Ken Koerner on how to 'Never Retire' from playing basketball

Ken Koerner at the 2019 New York National Tournament

How can I get started playing basketball? How can I continue playing basketball? How can I get better at basketball?

These are common questions that anyone who has ever walked into a gym has likely asked at least once in their life. Ultimate Hoops’ main mission is to encourage people to ‘Never Retire’ from the game of basketball, which is why we offer leagues, training programs, tournaments and more to ensure players of all ages and all skills levels continue playing and enjoying basketball.

Not many people exemplify this more than Ken Koerner. Koerner is a trainer for Ultimate Hoops that works out of the Life Time Athletic in Syosset, NY. He also regularly plays in the Ultimate Hoops league in Syosset and has played in every New York National Tournament at the Life Time Athletic at Sky since the tournament started in 2017. Koerner is extremely passionate about basketball, and he shows it by constantly engaging with the game.

Daniel DeBaun, our Public Relations Specialist at Life Time, sat down with Koerner to get his insight on how to start playing and continue engaging with basketball.

DeBaun: How can those aged 6-12 start playing basketball?

Koerner: Basketball is a great sport and is extremely easy to get started with. New players have access to local teams in their communities, parks or even play with friends and families at home. In today’s world, there are so many opportunities to work with great coaches/trainers who can help children not only learn the game of basketball but can provide drills to help them develop the necessary skills to become proficient in the game. At Life Time we provide quality instruction every day to children and adults of all ages through Ultimate Hoops. Ultimate Hoops trainers/coaches provide children the opportunity to grow as players by hosting monthly clinics, camps, classes groups lessons and private lesson to accommodate all needs.

DeBaun: How about teenagers? How can they be kept interested in the sport?

Koerner: Basketball is a sport that can be played at any age. Teenagers live a complicated life in today’s world but basketball provides an out. Teenagers who may not make their school teams or competitive travel teams still having the opportunity to compete and play the game they love. Providing teenagers with the opportunity to play basketball and hang with friends at the same time is a key way to keep everyone playing. At Life Time, groups of kids come together every day to play the game and each set of friends see the game of basketball in a different way. The only thing that matters is they are playing. Life Time also provides tournaments and game clinics to gather kids of all levels to compete and enjoy the game the way they want to.

DeBaun: After high school/college?

Koerner: Experienced players are always connected to basketball communities. Finding a game that suits you is very easy. Leagues, tournaments, pick-up and events are all over; the main thing is finding the right one. Experienced players want the best league, the best pick-up games and the best tournaments. I have played basketball my entire life and it wasn’t until Life Time and Ultimate Hoops until I was extremely satisfied with all of the above when it comes to basketball. Leagues are hands down the best and the National Tournaments are one of the best basketball experiences someone can have after their college/pro career.

DeBaun: Can people still play after 40?

 Koerner: Yes, basketball is a game that can be played at any age. There is always a game for everyone. I am a part of a unique group of guys ranging from ages18 to 60 who play every Saturday and Sunday at Life Time in Syosset from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Games are competitive and players of all skill levels get a chance to play full-court games in a great atmosphere. Friendships are built on a daily basis and our AM Basketball Community continues to grow every week.

DeBaun: What are some drills people of all ages can do to improve their basketball skills?

Koerner: There are so many basketball drills players of all ages can use to improve their skills. I always find a daily dribbling drill helps all ages with developing better ball control and quickness. Ball-handling drills involve players pounding the basketball for 30 seconds at a time for each move. Some of these moves include crossovers, in-outs, double crossovers, between-the-legs and behind-the-back.