Sounds of squeaking little sneakers filled the Lehi Gym on October 18 as children ages 3 to 5 excitedly gathered for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's Little Ballerz basketball league. Each fall, the four-week Little Ballerz program teaches the fundamentals of basketball.

The children, joined by their parents, were ready to go even before the 10 a.m. start time and showed their enthusiasm by having fun shooting the balls around.

“It also gives parents a chance to spend time with their kids”

Salt River Recreation staff Duane Guy, David Willis and Randy Honga kept the kids busy teaching them how to properly handle the basketball. For example, Guy told the children to keep the ball bouncing waist high and to pretend it was a yo-yo. He also made sure the parents understood this so that they could practice with their children at home.

They also did passing drills, practicing the bounce and chest passes with parents, and again Guy was coaching the parents along with the children. Since they were working with small children, Guy had to remind parents to be gentle so as not to accidentally injure their little ones.

Willis enjoys working with the program because, he said, "It's a good starter program for kids ages 3 to 5. It also gives parents a chance to spend time with their kids; many times parents are so busy during the week and come home too tired to really play with their children."