high school.

During the course of the season, the Board expects that feeder basketball practices and games should be prioritized above other travel or club sports. School, however, always comes first. Any school-related activities should take priority over LZFBA practices and games.  Players are expected to be on time to practices, tournaments, and games. Consistent attendance is important not only for individual player development, but also for building a strong, cohesive team. Whether an absence is excused is ultimately at the discretion of the Head Coach; illness/personal, family, and school-related activities are examples of excused absences.

Players who consistently attend practices, games, and tournaments will be given opportunities to demonstrate their development and contribute on the court. Attendance and commitment to the team will be considered by coaches when determining in-game playing opportunities.