Build Fundamentals. Grow Confidence. Play Smarter.

Skills Development

Young man in white t-shirt and camouflage shorts practicing basketball dribbling in gym with other kids in background.

At The Hardwood University, every athlete’s journey starts with strong fundamentals. Our Skills Development Program is designed to give players the tools, habits, and confidence they need to keep growing at every stage of the game.

Through focused instruction, competitive drills, and supportive coaching, athletes will work on:

Ball Handling – control, coordination, and creativity with the basketball

Footwork – balance, movement, and positioning to create an advantage

Passing & Spacing – learning to see the floor, move with teammates, and make the right play

Finishing & Shooting – building touch, accuracy, and confidence around the basket

Game IQ – understanding the “why” behind the game to make smarter decisions on the court

A girl playing basketball in a gym, dribbling around a padded training dummy with a man observing in the background.

Program Times, Levels & Location:

SESSION LENGTH:

Level I: (4) Weeks | (1) Class Per Week

Level II & Level III: (10) Weeks | (1) Class Per Week

IGNITE | Level I — Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (4 Weeks)

LOCATION:

Shorelife Community Church | 875 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

Where the Fire Begins

For first-time and younger athletes in kindergarten through 4th grade who are just discovering the game, this program is designed to be fun, energetic, and age-appropriate. The focus is on movement, early coordination, and building a love for basketball in a joyful, high-energy environment.

Because younger athletes benefit most from shorter, focused sessions, this program runs in 4-week blocks. This shorter format allows us to keep athletes engaged while supporting their development at this stage.

ROOKS | Level II — Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

LOCATION:

Holy Cross | 170 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Skills That Stick

For developing athletes (5th to 6th grade) who are ready to sharpen their fundamentals. Focused on core skill development, discipline, and building habits that last.

FUTURE 5 | Level III — Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

LOCATION:

Holy Cross | 170 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Make the Game Yours

For intermediate athletes (7th to 9th grade) who want to be difference makers. Training applies core skills in competitive, game like scenarios, building confidence under pressure


 join LEVEL II & LEVEL III - SPRING waitlist

SPRING SESSION 2026

APRIL - JUNE

register Below

At every level, our experienced coaches meet players where they are and help them take the next step in their basketball journey.

Spots are limited. Reserve your place today and start building the skills that last a lifetime.


COST:

Level I (4 Weeks) $195 | Level II & Level III (10 Weeks) $585

SOLD OUT

ROOKS | Level II — Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

REGISTRATION CLOSED

FUTURE 5 | Level III — Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

 REGISTRATION Open

IGNITE | Level I — Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM