ENERGY. CREATIVITY. TOUGHNESS. 

Veniceball is proud to announce The Venice Basketball Club, a world class youth basketball program and 3×3 League for boys & girls ages 8-17. Built on the foundation of the world’s most iconic streetball league and the idyllic setting of “Hoopers Paradise,” the Venice Basketball Club (VBC) brings an innovative approach to youth basketball in Los Angeles. With each athlete’s long term development in mind, VBC is modeled after European basketball systems where players can be appropriately challenged and maximize their growth within a single club. Led by professional coaches, exceptional players, and positive role models, the VBC delivers a youth-centric curriculum that rewards hard work, leadership and accountability. 

[ REGISTER HERE FREE – LIMITED SPOTS]

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Saturday, April 20, 2024 – The Combine

• 10 AM – 12 PM Ages 10 – 14
• 12 PM – 2 PM Ages 15 – 17
• 2 PM – 4 PM PRO/OPEN DIVISION 

Saturday, April 27, 2024 – The Combine

• 10 AM – 12 PM Ages 12U
• 12 PM – 2 PM Ages 13 – 17U
• 2 PM – 4 PM PRO DIVISION 

Tuesdays & Thursdays Starting April 30th

• Breakfast Club beach training 7-9am (Venice Beach Courts)

Spring 3×3 League – Must Attend At Least One Combine Date To Be Eligible

Select players will be invited to be a part of the inaugural VBC class as part of a four-week league running May 4 through May 25. Each week consists of one hour of player development and one hour of 3×3 competition.  

• Saturday, May 4
• Saturday, May 11
• Saturday, May 18
• Saturday, May 25

Summer League – More Information Coming Soon

CULTURE

VBC culture is what separates us from your traditional youth basketball club. Defined by three words that are core to Los Angeles and what made Veniceball the brand it is today. 

1. ENERGY: Energy is everything. How we use our energy shapes every aspect of life. We hire coaches and select players who are energy givers, not energy takers. When you step on the court are you making everyone around you better, or bringing down the game? Our program is energetic, joyful, light, fun and dynamic. Our players and coaches work extremely hard and love every minute of it. We encourage players to have no ego, keep drama low and be grateful for the opportunity to play this beautiful game.
2. CREATIVITY: We believe the key word in Youth Basketball is YOUTH. Too often, adults shape the vision for what grassroots youth basketball looks like. At VBC we expect our players to use their creativity to inform the program; to be leaders, teach their peers and be role models in the community. Our program is non-traditional and extends far beyond just teaching the game. Players experience a holistic development program including weekly workshops in yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, leadership and career prep. The game is always changing and we want players to be ready to adapt, so while we prioritize 3×3, players will compete in multiple formats and develop a wide range of basketball skills.
3. TOUGHNESS: The game of life isn’t easy, and we want to prepare our players to handle whatever situations might come their way on and off the court as best they can. Respect is a core principle for our club – respecting the game, respecting your teammates and (especially) respecting opponents. We all have a responsibility to grow this game. We prioritize long term development which at times can be challenging for younger players to understand. We don’t measure success by short term outcomes. At VBC mistakes are a sign of growth and losses are lessons for what we need to improve. We compete to make our teammates better. Our practices are harder than our games and we expect accountability, even when making the right decision is not an easy choice. 

COACHES 

Sam Taub – Program Director

Coach Sam brings 20+ years of youth basketball development experience to the Venice Basketball Club including leadership roles at the NBA, NCAA, and Jr. NBA level. A collegiate player at Drew University (NJ), Sam played semi-professional basketball in Boston, Atlanta and Germany prior to coaching. Known for his enthusiasm and positive approach to player development, Coach Sam ensures a safe, healthy, challenging and fun environment for everyone at VBC.

Helena Orts – Girls Program Director + Strength and conditioning

Helena, the vibrant Barcelona native, is not just a basketball expert with a decorated playing career—winning four European Championships, a Bronze at the Youth Olympic Games, and playing Division I and II College Basketball—she’s also a personal trainer and CrossFit coach. But wait, there’s more! Helena’s infectious energy and charisma shine through in her passion for acting, where she’s appeared in numerous well-known brand commercials and some films. With nine years of coaching experience under her belt, coaching with Helena isn’t just about the game; it’s a lively, entertaining experience that leaves players motivated and uplifted.

J’son Stamper – Player Development & performance specialist

J’son Stamper is a NBA skills coach with a specialty in Electric Muscle Stimulation and sports performance. He played D1 at the University of Minnesota and 5 year European Professional in Finland and Sweden. With 12 years of experience training all age groups as a skill development coach with 4 years experience working with Excel Sports management for their pre draft training. He’s done work with The LA Sparks and Sports Academy, including Kobe Bryant at his Invite Only and currently works with The NBA’s Players Association. For the last 3 years, he gained mentorship from a well accomplished fitness expert and biohacker, becoming certified in whole body Electric Muscle Stimulation and other top wholistic modalities. He is now the Windward school’s varsity basketball program as an assistant coach and peak performance coach.

Victor Costa – Travel Team Director

Coach Vic has 15+ years of basketball experience. The young Santa Monica/Venice native began his career playing at Santa Monica High School, then continued to play for the University of La Verne before playing professionally in Europe and Brazil. Following the pandemic, Coach Vic came back home and started devoting his time to coaching, training and mentoring basketball players. Coach Vic is now the assistant boys varsity coach at Santa Monica High School and has started his own program as well while continuing to play in local events and leagues. Known for his charismatic energy and positive approach to player development, Coach Vic is committed to supporting and shaping the youth through innovative and impactful training and looks forward to bringing that to VBC.

Gabe Hilt – Player Development – Shooting Coach

Coach Gabe 14 years of basketball development experience and Bruce Lee energy to VBC. His professional experience includes player development roles at Indiana University and Grand Canyon University. Since 2021, he has traveled around the US and overseas to work with professional, collegiate, and youth athletes – specializing in the development of shooting, playmaking, and mental health. Gabe played point guard at New Mexico Military Institute and St Francis Brooklyn before transitioning full-time into the coaching world. 

Nick Ansom – Mental and Health Coach

Founder & Creator of Veniceball & Hoopbus. Nico will serve as a mentor and help craft a fun and positive culture for all participants.

Elvin Rodriguez – Ast Coach & Player Development

Mr Everything, Pro player, viral sensation, actor always motivating the youth to be everything they want to be.

Victor Corral – League Director

WHAT IS 3×3?

3×3 basketball is a variation of the traditional basketball game, played three-a-side on a half-court with one hoop. It’s known for its fast pace and was included in the Olympic Games starting from Tokyo 2020. Here are some key points about 3×3 basketball:

• Court Size: The game is played on a half-court measuring 11m x 15m, with a single hoop.
• Team Composition: Each team consists of three players, with one substitute allowed.
• Scoring Zones: The court is divided into a one-point zone inside the arc and a two-point zone outside the arc.
• The Ball: A 3×3 basketball is slightly smaller in diameter but the same weight as a standard size 7 basketball used in traditional 5×5 games.

3×3 basketball is already today the number one urban team sport in the world. It’s a sport that has grown from street basketball to an internationally recognized game with its own set of rules and competitions.The 12-second shot clock and the continuous play make 3×3 basketball a dynamic and intense sport.