The rhythmic thump of a dribbled ball, the squeak of sneakers on the hardwood, the swish of a perfect basket — if you’ve ever stepped on a basketball court, these sounds are second nature to you. Whether you’re an adult with a lifelong love of the sport or a kid who’s just learning the rules, there are plenty of ways to stay in the game with Life Time Basketball.
“Life Time has a wide range of offerings available for both kids and adults who enjoy the game of basketball, ranging from opportunities to simply play to ones that’ll help them grow in their skills and allow them the chance to compete,” says Diana Smigielski, senior manager for Life Time Basketball. “It’s so fun to see the variety of players who partake in these options at Life Time — basketball truly is for everyone!”
Courts Nationwide
More than 120 Life Time athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada feature basketball court spaces and basketball programming. The experience at each location is designed to mirror a true professional-level environment.
All courts are full-sized with NBA-regulation three-point lines and feature maple hardwood, the same surface used in collegiate and professional arenas. This material provides an optimal ball response, safe traction, and reduced joint impact, Smigielski explains.
All hoop heights are set at 10 feet — the standard height for middle school, high school, college, and NBA play — but most newer clubs also offer adjustable hoops for younger kids to use. The number of hoops per club varies, though newer locations typically have six baskets per court.
The backboards are made of high-end tempered glass to withstand constant play and offer greater rebound capability with reduced vibration. The provided basketballs are official size-seven game-level basketballs made of genuine leather.
Members can engage in open play and self-scheduled pick-up games, while structured basketball programming includes options for adult leagues, adult and kid tournaments, and kids’ classes, camps, and training.
All Life Time basketball trainers are required to have basketball coaching and/or fitness training experience, and to have played college- or professional-level basketball. “There are a few exceptions to this with trainers who have played another collegiate sport or who have an amazing background in training. Regardless, we ensure all our basketball trainers are more than qualified and equipped to guide and support players” says Smigielski.
How to Play Basketball at Life Time
Options for both kids and adults to play and grow their skills with Life Time Basketball include the following:
Open Gym Play
Members are welcome to step onto the court for leisure play during Open Gym times on the club’s schedule. “This is a great time to play one-on-one with a friend, practice shooting by yourself, or have the whole family shoot around and play,” says Smigielski.
Pick-Up Games
Members who wish to play in a basketball game on shorter notice can join a pick-up game. Availability of pick-up games is shown on the club’s schedule in the Life Time app. This informal “show up and play” experience means there are no referees or official teams.
Games typically consist of five-on-five, but may vary depending on the number of players who show up. When one game ends, new players can sub in and out for the next game.
Adult Programming
The adult basketball programming options include:
- Leagues: Life Time Basketball offers co-ed Ultimate Hoops leagues for those 18 and older. There are eight regular-season games with certified officials. During a season, you play one game per week, with playoffs that follow.
- Semi-private and private lessons: All semi-private sessions are a five-to-one player-to-trainer ratio max. Private lessons are a one-to-one ratio.
“For the Ultimate Hoops adult leagues, our goal is to treat every player like a professional, whether you’re Lebron James or an average Joe,” says Donald Dangmuk, national senior leagues manager for Ultimate Hoops at Life Time. “Our adult leagues offer personalized highlights, career stats, weekly social media coverage, professional photos, certified officials, championship banners for the winning team, four national tournaments per year, and we even have a Hall of Fame class we announce for each year.”
Kids Programming
Life Time offers robust basketball programming for kids as well. Options include:
- Training classes: These weekly classes follow a progression-based curriculum to build skills through instruction and play. Classes are a 10-to-one player-to-coach ratio and are divided into age groups as follows: ages 6 to 8, ages 9 to 12, ages 13 to 15, and ages 16 to 17.
- Semi-private and private lessons: All semi-private sessions are a five-to-one player-to-trainer ratio max. Private lessons are a one-to-one ratio.
- Camps: Life Time Basketball camps are offered quarterly at select clubs and focus on developing a variety of basketball skills. Camp sessions are 60-, 90-, or 120- minutes long, depending on club location.
- Special offerings: Some clubs offer competitions and three-on-three tournaments for youth, although offerings vary by location.
“Our training classes, camps, and semi-private and private sessions at Life Time are all led by experienced basketball trainers and blend progressive skill development with fun, competitive play,” says Smigielski. “Classes are grouped appropriately by age. Within each class, trainers work with beginners through advanced players, so everyone progresses at their own pace.”
Parents can watch while their kids play, though it’s not required and this is often an opportune time for parents to squeeze in their own workout or use other areas of the club.
“Our mission is simple: to help young athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and fall in love with basketball,” says Smigielski. “Our progression based approach makes the game accessible for every child and sets them up to enjoy playing basketball for years to come.”
Tournaments
There are four national basketball tournaments each year. For 2026, the tournaments are being held at Life Time in Frisco, Texas, Life Time Sky (Manhattan) in New York City, and Life Time Green Valley in Henderson, Nev. (this location will host two tournaments).
These are “open” tournaments, meaning any team comprised of players ages 18 or older can join a tournament. The registration is first-come, first-served. “These tournaments usually sell out within five minutes of opening,” says Dangmuk.
Learn More About and Sign Up for Life Time Basketball Programming
You can find out more about the basketball offerings at your Life Time club location and see what’s on the schedule in the Life Time app. Click “Explore” in the bottom right of the menu, scroll down to “Sports,” and click the “Basketball” tile. You can also reach out to the concierge team, league coordinator, or a basketball trainer at your Life Time athletic country club.
