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U6 Kids Basketball Program in Japan
Shikishima Kindergarten

Early Childhood Basketball Program (Ages 3–6)

Shikishima Kindergarten offers a U6 Kids Basketball Program specifically designed for preschool and kindergarten children aged 3 to 6. This program is conducted in cooperation with the Gunma Basketball Association, ensuring a safe, well-structured, and developmentally appropriate introduction to basketball.

Led by experienced instructors and using age-appropriate equipment, our program provides a child-centered learning environment where young children can enjoy movement, build fundamental physical skills, and develop confidence through play. Through basketball, children experience the joy of physical activity while naturally enhancing coordination, balance, and social interaction.

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Why Start Basketball at an Early Age?

Basketball is an excellent sport for developing:

  • Balance and coordination

  • Jumping and running skills

  • Hand-eye coordination

  • Concentration and teamwork

While many early childhood sports programs focus on swimming or gymnastics, basketball for preschool children is still rare in Japan. Our program was created to fill that gap and introduce basketball at an age-appropriate level.

This initiative began with a simple question:
“Why shouldn’t young children enjoy basketball too?”

A Unique Preschool Basketball Program in Maebashi, Gunma

Our U6 Kids Basketball Program is one of the few programs in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, specifically designed for kindergarten-aged children.

Children learn through:

  • Fun drills and games

  • Simple basketball movements

  • Cooperative play with friends

Rather than focusing on competition, we emphasize enjoyment, confidence, and basic skill development.

Rhythm Jump Training for Balanced Athletic Development

In addition to basketball, we incorporate Rhythm Jump training, a movement program widely used in youth sports development.

Rhythm Jump helps children improve:

  • Core strength

  • Agility and quickness

  • Rhythm and timing

  • Overall athletic balance

These skills are beneficial not only for basketball but also for any future sport children may choose.

Child-Friendly Rules and Safe Environment

To ensure safety and enjoyment, our program includes:

  • Lower hoops and lightweight basketballs

  • Simplified rules suitable for young children

  • Small group instruction

  • A supportive and positive learning atmosphere

Every child can participate comfortably, regardless of prior sports experience.

Supporting Healthy Growth Through Sports

At Shikishima Kindergarten, we believe early exposure to sports plays a vital role in:

  • Physical development

  • Social skills

  • Self-confidence

  • Lifelong enjoyment of movement

Our Kids Basketball Program reflects our commitment to nurturing children’s potential through education, sports, and community-based activities.

Program Overview

  • Program Name: U6 Kids Basketball
    Age Group: 3–6 years old
    Location: Shikishima Kindergarten, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
    Partners: Gunma Basketball Association
    Focus: Fun, movement, coordination, teamwork

Enrollment Eligibility

  • At present, enrollment in the U6 Kids Basketball Program is available exclusively to children currently enrolled at Shikishima Kindergarten.

  • This allows us to maintain a safe, well-organized learning environment and ensure consistent educational support tailored to each child’s developmental stage.

Join Our Kids Basketball Program
We warmly welcome children of Shikishima Kindergarten who enjoy moving, jumping, and discovering basketball in a positive and supportive environment.

Whether a child is new to sports or already active, our program provides a strong foundation for physical development, confidence, and future athletic growth.

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