YOUR FIRST VISIT / TEMPE, ARIZONA
BASKETBALL TRAINING
OR SHOOTING PRACTICE?
Published November 7, 2026 · By Ballin Elite
Your athlete wants to get better at basketball. But should you book a shooting machine, a coached class or a clinic? The right starting point depends on the kind of help they need. Here is how those experiences differ at Ballin Elite in South Tempe.
IF THEY NEED INSTRUCTION, START WITH A COACH.
A player learning how to handle the ball, move their feet, shoot or make decisions needs more than a place to repeat a drill. Coaching gives them feedback on what to change and a chance to practice it.
Skills Lab is our coach-led development class for boys and girls in grades 3–12. Sessions cover ball handling, footwork, shooting mechanics, finishing and game decisions. The goal is to help players understand a skill and use it during play—not simply complete repetitions.
Skills Lab runs Tuesdays and Thursdays: 3rd–5th grade, 5–6 PM, and 6th–12th grade, 6–7 PM. A $20 preview lets an athlete experience one class before choosing a membership. It is limited to one preview per athlete and does not automatically enroll them in a recurring plan.
IF THEY NEED SHOOTING REPS, RESERVE A BAY.
A shooting bay is a dedicated space with a Dr. Dish machine that catches rebounds and returns the basketball. Instead of chasing the ball after every shot or needing a partner to rebound, a player can spend more of the session shooting.
That makes it useful for independent practice: repeating free throws, finding a shooting rhythm or spending time on particular shot locations. The machine displays makes, attempts and shooting percentage. Shot-location results and heat maps help players see where they are connecting and decide what to work on next.
Players can take up to 500 shots in 30 minutes, depending on their pace and workout. That is a possible maximum, not a required target. Take breaks and choose a pace that supports good shooting form.
Single sessions are $30 for 30 minutes or $50 for 60 minutes, with processing fees at checkout. No membership is required. A bay reservation is independent practice; it is not a coached lesson. See the machines, results screen and first-visit details.
WANT SKILLS, SHOOTING AND PLAY IN ONE VISIT?
Our Sunday basketball clinic combines 30 minutes of skill work, 30 minutes of shooting and 30 minutes of play. It runs Sundays, 10–11:30 AM, for grades 3–12, at $20 per athlete. It is a different format from the hour-long Skills Lab class.
For families deciding where to start, the clinic offers a mix of instruction and basketball activity in one 90-minute session. Check the live calendar for the next available clinic and reserve before visiting.
CHOOSE BY THE WORK THEY NEED.
- Learning technique or needing feedback? Start with a Skills Lab preview.
- Wanting focused independent shooting time? Book a 30- or 60-minute shooting bay.
- Looking for skills, shooting and play together? Explore Sunday Clinic.
- Already a shooting member? Sign in and use your eligible membership when booking the matching appointment. You do not need to buy it again.
MAKE THE FIRST VISIT EASY.
Ballin Elite is at 9365 S McKemy St, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85284. Create or sign into your Arketa account, choose your session, and complete the registration and liability waiver before participating. Bring basketball shoes and water. Ask our team for help getting started if it is your first time using a shooting machine.
Still unsure which option fits? Text 480-931-9500 with the athlete’s grade and what they want to improve. We can help you choose a starting point.