Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you play recreational or competitive basketball depends on what you want from basketball and how much of a commitment you and your family are willing to make.   Competitive basketball requires a commitment of both the player and parents.

What kind of commitment?
The purpose of the DFAC Falcon program is to serve as an avenue to develop young players for the next step beyond recreational basketball and to identify players of a higher caliber who have set their goals on reaching higher standards.  The commitment is for a minimum of two practices a week, year round competitive league play and tournaments.  Teams may also have additional training nights and scrimmages.   This commitment begins in August and runs into June.  We will hold tryouts for all teams each August and teams will stay together for the entire year.  This opportunity will provide each player the chance to play against some of the better players in Arizona and neighboring states and prepare them for High School competition.

Competitive Basketball also involves an additional cost commitment.  Registration fees are higher than for rec. basketball.  League fees and Tournament entry fees and family travel will also add costs.  Some tournaments may involve overnight stays because the tournaments will run for two-three days - usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What do I need to know as a parent?
Travel Teams can be fun, but it is also serious.  Because the focus is on winning and player developement, as a parent, you should be aware that playing time will be determined by the coach.  It's possible that a player may get very little playing time but still is expected to attend all practices and games.  After the tryout process is completed a coach will have a good ideal of which player's will get the most playing time and which player's will bench players.  The coach may talk to you as a parent if your child fits the latter to make sure you and your child are comfortable with little playing time.  The promise of DFAC will be that if your child attends all practices and games he/she will be a better basketball player than they were when they started regardless of game time.

How often are the practices and how long do they last?
Most teams will practice a minimum of twice a week and practices usually last 1 ½ to 2 hours each.  Player's are also expected to work of individual skills between practices and games.

Where are practices held?
Most practices will be held at Cactus Shadows High School, Sonoran Trails Middle School, Desert Arroyo Middle School and Black Mt. Elementary School.  Practices may be in the gyms or on the outside courts.  Teams may also run dual practices or scrimmages with other clubs at their locations.